For the October 2026 edition, the historic 140th Canton Fair, thousands of exhibitors are spread across three thematic phases. Each phase is practically a different fair, with sectors of its own. Understanding that split is the first step to not wasting precious days in the Pazhou complex, the largest convention centre in the world.
How the Canton Fair splits into phases
The fair is divided into 3 phases of five days each, with a gap of a few days between them for the stands to be completely changed over. Those importing from one specific sector usually visit only the relevant phase. Those working with categories from different phases plan the trip to chain more than one together. The dates for the 140th edition are:
| Phase | Dates (2026) | In a few words |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15 to 19 October | Industry and technology |
| Phase 2 | 23 to 27 October | Home and consumer goods |
| Phase 3 | 31 October to 4 November | Apparel, health and food |
Watch the calendar: the Hong Kong Electronics Fair runs from 13 to 16 October, right before Phase 1. For anyone importing electronics, combining the two in a single trip is the smartest move.
The three phases in detail
See what each phase brings together and choose the one that concentrates your suppliers. Each block below links to the detailed guide for that phase.
Phase 1: industry and technology
The electronics and industry phase. It brings together consumer electronics and home appliances, lighting, machinery and tools, energy (including solar), automation, vehicles and auto parts, building materials, hardware and chemicals.
Ideal for importers of technology, industrial equipment, tools and construction. Details in Canton Fair Phase 1: electronics, machinery and vehicles.
Phase 2: home and consumer goods
The retail and home phase. It concentrates residential and office furniture, decoration and interior items, ceramics and porcelain, household goods, kitchenware, gifts and promotional items, garden and pet products and festive items.
Ideal for retailers, e-commerce and importers of consumer goods for the home. Details in Canton Fair Phase 2: home, furniture and decoration.
Phase 3: apparel, health and food
The personal consumption phase. It brings together textiles and apparel, footwear, luggage and bags, stationery and office supplies, health and medical products, food and toys.
Ideal for garment manufacturing, fashion, consumer retail, food service and health. Details in Canton Fair Phase 3: textiles, toys and food.
Table: your product and the right phase
Use the quick reference below to locate your sector:
| If you import… | Go to phase |
|---|---|
| Electronics, home appliances, lighting | Phase 1 |
| Machinery, tools, automation, energy | Phase 1 |
| Vehicles, auto parts, building materials | Phase 1 |
| Furniture, decoration, ceramics, household goods | Phase 2 |
| Gifts, promotional items, festive goods, pet, garden | Phase 2 |
| Clothing, textiles, footwear, luggage and bags | Phase 3 |
| Stationery, health and medical products | Phase 3 |
| Food and beverages, toys | Phase 3 |
What if my product spans more than one phase?
It is common. An importer of household goods may want to see electronics (Phase 1) and home items (Phase 2). A retail chain may be after decoration (Phase 2) and apparel (Phase 3). Since there is a gap of a few days between phases, you can chain two, or even all three, in a single trip, using the days in between to visit the Yiwu Trade Fair, do some sightseeing or go to factories.
For anyone wanting to cover everything, there is the option of following all three phases with sightseeing in the same itinerary. That is exactly what BCVN structures in its business missions to the October Canton Fair, from a single phase visit to the full circuit of all three.
How long to spend on each phase
Each phase lasts five days, but you do not need all of them. For one specific sector, two to four days is usually enough to see the relevant exhibitors, collect samples and start negotiations. The trick is to arrive with a schedule already prepared:
- Before the trip: search exhibitors on the official portal, build the list by hall and set priorities.
- In the first days: scouting, and collecting catalogues and samples.
- In the following days: go back to the selected stands to negotiate terms.
With a specialist guide and that preparation, you make better use of each day and do not get lost in Pazhou. For the practical planning of the trip, see also the 10 day itinerary in China for importers.
Combining the right phase with sightseeing and Hong Kong
Since you are crossing the world to Asia, it is worth adding days of sightseeing before or after your phase. High speed trains link Guangzhou to Shanghai and Beijing in a few hours, which lets you pair the fair with the country’s landmarks. See what you can visit in the guide on what to see in China: from the Great Wall to the pandas.
And if your sector is electronics, remember: the Hong Kong Electronics Fair takes place days before Phase 1. Combining the two is the natural route for anyone after technology, as we explain in the guide to the Hong Kong Electronics Fair with the Canton Fair.
How BCVN gets you into the right phase
Choosing the phase is only the beginning. Then come the logistics, the exhibitor schedule, accommodation near Pazhou (which sells out early) and negotiating in Mandarin. Having taken Brazilian buyers to China for 18 years, BCVN builds the trip around the right phase for your product, with flights, high speed rail, hotels, transfers, entry passes and a bilingual guide from start to finish.
See the 10 business missions to the October 2026 Canton Fair, from Phase 1 on its own to the full circuit with sightseeing, and talk to our team to put yours together:
Frequently asked questions about the Canton Fair phases
What are the 3 phases of the 2026 Canton Fair and their dates?
The 140th Canton Fair takes place in Guangzhou in three phases of five days each: Phase 1 from 15 to 19 October (electronics, machinery, energy, vehicles and materials), Phase 2 from 23 to 27 October (home, furniture, decoration, household goods and gifts) and Phase 3 from 31 October to 4 November (textiles, fashion, footwear, health, food and toys).
Which phase of the Canton Fair should I visit?
It depends on what you import. Anyone working with electronics, machinery, tools, energy or vehicles goes to Phase 1. Home, furniture, decoration, household goods and gifts are in Phase 2. Apparel, footwear, textiles, stationery, health products, food and toys are in Phase 3.
Can I visit more than one phase on the same trip?
Yes. Since there is a gap of a few days between phases, you can chain two or even all three in a single trip, using the days in between for Yiwu, sightseeing or factory meetings. Those importing from sectors that fall in different phases usually plan the trip to cover more than one phase.
Which phase of the Canton Fair has electronics?
In Phase 1, from 15 to 19 October 2026, alongside home appliances, lighting, machinery, tools, energy, vehicles and building materials. It is also the phase that connects to the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, which takes place a few days earlier.
Which phase has clothing, textiles and footwear?
In Phase 3, from 31 October to 4 November 2026, alongside stationery, luggage and bags, health and medical products, food and toys. It is the phase for apparel and personal care consumer goods.
How many days do I need to visit one phase of the Canton Fair?
Each phase lasts five days. For one specific sector, two to four days is usually enough to see the relevant exhibitors, collect samples and negotiate. With a specialist guide and a schedule planned before the fair, you make better use of each day and do not get lost in the Pazhou complex, the largest convention centre in the world.
BCVN — Brasil China Viagens e Negócios has connected Brazilian companies to the best suppliers in China and Asia since 2008, and organises guided business missions to the Canton Fair and to the main Chinese trade fairs.