The annual Canton Fair has been successfully held in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China recently. It has attracted trading partners from all over the world, making great contributions to boosting China’s economic growth and breaking down global trade barriers. Let’s learn about the Canton Fair from various aspects together!
The Canton Fair, also known as China Import and Export Fair, was first held in the spring of 1957. Taking place in Guangzhou every spring and autumn, it has a history of more than 40 years to date. As a comprehensive international trade event, it boasts the longest history, the largest scale, the most complete range of commodities, the largest number of attending merchants and the best transaction results in China.
From pharmaceuticals to food, from apparel to home appliances, and from daily consumer goods to office and leisure products, the industries served by the Canton Fair cover almost every aspect. Taking 2026 as an example, the exhibition covers an area of 1.55 million square meters with about 75,700 booths, and more than 32,000 enterprises participate.The fair adopts a hybrid model of offline physical exhibitions and year-round online platforms. Buyers come from 223 countries and regions around the world.
The 2026 Canton Fair features highlights including updated exhibition categories, green and low-carbon development, innovation-driven progress, and upgraded services.Nine new sections have been added for the first time, such as smart wearables and consumer drones.Environmentally friendly, biodegradable and energy-saving products are prominently displayed, with green products accounting for 22%.New products make up 23%, and products with independent intellectual property rights account for 25%.
How to participate in the Canton Fair?For exhibitors, applications must be submitted through local commerce authorities or chambers of commerce, and selection is based on strict review.For buyers, overseas buyers may register and obtain badges online with their passports and business cards.The Canton Fair is mainly trade-oriented and not open to individual tourists.
