Canton Fair spring 2027 (141st session): dates, phases, visa and registration
Checked
Changed 2 times since , see changes.
Session dates confirmed by the organiser; phase dates not yet
Short answer
The organiser says the 141st session runs 15 April to 5 May 2027 at the Pazhou complex in Guangzhou.
Phase-by-phase dates are not published yet. Guides expect Expected 15-19 April, 23-27 April, 1-5 May 2027 (not confirmed by the organiser). Book refundable until the organiser confirms them.
Visa-free entry for the 30-day list, including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, ends 31 December 2026, 24:00 unless extended. Every spring 2027 trip falls after that date.
| Phase | Dates | What |
|---|---|---|
| Whole session | 15 April to 5 May 2027 | Confirmed by the organiser (release of 5 November 2026) |
| Phase 1 | Not confirmed yet | Advanced manufacturing (category split as at the 140th session) |
| Phase 2 | Not confirmed yet | Home, building materials, gifts |
| Phase 3 | Not confirmed yet | Lifestyle, apparel, toys, food and health |
| Fact | Value | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canton Fair spring 2027 (141st) datesall visitors | 15 April to 5 May 2027 | Canton Fair organiser (via PR Newswire) | |
| Canton Fair 2027 phase datesall visitors | Expected 15-19 April, 23-27 April, 1-5 May 2027 (not confirmed by the organiser) | Trip.comSecondary source | |
| Overseas buyers at the 140th session | 352,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions | Canton Fair organiser (via PR Newswire) | |
| May Day 2027mainland China public holiday | 1-5 May 2027 (5 days) | Xinhua | |
| 30-day visa-free: last entry dateordinary-passport holders of listed countries | 31 December 2026, 24:00 | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Gulf four: last entry dateSA, OM, KW, BH ordinary passports | 31 December 2026, 24:00 | Chinese Embassy in the UAE | |
| Extension past 31 Dec 2026all | None announced as of 9 November 2026 | Lotso TravelSecondary source |
Which phase should I go to?
At the 140th session the three phases were split as follows. Expect the same split in spring until the organiser publishes the 141st category list.
- Phase 1, advanced manufacturing: electronics, household appliances, machinery, vehicles, new energy, lighting, hardware and tools.
- Phase 2, home: building materials, furniture, ceramics, kitchenware, household items, gifts and decorations.
- Phase 3, lifestyle: toys, baby products, apparel, textiles, shoes, food, health products and office supplies.
Does Phase 3 clash with the May Day holiday?
Yes, if the usual pattern holds. China's Labour Day holiday in 2027 is 1-5 May 2027 (5 days), so the last phase would run through the national holiday week. Trains and hotels across Guangdong fill early around it: book your Phase 3 hotel and onward train as soon as you know your dates.
Do I need a visa for the Canton Fair in 2027?
Probably, unless the policy is extended. Read book now or wait for what to do while the decision is pending, and the Gulf visa-free page if you hold a Saudi, Omani, Kuwaiti or Bahraini passport. Buyers who need a visa usually apply for a business (M) visa with the invitation letter generated by the organiser's registration system.
How do I register as a buyer?
Only through the organiser: cantonfair.org.cn or its official app. We have not yet confirmed the 2027 buyer badge fee on the organiser's own pages, so we do not state one here. Be wary of paid "invitation letter" services: the organiser's system issues the letter when you register.
Where do I stay and how do I get there?
The fair is at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Haizhu District. See the Guangzhou city guide for the airport, stations and the transit rules that apply in Guangdong. Fair-week hotel prices are on our list to check; we will not print estimates.
What changed since the last session?
The autumn 2026 session drew 352,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions. The big change for spring 2027 is not the fair itself but entry rules: the 30-day visa-free policy is due to end before the fair opens.
Questions people ask
When is the Canton Fair 2027?
Spring 2027 (141st session): 15 April to 5 May 2027, per the organiser. Phase dates are not published yet.
How many people go to the Canton Fair?
The 140th session in autumn 2026 drew 352,000 buyers from 219 countries and regions.
Sources
- 140th Canton Fair Closes with Record Overseas Buyer Attendance, Canton Fair organiser (via PR Newswire), retrieved
- Canton Fair 2026-2027: Dates, Map, Hotels and Guide, Trip.com, retrieved
- 国务院办公厅关于2027年部分节假日安排的通知, Xinhua, retrieved
- Notice on the Extension of the Unilateral Visa-Free Policy, Chinese Embassy in the UAE, retrieved
- China visa-free 2027 and eSIM guide, Lotso Travel, retrieved