Canton Fair 2027: dates, phases and how a group trip works
The expected phases, the China visa and how a group trip from India runs.
Short answer
The 141st Canton Fair (spring 2027) has not announced its dates yet. Based on spring 2026, expect three five-day phases at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou: about 15–19 April (electronics, machinery, hardware), 23–27 April (home, furniture, gifts) and 1–5 May (toys, fashion, textiles, health). Indians need a China visa; we handle the group visa for our groups.
Canton Fair 2027 dates
The China Import and Export Fair runs twice a year in Guangzhou, in spring and autumn, each session in three phases. The organiser usually publishes a session's dates a few months ahead on cantonfair.org.cn. Until it does, plan on the 2026 pattern and keep flights refundable or on hold.
| Phase | Spring 2026 (139th), actual | Spring 2027 (141st), expected |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 15–19 April 2026 | about 15–19 April 2027 |
| Phase 2 | 23–27 April 2026 | about 23–27 April 2027 |
| Phase 3 | 1–5 May 2026 | about 1–5 May 2027 |
2026 dates: China Daily, April 2026. The autumn 2026 (140th) session ran 15–19 October, 23–27 October and 31 October–4 November, so autumn 2027 should fall in the same window.
What each phase covers
The organiser reshuffles categories slightly each session, so check the official list for 2027. The broad split has been stable:
| Phase | Theme | Typical Indian buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Advanced manufacturing: consumer electronics, home appliances, machinery, hardware and tools, lighting, new energy, vehicles and parts | Electronics and mobile accessory traders, appliance dealers, hardware and tool importers, solar and EV parts buyers |
| Phase 2 | Home: building materials, furniture, household items, kitchenware, gifts and decorations | Furniture and home decor retailers, interior contractors, gift and festive-goods traders |
| Phase 3 | Lifestyle: toys, baby and children's products, garments, textiles, shoes, bags, health and recreation | Toy shops, garment and fabric traders, footwear and bag importers, pharmacy and wellness buyers |
If you buy across phases, Phase 1 and Phase 2 are eight days apart. Most traders pick the one phase that matches the bulk of their buying and spend the spare day in the wholesale markets. See which China market suits which product.
Visa for Indian travellers
Indian passport holders need a visa for the Canton Fair. There are two ways to go:
- China group visa, handled by us. For travellers in one of our groups. Each traveller sends documents on one template; we check every file and handle the group visa filing. A police clearance certificate from Passport Seva may be asked for, and it can take weeks in some states, so start it the day the traveller books.
- China business (M) visa. Applied for at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata, booked through visaforchina.cn, with an invitation letter and biometrics. Use it if you want to stay on after the group or travel alone.
Visa decisions rest with the Chinese authorities. If plans change after the deposit, charges depend on what has already been booked, such as hotels and visas. The booking agreement sets out the details.
How a group trip works with us
- Tell us your trade, group size and dates. Include the phase that matches what your group buys.
- We send a day-by-day plan and a per-person price. In writing, usually within one working day.
- A 30% deposit holds the hotels. Fair-week hotels go first, so this is the step to take early.
- We file the visas and confirm factory meetings. One template for passport copies, photos, police certificates and buyer registrations; we check every file.
- Travel with our tour manager. Airport pickup, a Guangzhou or Foshan base, a coach to Pazhou each fair day, Indian dinner every day and the airport drop.
- Sourcing follow-up after you return. We follow up with the suppliers your group met at the fair.
Groups of 10 or more can have their own dates and coach: see private group tours. For the planning timeline from today to departure, read how to plan a Canton Fair trip from India.
Canton Fair 2027 questions
When is the Canton Fair 2027?
The 141st Canton Fair (spring 2027) had no announced dates on 11 November 2026. If it follows spring 2026, it runs in three phases of five days each at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou: about 15–19 April, 23–27 April and 1–5 May 2027. Confirm on cantonfair.org.cn before ticketing.
Which Canton Fair phase should I visit for electronics, furniture or clothes?
Electronics, appliances, machinery, hardware, lighting and vehicle parts are Phase 1. Furniture, building materials, kitchenware, home goods and gifts are Phase 2. Toys, baby products, garments, textiles, shoes, bags and health products are Phase 3. The organiser publishes the final list per session.
Do Indians need a visa for the Canton Fair?
Yes. Indian passport holders need either a China business (M) visa, applied for through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre with an invitation, or a China group visa as part of an organised group. We handle the group visa for our groups.
How does the China group visa work for a Canton Fair group?
The group travels together on one group visa. We collect each traveller's documents on one template, check every file and handle the filing. Travellers who want to stay on after the group or travel alone need their own China business (M) visa.
Can you guarantee the visa?
No. Visa decisions rest with the Chinese authorities. If plans change after the deposit, charges depend on what has already been booked, such as hotels and visas. The booking agreement sets out the details.
Can a smaller party join a Canton Fair group?
Yes. Parties of fewer than 10 travel with one of our Canton Fair groups. Groups of 10 or more can have their own dates and coach.
Do I need to register for a Canton Fair buyer badge?
Yes. Each traveller registers as an overseas buyer on the official Canton Fair website before travel and collects the badge at the complex. We check every registration and help with collection on the first fair day.
Bringing a group to the Canton Fair in April 2027?
Plan a group tour