Canton Fair 2026 October Guide: How to Attend the Guangzhou Trade Show Successfully

• Dates: October 15 – November 4, 2026
• Venue: China Import and Export Fair Complex (Pazhou Complex)
• Address: No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou 510335, China

October in Guangzhou is generally warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F). Pack breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for air-conditioned halls, and a compact umbrella. The exhibition complex is very large, and buyers often walk several kilometers per day.

The fair is divided into three phases:

Daily opening hours: 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Note for solar and energy storage buyers: Phase 1 is the most relevant period.

Most overseas buyers need a Chinese business (M) visa. Follow these steps:

1. Pre-register as an overseas buyer on the official Canton Fair website and request an invitation letter.
2. Prepare your passport (valid for at least six months), invitation letter, company documents, flight itinerary, and hotel booking.
3. Apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center in your country.

Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry or 144-hour transit visa-free stays. Always check the latest rules for your passport. Start the process 6–8 weeks before travel. After arrival, collect your free buyer badge at the airport, selected hotels, or the fairground.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main international gateway. Best ways from the airport to Pazhou include:

• Metro: Reliable and economical (about 1–1.5 hours).
• Taxi: Official airport taxis take 40–70 minutes (around CNY 150–200 including tolls).
• Didi car-hailing: The most convenient option for most visitors. Download the app before arrival or use it via Alipay/WeChat. Enter the destination in Chinese (“广交会展馆”). Expect possible surge pricing during the fair.
• Airport shuttle buses: Useful if you have heavy luggage.

Suggested arrival timing:

• Southeast Asia → 1 day early
• Europe & North America → 2 days early
• Middle East, Africa, Latin America → Allow extra buffer for connections

Book hotels near Pazhou or along Metro Line 8 early, as prices rise significantly during the fair.

Didi tips: Use it for daily travel between your hotel, the exhibition halls, and factories or showrooms. Have the destination address ready in Chinese and confirm the price before accepting the ride.

Connectivity:

• Buy an eSIM before departure (Airalo, Nomad, etc.) or get a local SIM at Baiyun Airport (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom).
• Hotel Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but a local data plan is more flexible when moving around the city and visiting suppliers.

Payments and Currency:

• Link an international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay for daily expenses (metro, taxis, Didi, restaurants, shops). Airport service desks can help you set this up.
• Exchange a small amount of cash (CNY 300–500) at the airport or a Bank of China branch. Prefer smaller notes (10, 20, and 50 RMB) plus a few coins — large 100 RMB notes can be difficult to change at small food stalls.
• For supplier payments, the most common terms are 30% deposit + 70% before shipment via bank transfer (T/T). Many factories prefer RMB settlement.

For Muslim buyers: Guangzhou has many Halal (清真) restaurants. The highest concentration is around Huaisheng Mosque and Xiaobei. Near Pazhou, options are more limited — inform your hotel in advance if you need Halal meals.

For visitors not used to Chinese food: Cantonese cuisine is generally milder. Safe starting options include steamed fish, clear soups, congee, dim sum, fried rice, and noodle soups. International chains and hotel restaurants are widely available near Pazhou.

Useful phrases:

• “不要辣” (bù yào là) – No spicy
• “清淡一点” (qīng dàn yī diǎn) – Make it milder
• “我是穆斯林，要清真的” – I am Muslim, I need Halal food

• Ask clearly: “Are you a factory or a trading company?” “Where is your factory located?” “What are your main export markets?” “Can you show relevant certifications?”
• Request the original business license and note the Unified Social Credit Code. Verify it later.
• Compare at least 3–5 suppliers for the same product category.
• Prefer manufacturers when quality control, lead time, and direct pricing matter.
• Never send a large deposit based only on a conversation at the fair.

Phase 1 of the Canton Fair attracts a large number of new energy exhibitors. For professional buyers (EPCs, wholesalers, and project contractors), preparation is especially important.

Key points to evaluate when meeting solar and energy storage suppliers:

• Product certifications and compliance with target market standards
• Real production capacity and quality control processes
• Warranty terms and after-sales support
• Experience with export projects and container loading
• Technical documentation and willingness to support project requirements

Many suppliers at the fair are trading companies. Visiting a real showroom or factory helps you verify actual capabilities before making decisions.

Sungreat Energy welcomes solar EPCs, wholesalers, and project contractors to visit our Guangzhou showroom during the Canton Fair period.

Here you can:

• View the actual product range
• Discuss technical requirements
• Review project-related support

Important: Visits must be scheduled in advance. Please contact us early so we can arrange a suitable time slot and prepare relevant information for your team.

• Schedule visits during the three-day gaps between phases or immediately after Phase 1.
• Use Didi for flexible door-to-door transport to locations in Guangzhou and the wider Pearl River Delta.
• Combine fair meetings with showroom or factory verification to reduce risk.

• Prepare target prices, MOQs, and preferred payment terms before entering booths.
• Wear comfortable shoes — the complex is large.
• Download the official Canton Fair app for navigation.
• Keep both digital and physical copies of important documents.
• Useful phrases: “多少钱？” (How much?) / “可以便宜一点吗？” (Can it be a bit cheaper?)

• Complete overseas buyer pre-registration and obtain invitation letter
• Apply for China visa (if required)
• Book flights and hotel near Pazhou
• Prepare product list and comparison sheets
• Link international card to Alipay / WeChat Pay
• Download Canton Fair app and Didi
• Arrange eSIM or local SIM
• Plan to attend Phase 1 if sourcing new energy products
• Contact Sungreat Energy in advance to schedule a showroom visit
• Exchange a small amount of cash into smaller denominations
• Note dietary needs and inform hotel if required
• Pack light, breathable clothing and a compact umbrella

The Canton Fair October 2026 offers a strong opportunity to meet Chinese manufacturers face-to-face. For solar EPCs, wholesalers, and project contractors, the combination of Phase 1 meetings and a pre-scheduled showroom visit can significantly improve sourcing quality and reduce risk.

Secure your visa early, choose the right phase, verify suppliers carefully, and use the time between phases for deeper evaluation. With proper preparation, the 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou can deliver reliable partners and better project outcomes.

For the latest official updates, always check the Canton Fair website before finalizing your travel plans. Safe travels and successful sourcing. We are here to guide you please visit www.sungreatenergy.com

Email us on [email protected]  or whatsapp or call us on +86 157 7646 7829