Canton Fair phases: how to choose and how to combine phases with factory visits
Phase split by category, why the phase you pick changes your hotel days, and when to add sourcing days.
The Canton Fair runs in three phases per session, and the phase you attend determines almost everything practical: which week you fly, which hotels are sane to book, and how factory visits fit around your show days.
Phase logic in one table
| Phase | Main categories (typical) | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Electronics, machinery, vehicles & parts, building materials, chemicals | Industrial, hardware, auto and electronics buyers |
| Phase 2 | Consumer goods, gifts, home decor, furniture | Furniture, homeware and giftware buyers |
| Phase 3 | Textiles, footwear, office supplies, medical, chemicals | Apparel, footwear and accessories buyers |
Exact allocations shift between sessions — check the current official phase list on the Canton Fair page or the official website. Do not book flights venues based on a previous year's phase table.
Practical consequences most first-timers miss
- Hotels in Guangzhou during fair time follow the phase calendar, not just the month. Mid-session there are rate and availability jumps.
- Many buyers benefit from two phases, not one — e.g. Phase 1 machinery plus Phase 3 textiles parts. Add hotel days accordingly.
- The best factory-visit days are often between or after phases, not during them — factories in Guangdong are reachable on days you are not walking Pazhou.
- Registration: pre-registration on the official site is the normal route. Registration help is about doing it correctly and early, not buying tickets.
If you tell us your product list, we recommend a phase-day structure and a sourcing extension from there — see our Canton Fair support package.