Last updated: April 2026. Phase dates shift slightly each session — confirm the current schedule at www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US before booking flights.
At a Glance
| Phase | Spring 2026 dates | Main categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Apr 15–19 | Electronics, machinery, hardware, building materials, vehicles |
| Phase 2 | Apr 23–27 | Consumer goods, home decor, gifts, kitchen and garden products |
| Phase 3 | May 1–5 | Textiles, garments, bags, sports and leisure, healthcare, food |
Between phases: 3 days closed (Apr 20–22 and Apr 28–30) — halls shut completely for exhibitor changeover. Buyers cannot enter during this period.
What Each Phase Actually Covers
Phase 1: Electronics, Machinery and Industrial Products
Phase 1 draws buyers in electronics, industrial equipment and construction materials. It typically sees the heaviest foot traffic of the three phases, particularly on opening day.
Main product categories:
- Consumer electronics: phones, tablets, audio equipment, security cameras
- Home appliances: air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, small kitchen appliances
- Lighting: LED strips, commercial lighting, smart lighting systems
- Machinery and hardware: power tools, industrial equipment, fasteners and fittings
- Building materials: flooring, doors and windows, bathroom fittings, interior finishes
- Vehicles and parts: electric bikes, motorcycles, auto components
Best fit for: Electronics importers, hardware distributors, construction material buyers, industrial equipment sourcing teams.
Phase 2: Consumer Goods and Home Products
Phase 2 covers the broadest range of everyday consumer products. It is the most popular phase among e-commerce sellers and retail buyers sourcing for home, gifting and seasonal product lines.
Main product categories:
- Home decor: furniture, rugs, curtains, wall decor, storage solutions
- Gifts and premiums: seasonal gifts, craft items, ceramics, glassware, promotional products
- Kitchen and bathroom: cookware, tableware, bathroom accessories
- Garden and outdoor: garden tools, outdoor furniture, barbecue equipment
- Clocks, watches and eyewear: fashion watches, sunglasses, optical frames
Best fit for: E-commerce sellers, gift companies, retail buyers, home goods wholesalers.
Phase 3: Textiles, Apparel and Health Products
Phase 3 focuses on soft goods, fashion and healthcare. Suppliers in this phase often deal in larger minimums for raw materials, though finished garment and accessory exhibitors vary widely by order size.
Main product categories:
- Clothing: men's, women's and children's wear, sportswear, underwear, workwear
- Footwear, bags and luggage: leather shoes, sneakers, travel bags, handbags, backpacks
- Textiles and trims: fabrics, yarn, zippers, buttons, elastic
- Sports and leisure: fitness equipment, outdoor gear, yoga and wellness products
- Healthcare: medical devices, health supplements, personal care products
- Food: packaged foods, organic products, beverages, condiments
Best fit for: Apparel brands, fashion e-commerce, sporting goods sourcing, medical device importers.
How to Choose Your Phase
Start with your product category. Most buyers need one phase, occasionally two. Match your main sourcing target against the three categories above — that is the phase to book.
If your products span two phases, two options:
- Attend the phase that covers your primary product, and handle the secondary category through online follow-up or at the next session
- Attend both phases with two to three days in each — the three-day gap between phases is enough time to rest, catch up on email, or make a short side trip within Guangdong
If you are attending for the first time and are not sure which phase fits, Phase 2 is the most accessible starting point. Consumer goods suppliers in Phase 2 tend to be the most flexible with order sizes and the most experienced dealing with overseas buyers who are new to trade fair sourcing.
Phase 1 suppliers skew toward larger-volume buyers; Phase 3 raw material exhibitors can have high minimums. Neither is off-limits to small buyers, but Phase 2 involves less friction for a first visit.
Do You Need to Register Separately for Each Phase?
No. One registration produces one buyer badge that is valid for all phases within the same session — register once and the badge works for Phase 1, 2 and 3. There is no need to apply separately per phase.
What does matter is the invitation letter: if you are applying for a Chinese business visa, the invitation letter specifies which phases you plan to attend and the corresponding dates. Make sure the dates on your letter cover all phases you intend to visit, as this affects how long a stay your visa application can support.
Registration guide: How to Register for Canton Fair: Buyer Badge and Invitation Letter
Practical Notes
Book hotels early — phase timing matters. Hotel rates in the Pazhou and Tianhe areas rise sharply during fair periods. Phase 1 (mid-April) sees the heaviest demand; book two to three months out for that phase. If attending multiple phases, check whether staying put between phases is cheaper than checking out and back in — during the three-day closure, rates often drop briefly before rising again for the next phase.
Scale reality check. Each phase opens five to six of the roughly sixteen halls at the Pazhou complex. Each hall is large. A full day of focused walking typically covers one to two halls in depth. Five days is enough to cover a single phase well if you have a clear target list — it is not enough to browse everything.
Avoid opening day crowds if possible. The first day of each phase — especially Phase 1 — draws the highest foot traffic. Day two and three are when substantive supplier conversations happen without the entry queues and hall congestion of the opening.
Before You Go
- [ ] Phase dates confirmed for current session at www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US
- [ ] Phase(s) selected based on your product category
- [ ] Registration completed for all phases you plan to attend — Registration Guide
- [ ] Hotel booked two to three months in advance, noting which phase dates you need
- [ ] Visa application covers all phases and travel dates — China Visa Guide
For a full overview of the fair — how to get there, where to stay, and what to expect on the ground — see Beginner's Guide to Canton Fair for Small Buyers.
Practical Information
| Spring 2026 Phase 1 | Apr 15–19 |
| Spring 2026 Phase 2 | Apr 23–27 |
| Spring 2026 Phase 3 | May 1–5 |
| Changeover between phases | 3 days (halls closed — no buyer access) |
| Opening hours | 9:30–18:00 per phase (confirm in official session announcement) |
| Venue | China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, Guangzhou |
| Nearest metro | Line 8 — Pazhou or Xingangdong stations |
| Official site | www.cantonfair.org.cn/en-US |
Phase categories and dates are consistent across sessions but confirm specifics for the current session at the official site before booking.
