Canton Fair 2026 will take place in Guangzhou in three phases: 15–19 October, 23–27 October and 31 October – 4 November 2026. The venue is the China Import and Export Fair Complex in the Pazhou district. For a buyer from the UAE, the main thing is to choose the phase for their product category in advance, arrange a badge and plan the route to the exhibition complex. A direct flight from Dubai to Guangzhou takes about 6:55–7:50 hours.
Key facts about Canton Fair 2026
| Question | Answer |
| What takes place in Guangzhou? | The 140th China Import and Export Fair — Canton Fair 2026. |
| When do the phases take place? | Phase 1: 15–19 October, Phase 2: 23–27 October, Phase 3: 31 October – 4 November 2026. |
| Where is the fair held? | China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. |
| When are the halls open? | Negotiations and exhibition work take place daily from 09:30 to 18:00. |
| What badge does a buyer need? | An overseas buyer arranges an Overseas Buyer Badge through the official fair system. |
| How do you fly from Dubai? | A direct DXB–CAN flight takes approximately 6 h 55 min – 7 h 50 min depending on the flight. |
| When should the trip be planned? | Trip dates need to be tied to the required phase. 20–22 and 28–30 October are the days in between, when the exhibition halls are closed. |
Canton Fair 2026: a short summary
Canton Fair 2026 is an exhibition for international buyers in Guangzhou, divided by product categories. The official venue is located in the Haizhu district at Yuejiang Middle Road, 382.
The 140th autumn session occupies 1 550 000 m² of exhibition space and includes 50+ professional exhibition sections. The organiser’s official website also states more than 30 000 participating companies.
For a buyer from the UAE, the value of the trip is primarily connected with the opportunity to see samples, compare suppliers and discuss terms directly. With a large purchasing volume, this allows the quality of the goods, packaging, minimum order quantity and delivery options to be checked in advance.
The halls are open from 09:30 to 18:00 on each day of the relevant phase. Therefore, it is better to start a day at the fair with a pre-prepared list of stands, rather than with a tour of the complex without a route.
The three phases: dates and which one suits your product
Canton Fair 2026 is divided into three phases, and the choice of dates depends primarily on the product category.
| Phase | Dates | Main categories | Who it suits |
| 1 | 15–19 October 2026 | Electronics and household appliances, electrical equipment, automation, machinery, tools, transport, auto parts, lighting, new energy, chemical products | Buyers of electronics, appliances, equipment, tools, auto goods and industrial products |
| 2 | 23–27 October 2026 | Ceramics, kitchen and tableware, household goods, decor, gifts, garden products, glass, furniture, building and finishing materials | Buyers of household goods, furniture, decor, tableware, gifts and building materials |
| 3 | 31 October – 4 November 2026 | Clothing, textiles, footwear, bags, toys, children’s goods, stationery, food, sports and leisure, health and personal care products | Sellers of clothing, footwear, accessories, children’s goods, sports, textiles and consumer goods |
The official list of sections of the 140th session confirms this distribution: the first phase is dedicated to industrial and technological categories, the second to household goods, and the third to clothing, textiles, toys and everyday consumer goods.
Between the first and second phases, 20–22 October 2026, the halls are closed, as they are on 28–30 October, between the second and third. The official website also indicates these dates as the period for installing and dismantling the exhibits.
If you plan to attend two phases in a row, the changeover days can be used for meetings with factories, visiting wholesale markets or working with samples. It is not worth buying a ticket for these dates solely for the exhibition halls.
Buyer badge: how to register and what to bring with you
An overseas buyer needs an Overseas Buyer Badge to attend the Canton Fair, which is arranged through the official buyer system of the fair.
For a new buyer, the procedure begins with registering an account, filling in information about the company and purchasing interest, after which an application for the badge is submitted. The official system also allows you to request an invitation to the fair. Buyer badge is free.
| Method | Cost | What is needed | Practical meaning |
| Online pre-registration | Free via the official system | Passport details, personal data, company information and a photograph | The main option for an overseas buyer |
| Receiving the badge after an online application | No separate fee for the badge itself is stated by the organiser in the available information | A confirmed application and document | Allows you to prepare for the visit in advance |
| On-site registration | The cost must be clarified with the organiser before the trip | Passport and buyer details | A fallback option if pre-registration has not been completed |
| Fair invitation | Generated via the official system | Buyer account and participant details | May be needed for business and visa documentation |
A passport or another document supported by the system is used to complete the application, as well as a photograph of the buyer and information about the company. The official instructions for applying for the badge provide for checking the data before submitting the form.
For a visa application, the fair invitation can be obtained through the buyer’s personal account. The organiser provides a separate mechanism for new and previously attending overseas buyers.
Alexey, visa consultant at The Visa Services:
“When applying for a business visa to China from Dubai, the main thing is that the invitation from the Canton Fair buyer’s personal account should have the organiser’s stamp. Without a stamp, it is often returned for revision. The dates in the form must fall within the fair period: if you are going to the first phase, set entry for the day before 15 October, and departure no earlier than the 19th.
On timing: filling in the form takes half an hour, online verification up to two days, submission with fingerprints a couple of hours, consideration 4–5 working days. In total, allow at least three weeks before the trip. Most often the file is returned because of discrepancies in the data, an invitation without a stamp, a short UAE residence visa or a photo that is not the right size, 33×48.”
