9th China International Import Expo (CIIE 2026)

The 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE 2026) takes place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from 5 to 10 November 2026. CIIE is a large state-backed trade exhibition where overseas companies present goods and services to buyers from China. This guide is for exporters, professional visitors, trade delegations and the travel agencies that arrange their trips to Shanghai.

About CIIE

The China International Import Expo is organised by the China International Import Expo Bureau and is held every autumn in Shanghai. Unlike most trade fairs in China, which focus on Chinese exports, CIIE is built around imports: foreign exhibitors bring products and services to meet Chinese distributors, retailers, manufacturers and procurement teams. The exhibition covers many sectors, from food and agricultural products to consumer goods, medical equipment, technology, automobiles and services.

The expo also has country pavilions, where national governments promote their trade and investment offer, and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, which runs alongside the exhibition. The organiser's website reported in July 2026 that 53 countries and 3 international organisations had confirmed national pavilions for this edition, and that the forum's theme is "Stability and Cooperation: Building an Open World Economy Together". Full information, including exhibitor lists and visitor registration, is on the official CIIE website.

For exporters from the Gulf, North Africa and the Levant, CIIE is a way to meet many Chinese buyers in a single week and to test demand for products such as dates, olive oil, seafood, cosmetics and other consumer goods.

CIIE 2026 dates and venue

CIIE 2026 opens on 5 November 2026 and closes on 10 November 2026. The venue is the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), a very large exhibition complex in the Hongqiao area in the west of the city, next to the Hongqiao transport hub. Registration for professional visitors opened on 28 May 2026 through the official website, the CIIE app and the WeChat mini program. Check the official channels for daily opening hours, public-visitor days and badge collection before you travel.

How to get to Shanghai for CIIE

Shanghai has two international airports. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is the closest to the exhibition centre and mainly handles domestic and regional flights. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), east of the city, is the main gateway for long-haul international flights, including routes from the Middle East.

From Pudong, travellers can reach the Hongqiao area by metro, taxi or pre-booked transfer, but the journey across the city is long, so allow plenty of time. Shanghai Metro serves the National Exhibition and Convention Center, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used. Traffic and security checks around the venue are heavy during the expo. Travellers should check the official entry requirements for China well before booking.

Where to stay

The Hongqiao business district is the most convenient base, as it puts delegates close to the venue and the Hongqiao railway station. Some visitors prefer central areas such as Jing'an, People's Square or the Bund for evenings out, and travel to the exhibition by metro. Demand for rooms near the venue is very high during CIIE week, so book hotels near the National Exhibition and Convention Center as early as possible.

Planning a group trip to CIIE

Companies and chambers of commerce send delegations to CIIE to meet importers, distributors and procurement teams, to visit their national pavilion and to attend forum sessions. A group tour to CIIE works best when meetings are booked in advance through the expo's online matchmaking platform, which the organiser launched alongside visitor registration.

Plan at least two or three full days at the exhibition, as the halls are spread over a large site. Agencies should build in time for badge collection, local SIM cards or roaming, and transfers between hotel and venue. Many delegations add a day or two in Shanghai for factory or supplier visits after the show.

Frequently asked questions

When is CIIE 2026?

The 9th China International Import Expo runs from 5 to 10 November 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Check the official website for daily opening hours and any days reserved for professional visitors.

Who can attend CIIE 2026?

CIIE is mainly aimed at exhibitors and professional visitors such as buyers, importers, distributors and investors. Professional visitors register online through the official website, the CIIE app or the WeChat mini program before the expo.

Which airport is closest to the CIIE venue?

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is the closest airport to the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Most long-haul international flights use Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is further from the venue, so allow extra time for the transfer.

Where should delegates stay for CIIE?

The Hongqiao area is the most practical choice because it is close to the exhibition centre and the railway station. Central districts are an option for visitors who prefer more restaurants and nightlife. Rooms fill quickly during CIIE week, so book early.

Do I need tickets for CIIE?

Entry is managed through registration and badges rather than open ticket sales. Professional visitors should complete registration on the official channels in advance and follow the organiser's instructions for badge collection.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to CIIE 2026 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.