A Trader's Guide to Visiting the Canton Fair

The Canton Fair is one of China's largest trade fairs, and each session runs in three phases with different products, so choosing the right phase saves you time and cost. This guide summarises the phases, registration, badge and preparation for Saudi traders, as published by the organiser.

We wrote it at Almorad, a visa office in Riyadh, on 2 October 2026 for the 140th session. Fair dates and procedures can change, so contact us to confirm the latest dates before you travel.

Phases and Dates of the 140th Session

According to the fair's homepage, the 140th session runs in three phases in Guangzhou:

The fair has 13 product categories and 54 exhibition sections, and the site offers a product and exhibitor search. Use it to find which phase your target suppliers exhibit in before you decide which days to attend.

Venue

The official site gives the fair's address as the China Import and Export Fair Exhibition Hall, No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou. The buyer guide page lists onsite services including a buyer guide, a floor map, a shuttle, an events schedule and interpretation service.

Buyer Registration and Badge

Attendance goes through the Buyer Service System, starting with pre-registration. According to the badge guide published on 26 September 2026 on the buyer page, you need the following to collect an overseas buyer badge:

• The original of a valid ID document, such as a foreign passport.
• A business card.
• The pre-registration QR code receipt.

The guide states that new applications, replacements and renewals are free, and that a holder of a valid overseas buyer badge from a previous session can enter after verification without activation. Overseas buyer badges issued on the basis of a "work visa" at or before the 134th session are no longer valid. Alternative registration offices are available for faster badge collection, and there is a separate guide for accompanying personnel, so review them on the same page.

Invitation, Visa and Timing

The invitation is a letter requested through the same system, and we explained the steps in Canton Fair invitation and China visa. Saudi citizens currently have a visa exemption for business purposes with a stay of no more than 30 days until 31 December 2026, so they often do not need a visa for this session. Others should check their own situation and apply for a visa before travel, and the Riyadh visa center advises applying about one month before entry.

China's National Immigration Administration also offers online arrival card filing for foreigners before arrival. To understand visa categories, read the difference between visa types, and for leisure before or after the fair, the China tourist visa guide for Saudis.

What to Prepare Before You Travel

These are our own general tips, not official requirements:

• Define the list of products, specifications and quantities you are looking for before you arrive.
• Review suppliers on the official site and decide which phases you will attend.
• Bring enough business cards, since the badge requires one and exhibitors will ask for them.
• Prepare questions on minimum order quantity, samples, shipping and payment terms, and note each supplier's answers.
• Keep a copy of your passport and company documents with you.

The site also lets you post a sourcing request to receive quotations from suppliers, which may be useful before you travel.

Practical Tips During the Fair

• Set aside a day to scout the halls before committing to any deal.
• Compare two or three offers for the same product before deciding.
• Note the company name and booth number after each meeting, and review your notes in the evening.
• Ask for the contract and specifications in writing before any payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the current Canton Fair?

The 140th session: Phase 1 on 15 to 19 October 2026, Phase 2 on 23 to 27 October and Phase 3 on 31 October to 4 November 2026, per the official site. Re-check them before you travel.

Do I need to pre-register?

The site offers pre-registration, and the 139th session announcement said it speeds up badge collection for new buyers. At collection you need your passport, a business card and the pre-registration receipt.

Is the buyer badge free?

According to the latest badge guide on the site, new applications, replacements and renewals are free.

Do I need a visa to attend as a Saudi citizen?

Under the current exemption, no, if the visit is for business, your stay is no more than 30 days and your passport is ordinary. It runs until 31 December 2026, so check the official notice.

Should I apply for a visa long before the fair?

The Riyadh visa center advises applying about one month before entry and not earlier than three months. See when to apply for a visa before you travel.

Prepare Your File With Almorad

Almorad offers tourist and business visa services for China, including Canton Fair invitations. We review your file and book the appointment, while the decision rests with the Chinese authorities. See our China visa service or browse our visa services, or message us on WhatsApp.