Canton Fair 2026 Dates and Phases

The three phases at a glance

The Canton Fair, formally the China Import and Export Fair, is the largest trade fair of its kind in the world, and it is simply too large to run in one block. The organisers split exhibitors into three phases across the Pazhou complex, each running roughly five days, with a short gap of two to three days between phases for halls to be reset. This is the 140th edition of the fair, running from 15 October to 4 November 2026. Products do not repeat across phases. A category that shows in Phase 1 will not appear again in Phase 2 or Phase 3, so picking the wrong phase for your product means an entirely wasted trip, not just a slower one. This is the single most important planning decision for any Indian importer heading to Guangzhou, and it should be locked in before you book flights, hotels or a visa appointment.

Phase 1, 15 to 19 October 2026

Phase 1 covers electronics and appliances, lighting, hardware and tools, machinery, vehicles and spare parts, new energy equipment, and construction and industrial machinery. This phase typically draws the largest number of international buyers because electronics and machinery sourcing has global demand, so halls are busier and hotels around Pazhou fill up faster. If your business imports consumer electronics, LED lighting, power tools, EV components or industrial machinery, Phase 1 is where your suppliers will be. Because of the volume of exhibitors, it helps to shortlist booths from the exhibitor directory in advance rather than walking the halls cold.

Phase 2, 23 to 27 October 2026

Phase 2 covers home decor, furniture, kitchenware and ceramics, gifts and festival items, building materials, glassware, and general consumer products. This phase suits importers in home furnishing, decor, houseware and general merchandise categories, including many Amazon and ecommerce sellers looking for private label home products. Because Phase 2 sits in the middle of the fair calendar, it is a natural choice if you also want to spend a day or two of downtime exploring Guangzhou or meeting suppliers outside the fair complex.

Phase 3, 31 October to 4 November 2026

Phase 3 covers textiles and garments, healthcare and medical devices, sports goods, baby and maternity products, shoes, bags and personal care items. Garment and textile importers, along with buyers in medical supplies and personal care, should plan around this final phase. Being the last phase, it can be a good time to also finalise supplier visits and factory audits before flying home, since your schedule is naturally winding down.

How to choose your phase

Match your sourcing goal to the phase list above rather than picking a date that is simply convenient for your calendar. If your product range genuinely spans more than one phase category, for example you import both hardware tools and home decor, you have two realistic options: plan a longer stay that bridges two phases, or prioritise the phase where the bulk of your target suppliers exhibit and treat the other category as secondary. Our team reviews your product list and sourcing goals before you travel, and helps you pick the right phase, or phases, so you are not guessing.

Planning your calendar around the 140th edition

Once you know your phase, work backward from the dates. Indian buyers typically need at least three to four weeks of lead time to secure a China business visa, book flights during peak fair season, and lock in a hotel near Pazhou before rooms sell out. Because the 140th edition spans three weeks in total, airfare and hotel prices climb steadily as each phase approaches, so early bookers save meaningfully on both. If you plan to attend a single phase, arrive a day before it opens so you are not fighting jet lag and queues on the busiest opening morning.

Common mistakes with phase planning

The most common mistake we see from first time Indian delegates is booking travel dates before checking which phase their product category falls under, then discovering on arrival that their suppliers exhibit in a different phase entirely. A second common mistake is assuming a badge from one phase carries over automatically without checking, which it does, but delegates often over plan their itinerary as if they need to re-register. A third mistake is trying to cover all three phases on a single trip without adjusting expectations, which leaves too little time per category and produces shallow, rushed supplier conversations instead of real shortlisting.

Multi phase versus single phase trips

A single phase trip of five to seven days is usually enough for a focused buyer with a clear product list, and it keeps travel costs and time away from your business manageable. A multi phase trip, spanning ten to twenty days, makes sense mainly for larger trading companies or buyers sourcing across very different categories, such as electronics for one product line and textiles for another. If you are unsure which approach fits your business, our guide on how many days to spend at the Canton Fair breaks this down by buyer type, and our Canton Fair budgeting guide shows how costs scale with trip length.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Canton Fair 2026?

The autumn 2026 edition runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026 across three phases in Guangzhou.

Can I attend more than one phase?

Yes. Your buyer badge works across all three phases, so you can stay longer and cover multiple product categories.

Which Canton Fair phase is busiest?

Phase 1 tends to draw the largest crowds because electronics and machinery attract the widest range of global buyers, so book hotels and meetings early if you are attending Phase 1.

Should I attend all three phases in one trip?

Only if your product range genuinely spans multiple categories. Most first time Indian buyers get better results focusing on one phase deeply rather than rushing through all three.

Related Canton Fair guides

• Do I Need an Invitation Letter to Attend the Canton Fair?
• Canton Fair Visa Requirements for Indian Visitors
• Is the Canton Fair Worth It for Indian Importers?

Back to all Canton Fair guides