Canton Fair 2026: Dates, Registration, Venue & Visa Invitation Letter

The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is one of the largest trade fairs in the world and a key sourcing event for Ghanaian importers. If you plan to meet manufacturers, compare suppliers face to face and place orders, the autumn 2026 edition is the one to plan for now. This guide covers the Canton Fair 2026 dates, registration, venue and the visa invitation letter, written for buyers travelling from Ghana.

Canton Fair 2026 Dates (140th Session)

The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases in autumn 2026, each lasting roughly five days. Choose the phase that matches your product category before you book anything — that is always the first step.

• Phase 1: 15–19 October 2026
• Phase 2: 23–27 October 2026
• Phase 3: 31 October – 4 November 2026

Opening hours across all phases are 09:30 to 18:00. If your products span more than one phase, plan to attend multiple phases and leave a day between them for rest and supplier follow-ups.

The Venue

The Canton Fair is held at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China, in the Pazhou district. It is one of the largest exhibition centres in the world, so give yourself time to move between halls. Guangzhou Metro Line 8 connects directly to the complex, which is useful when choosing where to stay.

Product Categories by Phase

The fair is split by product type. Confirm your category so you attend the right phase:

Phase 1 (15–19 October 2026)

• Electronics, household electrical appliances and consumer electronics
• Industrial automation, machinery, mechanical parts and power equipment
• New-energy vehicles, vehicles and spare parts, motorcycles and bicycles
• Lighting, electrical products, new-energy resources
• Hardware and tools, new materials and chemical products

Phase 2 (23–27 October 2026)

• Houseware, ceramics, kitchenware and tableware
• Gifts, home decorations, festival and gardening products
• Clocks, watches and optical instruments; weaving, rattan and iron products
• Building and decorative materials, sanitary and bathroom equipment, furniture

Phase 3 (31 October – 4 November 2026)

• Toys, and children, baby and maternity products; kids’ wear
• Men and women’s clothing, underwear, sportswear and fashion accessories
• Textile raw materials and fabrics, shoes, cases and bags, home textiles
• Stationery and office supplies
• Medicines, health products and medical devices, food, personal care and pet products

Canton Fair 2026 Registration

Register before you travel, and start early — especially if you need a visa. Buyer registration is completed online through the official Canton Fair buyer portal. Have the following ready:

• Valid passport
• Company name and business details
• Job title
• Email address and phone number
• The product category or phase you want to attend

Registering early helps you avoid delays with visa documents and travel planning. Your buyer badge confirmation is required for entry to the exhibition halls.

The China Visa Invitation Letter

As a Ghanaian national, you need a China Business Visa (M Visa) to attend the Canton Fair — there is no visa-on-arrival for Ghanaians travelling to China. A business invitation letter from a registered Chinese entity is normally required to support the application. The letter typically shows:

• Your reason for travel
• The event name (Canton Fair / China Import and Export Fair)
• The venue in Guangzhou
• Your dates of attendance

Before you submit, make sure every detail matches your passport exactly — full name, passport number, nationality, travel dates and the fair phase. Small mismatches between your passport, invitation letter and registration are one of the most common causes of visa delays. Cowri Mobility facilitates the invitation letter and manages the M Visa application as part of our China Business Visa service, so these details line up correctly.

Travel Preparation for Ghanaian Buyers

A few practical notes for the trip from Accra to Guangzhou:

• Flights: There are no direct flights from Accra. Common routings connect through Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dubai (Emirates) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
• Accommodation: Book early — Guangzhou gets busy during the fair. Stay near Pazhou or along Metro Line 8.
• Timing: Apply for your visa at least 4–6 weeks before your phase, and arrive a day before the fair opens.
• On the ground: Carry your passport and buyer badge, bring plenty of business cards, and set supplier meetings before you arrive.

How Cowri Mobility Can Help

Cowri Mobility provides end-to-end support for Ghanaian business travellers attending the Canton Fair:

• Business invitation letter facilitation
• China Business Visa (M Visa) application guidance
• Visa processing support
• Flight and pre-travel advisory

Contact us for current visa-support pricing. Payment is only required after the approval-letter milestone described in your service agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Canton Fair 2026 dates?

The 140th Canton Fair runs in three phases: Phase 1 is 15–19 October 2026, Phase 2 is 23–27 October 2026, and Phase 3 is 31 October–4 November 2026. Opening hours are 09:30 to 18:00.

Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair?

Yes. Ghanaian nationals need a China Business Visa (M Visa). A Canton Fair invitation letter and supporting documents are normally used to back the application. Requirements can depend on nationality and current China entry rules.

Where is the Canton Fair 2026 held?

At the China Import and Export Fair Complex, No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou 510335, China — the official venue for the 2026 sessions.

How long does it take to get the visa?

Processing time varies by embassy or consulate workload and application type, from several working days to a few weeks. Apply early, especially during busy periods, and make sure your passport details match your invitation and registration exactly.

Is two days enough for the Canton Fair?

Two days can work for a focused visit if you already know your category and target suppliers. To compare many suppliers or attend multiple phases, plan for more time.