What is Canton Fair?
Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is the world's largest and longest-running trade fair. Established in 1957, the fair is held twice a year in spring and autumn. Located at the Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, China, it features over 1.5 million square meters of exhibition space.
Canton Fair is a massive trade platform where over 60,000 booths showcase products from tens of thousands of manufacturers worldwide. You can find products from virtually every sector, from electronics to textiles, machinery to food. Over 200,000 international buyers visit the fair annually.
2026 Dates and Phases
Canton Fair is organized in three phases each session. Each phase covers different sectors:
139th Canton Fair (Spring 2026)
Phase 1: April 15–19, 2026 — Electronics, lighting, vehicle equipment, machinery, building materials, energy
Phase 2: April 23–27, 2026 — Consumer goods, gifts, home decor, kitchenware
Phase 3: May 1–5, 2026 — Textiles, garments, footwear, food, health products
140th Canton Fair (Autumn 2026)
Phase 1: October 15–19, 2026 — Electronics, lighting, vehicle equipment, machinery
Phase 2: October 23–27, 2026 — Consumer goods, gifts, home decor
Phase 3: October 31 – November 4, 2026 — Textiles, garments, food, health products
How to Participate?
To attend Canton Fair, you first need to register online through the official website. Registration typically opens 2–3 months before the fair starts. Participation as a buyer is free, but you need a valid passport and business card.
Registration steps: Fill out the online form on the official Canton Fair website, obtain an invitation letter (needed for visa application), prepare your passport and business card, and complete your accreditation at the fair entrance.
Getting to Guangzhou
Direct flights are available from Istanbul to Guangzhou. The flight takes approximately 10–11 hours. You can also travel via Hong Kong; the high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guangzhou takes only 48 minutes.
From Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, you can reach the fair venue by metro. Take Metro Line 2 to Pazhou station — the fair complex is within walking distance. By taxi, the airport-to-fair journey takes approximately 45–60 minutes.
Accommodation Tips
Hotels in Guangzhou fill up quickly during the fair period. Early booking is strongly recommended. The Pazhou area is the closest accommodation zone to the fair venue. Canton Fair Westin, Shangri-La, and Four Points by Sheraton are among the most popular options.
For budget-friendly alternatives, check the Haizhu or Tianhe districts. You can reach the fair venue in 15–20 minutes by metro. Airbnb options are also increasingly popular.
Fair Venue Guide
Canton Fair Complex (Pazhou) is one of the world's largest exhibition centers. With three main sections — A, B, and C — it covers a total area of 1.5 million square meters. The venue is so vast that it's nearly impossible to cover entirely in a single day.
To maximize efficiency, plan which halls you'll visit in advance. Download the official Canton Fair app to use the interactive map, search for manufacturers, and schedule appointments. Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes!
Practical Tips
Visa: Turkish citizens must apply for a Chinese visa. Processing time is typically 5–7 business days. Your invitation letter will facilitate the visa application. Contact us for visa processing assistance.
Currency: China's official currency is the Yuan (CNY/RMB). Currency exchange is available at airports and hotels. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used; some apps also support foreign cards.
Communication: Google, WhatsApp, and some social media platforms are blocked in China. You can access these services by installing a VPN app. WeChat is the most common communication tool in China — registering with your phone number is recommended.
Language: There are English-speaking vendors at the fair, but hiring an interpreter makes negotiations easier. Having business cards printed in Chinese makes a great impression.
Conclusion
Canton Fair is a unique platform for businesses seeking new opportunities in international trade. With proper preparation, you can maximize your returns from the fair. At FuarSorgu, we can assist you throughout the Canton Fair participation process, from visa processing to accommodation and transfer services.
Start preparing for Canton Fair 2026 now! Contact us for detailed information and participation support.