The Canton Fair — officially the China Import and Export Fair — is divided into three separate phases, each with its own product categories. If you show up at the wrong time, you will not find the suppliers you came to see. You will find hundreds of exhibitors selling something else entirely, and you will have wasted your trip.
This Canton Fair Guide is not about what the fair is — you already know that. It is about which phase matches your sourcing needs, so you can plan your visit, book the right dates, and walk into the right halls on the right day.
Quick Overview: Three Phases, Three Different Sourcing Windows
The Canton Fair 2026 autumn session runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026, but it is not a continuous event. It is split into three distinct phases, each lasting five days, with a three‑day gap between them for exhibitor changeover.
| Phase | Dates (Autumn 2026) | Focus Area | Typical Exhibitors |
| Phase 1 | Oct 15–19, 2026 | Advanced Manufacturing | Electronics, appliances, industrial machinery, new energy, hardware |
| Phase 2 | Oct 23–27, 2026 | Quality Home Life | Building materials, furniture, housewares, gifts, decorations |
| Phase 3 | Oct 31 – Nov 4, 2026 | Better Life | Textiles, apparel, shoes, bags, toys, health products, food |
Understanding the Canton Fair phases is the single most important tip for your Canton Fair buyer planning. Choose the wrong phase, and you will find no one selling what you came to buy.
Overview of the three exhibition periods of the Canton Fair
Phase 1: Advanced Manufacturing (October 15–19, 2026)
If you are sourcing industrial products, electronics, or machinery, Phase 1 is your window. This phase focuses on the hardware of manufacturing — the components, equipment, and technology that power other industries.
What You Will Find in Phase 1
| Category | Sub-categories |
| Electronics & Electricals | Consumer electronics, home appliances, lighting, electronic components |
| Industrial Machinery | Processing machinery, packaging equipment, power tools, construction machinery |
| New Energy | Solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles, charging infrastructure |
| Hardware & Tools | Hand tools, power tools, fasteners, building hardware |
| IT & Communications | Networking equipment, telecom devices, smart home systems |
| Vehicles & Spare Parts | Auto parts, motorcycles, electric bikes, tires |
This phase attracts the largest number of overseas buyers — over 245,000 foreign buyers attended the 139th session, and sees the highest buyer density in Phase 1. Halls A and B are the busiest; arrive early and pre‑mark priority booths on the Canton Fair app.
Who should attend: Buyers sourcing electronic components, industrial equipment, automotive parts, hardware tools, or renewable energy products.
Which Canton Fair phase to attend for electronics? Phase 1. Period. The Canton Fair each phase exhibits are clearly delineated — Phase 1 is for electronics, Phase 2 for home goods, Phase 3 for apparel.
The first phase of the Canton Fair_ Advanced Manufacturing
Phase 2: Quality Home Life (October 23–27, 2026)
If you are sourcing products for homes, restaurants, or retail spaces, Phase 2 is your window. This phase is the largest by floor space, covering everything from bathroom fixtures to garden furniture.
What You Will Find in Phase 2
| Category | Sub-categories |
| Building Materials | Tiles, sanitary ware, plumbing fixtures, decorative materials |
| Furniture | Indoor furniture, outdoor furniture, office furniture |
| Housewares | Kitchenware, tableware, cookware, storage solutions |
| Gifts & Premiums | Gifts, crafts, festive supplies, promotional items |
| Home Decor | Lighting, wall art, textiles, rugs, vases |
| Ceramics & Glassware | Porcelain, glassware, pottery, artware |
Phase 2 is the busiest in terms of pure product variety — the range is enormous, from $1 kitchen gadgets to $5,000 marble dining tables. It is also the phase where many buyers from retail and hospitality industries concentrate.
Who should attend: Buyers sourcing furniture, home decorations, kitchenware, building materials, gifts, or ceramic products.
Canton Fair product categories in Phase 2 are the most diverse — you can source a complete home interior in one phase. This is a key Canton Fair phases distinction: Phase 2 is the only phase covering home and living products at scale.
Canton Fair Phase II_ Quality Home Living
Phase 3: Better Life (October 31 – November 4, 2026)
If you are sourcing apparel, textiles, or consumer goods for daily living, Phase 3 is your window. This is the phase for clothing, footwear, bags, toys, and health products.
What You Will Find in Phase 3
| Category | Sub-categories |
| Textiles & Apparel | Fabrics, yarns, ready-to-wear garments, lingerie, sportswear |
| Shoes & Bags | Footwear, handbags, luggage, accessories |
| Toys & Children’s Products | Toys, baby products, educational items, games |
| Health & Personal Care | Medical supplies, health products, cosmetics, toiletries |
| Food & Beverage | Packaged foods, beverages, agricultural products |
| Sports & Leisure | Sporting goods, camping equipment, fitness products |
For buyers in apparel sourcing, Phase 3 is your dedicated time. This is where clothing manufacturers and textile suppliers are concentrated in one place — not spread across other phases.