Why apply for a visa through The Visa Services?
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How to get to Guangzhou from Dubai
A direct flight from Dubai to Guangzhou takes approximately 6 hours 55 minutes – 7 hours 50 minutes depending on the flight.
The DXB–CAN route is served by direct flights, and the arrival airport is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport; there are direct Emirates and China Southern flights, the specific time depends on the date of travel.
The time difference between Dubai and Guangzhou is four hours: when it is 05:30 in Dubai, it is already 09:30 in Guangzhou. If you intend to come to the fair at the opening, it is better to fly in the day before.
From Baiyun Airport to the Pazhou district, you can travel by taxi or public transport. In the morning on fair days, additional time should be allowed for the journey due to increased demand for transport.
Where to stay and how to get to the complex
For a trip to the Canton Fair, it is better to choose the area of accommodation based on the daily route.
Pazhou suits those for whom it is important to get to the exhibition complex as quickly as possible. The district is located next to the venue; it is convenient if you plan to visit the fair for several days in a row.
Zhujiang New Town is convenient for business meetings after the halls close. The area has many offices, restaurants and places for negotiations, but the morning journey to the fair will take more time.
Tianhe suits those who want to combine a work trip with a wider choice of hotels, restaurants and city transport. When choosing a hotel, it is important to check separately the journey time specifically in the morning on a fair working day.
Getting to the complex on a fair day
The metro is one of the practical options for travelling to the exhibition complex. From the Pazhou district line 11 goes direct to the complex and the specific.
A taxi via an app is convenient when you have several samples, catalogues or luggage. When travelling to the exhibition complex, check in advance which zone and entrance the car is heading to.
The halls open at 09:30, so it is better to arrive early for the first meeting. On the first day of the chosen phase, it is worth leaving additional time for navigating the complex and obtaining or checking the badge.
Days between the phases: 20–22 and 28–30 October 2026
20–22 October 2026 can be used for purchasing work outside the exhibition halls.
For example, between Phase 1 on 15–19 October 2026 and Phase 2 on 23–27 October 2026, the changeover days are suitable for meetings with factories, visiting Guangzhou wholesale markets and working with samples. For a buyer who is going to two phases in a row, it is reasonable to leave samples and catalogues at one hotel or to organise luggage transportation in advance.
What else to see in Guangzhou
It is convenient to spend the evening after the halls close in Zhujiang New Town, on a walk along the Pearl River embankment or on a trip to the old town area. From Canton Tower there is an evening view of the city. On Shamian Island, the historic colonial buildings have been preserved.
If the trip lasts several days, it is more convenient to perceive the city as an addition to the business programme. The main time should be left for meetings, repeat visits to the stands you need and checking samples.
What to know before the trip
During the Canton Fair in October, the weather may be humid. Also pay attention to how payments are made, the time difference, and the large number of walking transitions between sections. Take separate care of a SIM card.
Before departure, prepare:
- a list of suppliers and stands with hall numbers;
- business cards and a brief description of your company;
- a phone with the necessary apps for communication, navigation and payment installed;
- several payment methods and a reserve of cash in yuan;
- comfortable shoes for long walks around the exhibition complex;
- a charger and a power bank;
- space for samples, catalogues and documents;
- digital copies of your passport, registration, invitation and other necessary documents.
At the fair, payments are made in yuan. Foreign bank cards may not be accepted everywhere, so it is better to check the payment method before the trip and not rely on one card.
The weather in Guangzhou in October remains warm and humid, with possible rain. For walks between the hotel, metro and halls, light clothing and a compact raincoat will be useful.
When will Canton Fair 2026 take place?
Canton Fair 2026 will take place in three phases: 15–19 October, 23–27 October and 31 October – 4 November 2026. The first phase is dedicated mainly to industrial and technological categories, the second to household goods, and the third to clothing, textiles, toys and everyday consumer goods.
Where is the Canton Fair held?
The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex.
The address of the exhibition complex is Yuejiang Middle Road, 382, Haizhu district, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.
How do you get a badge for the Canton Fair?
The overseas buyer badge is arranged through the official buyer system of the Canton Fair.
A new buyer needs to create an account, fill in information about the company and participant, submit an application for an Overseas Buyer Badge and, if necessary, request an invitation.
How long does it take to fly from Dubai to Guangzhou?
A direct DXB–CAN flight takes approximately 6 hours 55 minutes – 7 hours 50 minutes.
In September 2026, direct Emirates and China Southern flights will be published on the route, but the schedule should be checked for the specific date of travel.
Do UAE citizens and residents need a visa to China?
The requirement depends on citizenship, not on place of residence in the UAE. Citizens of the UAE and countries with unilateral and bilateral visa agreements can enter China without a visa. You can check whether you need a visa on the website nia.gov.cn. Holders of other passports need an M category visa, and the fair invitation is attached to the application.
Is it worth going to the Canton Fair?
The decision to travel depends on the purchasing task, the product category and the number of suppliers who need to be met in person.
For planning, it is useful to determine the required phase in advance, draw up a list of companies and arrange meetings before the exhibition begins. When travelling to two phases, you can use the days 20–22 or 28–30 October 2026 for working with suppliers outside the halls.
The material is informational in nature and is not legal or immigration advice. The fair dates, opening hours and registration rules are set by the organiser and may change. Before booking, check official sources. The visa decision is made by the consulate of the relevant country.
