In this article, I will share 12 trade fairs in China that are worth visiting for international buyers. Some are general trade fairs, while others focus on specific product categories.
Most of these fairs are held in major manufacturing hubs such as Shanghai, Yiwu, and Guangzhou. Since the fairs usually last only 3–5 days, it is worth planning a 1–2 week trip rather than leaving as soon as the event ends. This gives you time to visit existing suppliers, meet new factories, explore wholesale markets, and gain a better understanding of the local industry—making your trip to China much more productive.
- 1. China Import and Export Fair (The Canton Fair)
- 2. China Yiwu International Commodities Fair – Export Goods Exhibition
- 3. China International Furniture Fair (CIFF)
- 4. China Beauty Expo (CBE)
- 5. China International Hardware Show (CIHS)
- 6. Intertextile Apparel Fabrics
- 7. Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE)
- 8. China Toy Expo (CTE)
- 9. Kitchen & Bath China (KBC)
- 10. Hong Kong Electronics Fair
- 11. China Stationery Fair (CSF)
- 12. East China Fair (ECF)
- Before attending a China trade fair: registration, visa, and entry
Whether you are an independent buyer or a company representative, joining a trade fair is easier than you might think. Simply visit the official website and find the overseas buyer registration page. Register with your email, submit your personal and company details, and apply for an invitation letter for your visa.
Plan your trip to China in advance, including flights and accommodation. Register for the fair beforehand if required, then collect your buyer badge at the venue and start exploring.
- Before attending a China trade fair: registration, visa, and entry
Whether you are an independent buyer or a company representative, joining a trade fair is easier than you might think. Simply visit the official website and find the overseas buyer registration page. Register with your email, submit your personal and company details, and apply for an invitation letter for your visa.
Plan your trip to China in advance, including flights and accommodation. Register for the fair beforehand if required, then collect your buyer badge at the venue and start exploring.
1. China Import and Export Fair (The Canton Fair)
The Canton Fair is the largest international trade fair in China, held twice a year in mid-April and mid-October. Both sessions cover a broad range of consumer products, but they have slightly different focuses. The spring session is a great place to discover new products and launches, while the autumn session offers more ready-to-ship products and holiday items, such as Christmas gifts.
If you are a beginner or a small business owner without a clear product plan, this fair may feel overwhelming. There are too many products and suppliers to explore. However, it is a great choice if you already have an established business, want to expand your product range, develop new products, or find suitable suppliers.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: The Canton Fair.
2. China Yiwu International Commodities Fair – Export Goods Exhibition
The Yiwu Fair is a general trade fair held once a year in late October, around the same time as the Canton Fair autumn session. If you are visiting the Canton Fair, consider adding Yiwu to your sourcing trip. Yiwu is easy to reach from Guangzhou, with high-speed trains taking around 6 hours and flights taking about 2 hours.
A unique feature of the Yiwu Fair is the “trade fair + wholesale market” model. You can discover new products, learn about market trends, and meet suppliers at the fair. After the event, you can visit Yiwu International Trade Market to compare products in person and discuss details.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: The Yiwu Fair.
3. China International Furniture Fair (CIFF)
CIFF is one of the world’s largest furniture trade fairs, held twice a year: March in Guangzhou and September in Shanghai. Both shows cover home, outdoor, office furniture, and home textiles, but focus on different needs. Guangzhou is better for sourcing suppliers, while Shanghai focuses on design innovation.
For distributors, retailers, and hotel buyers, Guangzhou offers access to China’s furniture manufacturing clusters, with opportunities to visit factories. For furniture brands and interior design companies, Shanghai is better for exploring original designs, custom options, and new trends.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: CIFF.
4. China Beauty Expo (CBE)
CBE is held in Shanghai every May and Hangzhou every September. The Shanghai show is the main event, covering a wide range of beauty products and ideal for large-scale sourcing. The Hangzhou show focuses more on emerging brands and innovative ingredients.
Buyers from different regions often have different interests. For example, buyers from Southeast Asia, including Thailand and Indonesia, often look for skincare and cosmetics. Middle Eastern buyers, such as those from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, usually focus more on perfumes and beauty devices, while European buyers are more interested in ingredients.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: CBE.
5. China International Hardware Show (CIHS)
It is the world’s second-largest hardware trade fair, held every September in Shanghai. It is co-founded by the organizer of International Hardware Fair Cologne.
The show attracts global buyers, with 30% from Europe and 50% from Asia. Well-known companies such as Würth, Home Depot, and Bosch are regular visitors.
In recent years, it has also expanded buyer invitation efforts to emerging markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. As construction and manufacturing continue to grow in these regions, demand for hardware products is increasing quickly.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: CIHS.
6. Intertextile Apparel Fabrics
It is held three times a year: the spring/summer show in March and the autumn/winter show in August in Shanghai, plus the Greater Bay Area show in Shenzhen in June.