Note: While most product categories are strictly assigned to one phase, a small number of related goods may appear across multiple phases. Always cross‑reference the official exhibitor list to avoid missing potential suppliers.
Who should attend: Buyers sourcing clothing, fabrics, footwear, bags, toys, health products, or food items.
The Canton Fair phase 1 2 3 breakdown above should make it clear that your product category dictates your timing. The Canton Fair session dates are fixed; plan your travel accordingly.
Textiles and apparel products at the Canton Fair
Comparison Table: Which Phase Matches Your Products?
| If You Source… | Attend Phase |
| Electronics, batteries, solar, machinery, tools | Phase 1 (Oct 15–19) |
| Furniture, housewares, kitchenware, gifts, building materials | Phase 2 (Oct 23–27) |
| Clothing, fabrics, shoes, bags, toys, health products, food | Phase 3 (Oct 31 – Nov 4) |
You do not need to attend all three phases. Many buyers attend one phase and leave. Some attend two if they source across categories. Very few attend all three — and those who do usually have a large team or very broad product ranges.
How to plan your Canton Fair visit: Identify your product category first. Then check the phase. Then book flights and hotels accordingly. Guangzhou hotels near the venue fill up six to twelve months in advance — book early.
Kitchenware and tableware products at the Canton Fair.
Dates at a Glance
| Phase | Autumn 2026 Dates | Spring 2026 Dates |
| Phase 1 | October 15–19, 2026 | April 15–19, 2026 |
| Phase 2 | October 23–27, 2026 | April 23–27, 2026 |
| Phase 3 | October 31 – November 4, 2026 | May 1–5, 2026 |
The Canton Fair dates shift slightly each year, but the pattern is consistent: mid-April to early May for spring, and mid-October to early November for autumn .
FAQ
What products are in each Canton Fair phase?
Phase 1 covers electronics, machinery, hardware, and new energy. Phase 2 covers building materials, furniture, housewares, and gifts. Phase 3 covers textiles, apparel, shoes, bags, toys, and health products.
How do I know which Canton Fair phase to attend?
Check your product category. Electronics and industrial products → Phase 1. Home and furniture products → Phase 2. Apparel and consumer goods → Phase 3. Start by asking yourself: which Canton Fair phase should you attend?
Can I attend multiple Canton Fair phases?
Yes, but you will need to stay in Guangzhou for the entire period — approximately three weeks with the changeover gaps. Most buyers choose one phase that matches their sourcing needs.
Can I visit multiple phases with one buyer badge?
Yes, your official buyer badge grants access to all three phases of the same Canton Fair session. You do not need to register separately for each phase.
Do the dates change every year?
The pattern is consistent: spring in April–May and autumn in October–November. The exact dates are announced on the official Canton Fair website about six months in advance . The Canton Fair China schedule is published early, so you can plan accordingly.
What is the best Canton Fair phase for first-time buyers?
Choose the phase that matches your product category. If you are undecided, start with Phase 1 — it has the highest buyer density and the most international exhibitors. However, if you are sourcing apparel, do not attend Phase 1; wait for Phase 3.
Toys are among the products sold at the Canton Fair
Final Takeaways
The Canton Fair is a powerful sourcing opportunity — but only if you attend the right phase. The phases are not interchangeable. Show up in the wrong week and the suppliers you need simply are not there. Show up in the right week and you have hundreds of relevant exhibitors competing for your attention.
Check the dates. Match your product category to the phase. Book your travel accordingly. And if you are still unsure, start by using the product categories list above to match your sourcing needs to the right phase.
For buyers who need hands-on support — from phase selection and pre-fair supplier shortlisting to on-site navigation and follow-up — working with a Guangzhou-based sourcing team can turn a confusing planning process into a focused sourcing trip. At Sourcingyuan, our team helps international buyers prepare for the fair, find the right suppliers in the right phase, and follow up effectively after they leave.
China Import and Export Fair
About the Author
Jeff Lee
Founder of Sourcingyuan
Jeff Lee is the founder of Sourcingyuan, a China-based sourcing and product development company. He has more than 10 years of experience helping overseas businesses source products, develop new products, identify reliable manufacturers, manage production, and build supply chains in China.
Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn | YouTube
Canton Fair Guides:
Before the Fair
→ What Is the Canton Fair and Why Should You Attend? A Complete Canton Fair Guide
→ Canton Fair Guide: How to Prepare for Your First Visit as an International Buyer
At the Fair
→ How to Navigate the Canton Fair and Find the Right Suppliers | Canton Fair Guide
After the Fair
→ What to Do After the Canton Fair: A Complete Follow‑Up Guide for Buyers | Canton Fair Guide
Full‑cycle support: Contact SourcingYuan
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