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Trade Fairs & Trips
Meeting suppliers in person is still the fastest way to build trust. Dates, logistics and how to prepare for China's main trade fairs.
- 01How to Plan a China Sourcing Trip: Cities, Itinerary, VisasPlan a China sourcing trip around your product, not the sights: pick the one or two industrial cities that make it, book factory meetings in advance, and allow travel days between regions. A typical 5–7 day trip pairs Guangzhou (and the Canton Fair or nearby factory towns) with Yiwu, linked by high-speed rail or a domestic flight. Check visa-free entry rules for your passport, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card, and bring a factory visit checklist.6 min read
- 02Canton Fair Guide: Autumn 2026 Dates, Registration and TipsThe 140th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) takes place at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, in three phases: Phase 1 on October 15–19, 2026 (electronics, machinery, vehicles, lighting, hardware), Phase 2 on October 23–27 (home goods, gifts, building materials, furniture) and Phase 3 on October 31–November 4 (toys, apparel, shoes, bags, textiles, health and personal care, food, pet products). Overseas buyers pre-register online, then collect a buyer badge with their original passport.6 min read
Key terms
- Canton Fair
- China's largest general trade fair, held every spring and autumn at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, where overseas buyers meet Chinese exporters across three product-based phases.