It is a leading global trade fair for textile fabrics and accessories, covering the full textile supply chain. Buyers can find everything from cotton, linen, silk, and wool to functional fabrics, prints, and garment trims. International brands such as Zara, HUGO BOSS, and FILA regularly visit for sourcing. It also features the latest fabrics, fashion trends, and sustainable solutions.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: Intertextile Apparel Fabrics.
7. Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE)
GILE is one of the world’s largest lighting trade fairs. Held every June in Guangzhou, China’s largest lighting manufacturing hub. The region produces around half of the world’s lighting products.
It covers the full range of lighting products, including LED, indoor, outdoor, and stage lighting. Two emerging areas are attracting a lot of attention.
AI lighting is no longer just about changing colors or brightness with a phone. New systems can detect people, adjust to natural light, and connect with smart home devices. Many buyers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East visit for smart upgrades in hotels and office buildings.
Agricultural lighting uses LED technology to grow crops indoors with less dependence on sunlight. Suppliers display real plants to show results. Buyers from North America and Europe explore new farming technologies, while those from the Middle East look for alternative growing solutions due to climate limitations.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: GILE.
8. China Toy Expo (CTE)
CTE takes place annually in October in Shanghai. It brings together suppliers from major toy manufacturing areas in China, including Shantou, Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Yiwu.
It covers four main areas: toys, baby products, IP licensing, and educational products. Designer toys like POP MART and AI-powered toys are emerging trends at the show.
Global brands such as LEGO, Mattel, Hasbro, and Bandai have been regular exhibitors for years. It also attracts buyers from international retailers and supermarkets, including Carrefour, GIFI, and El Corte Inglés.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: CTE.
9. Kitchen & Bath China (KBC)
Every May in Shanghai, there’s a show just for kitchen and bath products. Suppliers from China’s major kitchen and bath manufacturing hubs in Guangdong and Fujian also attend.
The exhibition covers bathroom fixtures, kitchen equipment, hardware and smart home solutions. In recent years, smart bathrooms, whole-home smart systems, and age-friendly solutions have become some of the most popular parts.
International brands such as Kohler, TOTO, and Hansgrohe, along with leading Chinese brands like HEGII and JOMOO, showcase their latest products here.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: KBC.
10. Hong Kong Electronics Fair
The fair is a leading global electronics trade show, held twice a year in April and October. Buyers can explore everything from consumer electronics and smart home devices to AI, robotics, and automotive electronics.
One of the most popular areas is RoboPark, where visitors can see the latest AI and robotics applications in real-life scenarios. For example, Hi-Dolphin’s coffee robot can make coffee and create 3D latte art. A Turkish buyer even placed an order on the spot.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: Hong Kong Electronics Fair.
11. China Stationery Fair (CSF)
Held annually June in Shanghai, the fair covers stationery, office supplies, art materials, collectible toys, seasonal gifts and more. You can find well-known brands such as Pilot, Zebra, Faber-Castell, and Parker at the show.
Beyond sourcing products, it is also a good place to discover current market trends and see what kinds of cultural products are popular among younger consumers.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: CSF.
12. East China Fair (ECF)
ECF is a good choice for buyers looking for a mix of consumer products from China. Held every March in Shanghai, the fair focuses on four categories: garments and apparel, textile fabrics, home goods, and decorative gifts.
Many international retailers and department stores, from Takashimaya and Izumiya in Japan to Walmart and Carrefour, come to source products.
For the latest dates and details, visit the official website: ECF.
Final thoughts
This list focuses on larger, well-established trade fairs in China. There are also many smaller industry shows, but they are not always held at fixed times or locations. You may have noticed that many trade fairs are held around the Canton Fair Autumn Session. If you are coming for the Canton Fair, check out other shows too.
Some buyers see that trade shows now offer online versions and wonder if visiting in person is still necessary. Online shows are mainly for checking product information, much like browsing suppliers on Alibaba. At a trade show, you can compare multiple suppliers side by side, evaluate product quality, discover new products, and talk directly with decision-makers.
We are a leading sourcing company in Yiwu, we help buyers find products at competitive prices, manage quality control, and arrange door-to-door shipping, making sourcing from China easier and more reliable. If you plan to visit more trade fairs or need support sourcing products from China, feel free to contct us.
Very very interesting, seeing all the fairs in China. Weldone. I am very much interested in importing from China. My problem is that i don’t have enough cash to embark on container load of articules. I have less than 500dollars, how can i be helped to fit in, in impotation from China?. Can i receive any help from you jing?. I am a widow with 3kids, battling with their training in Nigeria is not easy!. I need help please.
Hi Tina, glad you liked our guide! Your situation is well noted, but we need more details from you, please contact our support team and we’ll do our best to help you out.
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