The 140th Canton Fair (autumn 2026) runs from 15 October to 4 November 2026 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou, in three phases: Phase 1 (15–19 October) covers electronics, machinery, vehicles and hardware; Phase 2 (23–27 October) covers home goods, furniture, gifts and building materials; Phase 3 (31 October–4 November) covers textiles, garments, footwear, bags, food and health products.
Indian passport holders attending for trade and sourcing generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India. A Canton Fair buyer registration or invitation supports the application.
The event
About Canton Fair (140th Session) 2026
The Canton Fair is a very large general trade fair covering most manufactured product categories. Because it is organised into three sequential phases by category, buyers usually plan their trip around the phase that matches their sourcing needs. Buyer badges are issued to registered trade visitors.
For Indian importers and retail chains, the Canton Fair is a single destination to compare a huge range of Chinese manufacturers on product, price and minimum order quantity. It is most useful for buyers who already know their category and want breadth of choice in a short window.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
China Import and Export Fair Complex
Pazhou, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
Canton Fair phases and categories are fixed by the organiser and published ahead of each session. Confirm the phase dates, category allocation and badge process on the official Canton Fair website.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Apparel collections
Men's, women's and children's clothing and contemporary brands.
Fabrics & trims
Woven and knitted fabrics, denim, trims and accessories.
Sourcing & manufacturing
Private label, contract manufacturing and supply-chain services.
Trends & forecasting
Colour, material and style forecasting for upcoming seasons.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Compare a very wide range of manufacturers in one location, negotiate directly with suppliers, and check product quality and samples in person before placing orders.
The Canton Fair also gives Indian buyers a read on Chinese manufacturing capacity, pricing trends and new product categories across the sectors they source.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official Canton Fair website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
China Business (M) Visa for Canton Fair (140th Session) 2026
China requires Indian passport holders to obtain a visa before travel. Trade-fair and sourcing visitors generally apply for a business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India, supported by a fair registration or buyer invitation. China operates several visa-free and transit schemes that change frequently, so confirm whether any applies to your itinerary.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months with blank visa pages
- Completed visa application form and a recent photograph
- Fair buyer registration or invitation confirmation
- Invitation letter from a Chinese trading partner, where available
- Confirmed air tickets and hotel bookings
- Indian employer’s covering letter and company proof
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the Chinese authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend the Canton Fair from India?+
Indian buyers attending for trade and sourcing generally apply for a China business (M) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in India.
Can the Canton Fair provide a visa invitation letter?+
The Canton Fair issues buyer invitation and registration documents to overseas trade visitors, which support a business visa application. Check the current process on the official Canton Fair website.
Is the Canton Fair open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only fair. Overseas buyers must register and collect a buyer badge.
Does buyer registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and invitation documents support the file, but the Chinese authorities make the final decision and processing times are not fixed.
How early should I apply?+
As soon as your travel is confirmed. Align your dates with the phase that matches your sourcing category before applying.
