Top 10 trade shows in China

China, a true engine of the global economy, is also home to many internationally renowned trade shows. Whether you’re in the automotive, fashion, healthcare or high-tech industries, these events are ideal platforms for expanding your network, discovering the latest innovations and developing business opportunities. However, taking part in these trade shows requires meticulous preparation, particularly in terms of communication. In this article, we offer you a selection of the 10 must-attend trade fairs in China for 2024-2025, advice on how to find and choose the right interpreter for your needs, and a calendar to help you plan your participation efficiently.

What are the most important trade shows to attend in China?

First of all, what are the best trade shows to attend in China, the ones with the most people and where it can be interesting to go, particularly to develop your network and learn more about a specific subject? There are several that stand out from the crowd and attract people from all over the world.

• China International Industry Fair (CIIF): One of the world’s leading industry trade fairs, CIIF showcases the latest innovations in automation, information technology and industrial equipment. It was held recently, but you’ll be able to catch it again in Shanghai from September 23 to 27, 2025.

• China Import and Export Fair :Held in Guangzhou, this is one of the world’s largest trade fairs, covering a wide range of products, from electronics to consumer goods. It will be divided into several phases running from April 15 to May 5, 2025. The first phase will feature electronics and household appliances. Next, all kinds of furniture, equipment and decorative items will be on display. Last but not least, all kinds of decorative items will also be on show, including clothing, skincare products, children’s games and much more.

• China International Medical Equipment Fair: Asia’s largest medical equipment fair, it focuses on innovations in medical devices and healthcare technologies. It features a wide range of innovative products and services, as well as the latest technological advances in medical equipment. It will be held in Shanghai from April 8 to 11, 2025.

• Auto Shanghai (International Automotive Exhibition): A must-attend event for the automotive industry, it showcases the latest trends and technologies in the sector. Held every two years in Shanghai, it is undoubtedly one of the world’s most important events for the automotive industry. For its 21st edition, it will take place from April 23 to May 2, 2025 at the National Center for Exhibition and Convention. And if you can’t make it this year, the Beijing show takes place the year it’s not in Shanghai.

• China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) : Held in Guangzhou, this show is a global benchmark for furniture and interior design. It takes place in several major Chinese cities and will be held in Guangzhou from March 18 to 31, 2025. With 850,000 square meters and over 4,700 visitors, there’s no doubt that this show is a must in the world of interior design.

• China International Textile and Apparel Trade Fair : In a completely different field, this fair is a key platform for textile and apparel professionals, showcasing collections of all kinds and innovative materials. The 33rd edition takes place from December 5 to 7, so there’s no time to lose: hop on a plane to Hangzhou as soon as possible to discover the finest accessories, footwear and other cutting-edge garments!

• China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China) : This major aerospace show features demonstrations of civil and military aircraft and related technologies. It has been held every two years at Zhuhai-Jinwan airport since 1996. A resounding success with each edition, the latest, held from November 12 to 17, 2024, is said to have attracted nearly 600,000 visitors this year.

• China International Beauty Expo (CIBE): Also held in Shanghai, this show is dedicated to cosmetics, personal care and beauty equipment. From May 12 to 14, 2025, you’ll be able to discover a wide range of beauty-related brands and products, from packaging to skincare products and salon equipment. Come to the Shanghai New International Expo Center if you’re interested in this field.

• China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) : The fair, usually held in May in Shenzhen, is a key platform for the cultural industries, encompassing publishing, animation, digital content, arts and crafts.

• Design Shanghai : Scheduled from June 4 to 7, 2025, this event is one of the biggest design summits in Asia and indeed the world, showcasing innovative creations that fuse art and functionality. The perfect opportunity to meet leading designers and discover their work in a meeting-appropriate environment.

Here’s a non-exhaustive list of must-see events in China, especially if you’re interested in any of these topics. Of course, there are all kinds of trade fairs in this country, which is constantly expanding into every market there is.

Why go to a trade show?

Taking part in a trade show is a key strategy for developing your business, and this takes on an even greater dimension in China, a rapidly expanding market rich in opportunities. First and foremost, a trade show enables you to meet potential partners directly – customers, suppliers or distributors – in an environment conducive to exchange. In China, where business relationships are largely based on “guanxi” (network and connections), establishing face-to-face contact is crucial to building trust and fostering long-term collaborations.

Secondly, these events offer an exceptional showcase for testing and promoting products or services to a diverse and often international audience. As the world’s second-largest economy, China boasts a large concentration of buyers, leading companies and innovators, making these shows a must for capturing the attention of new markets.

Finally, taking part in a trade show in China also enables us to keep abreast of global and local trends, by closely observing the competition, technological innovations and the behavior of Chinese consumers, who are increasingly influencing global standards.

In short, these events are not just business opportunities, but real springboards for establishing a strategic presence in a market as demanding as it is promising.

How does a trade show work?

A trade show in China takes place in several stages, each requiring meticulous preparation to maximize its effectiveness.

On arrival at the show, participants go through a registration process at the entrance, which is often made easier if you have previously booked online. You then receive an access badge that allows you to move around the various exhibition halls.

Next, the show is generally organized around thematic zones, where each exhibitor has a personalized stand to present its products or services. As a visitor, you can schedule appointments with exhibitors or simply explore the stands freely to discover unexpected opportunities.

During the day, conferences and workshops are often organized alongside the main exhibition. These sessions offer an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge of market trends, meet experts and sometimes even interact with them directly. The majority of discussions on the stands take place in Mandarin, making the presence of an interpreter essential to communicate effectively and avoid any misunderstandings.

Finally, a great deal of work takes place behind the scenes. Informal networking moments, such as on-site lunches or cocktails at the end of the day, are crucial (especially in China, where interpersonal relationships play a key role in business).

At the end of the day, a quick assessment of the contacts made enables you to plan immediate follow-ups, which are often necessary to maintain the business momentum generated on site.

Taking part in a trade show in China is much more than visiting stands: it’s a complete immersion in a dynamic business ecosystem rich in opportunities.

What use is an interpreter at such events?

Taking part in a trade show in China is not always easy when you don’t speak the language, especially when you’re going there to talk business and meet exhibitors face-to-face.

Finding an interpreter at a trade show in China is therefore an essential step in ensuring smoother exchanges, especially in a country where language and cultural codes can be barriers.

In fact, Chinese people rarely speak English (let alone French), which makes it difficult for foreigners to understand each other both inside and outside the show. So it’s important to find an interpreter who is available to accompany you even after the event.

The interpreter doesn’t just translate your conversations; he or she becomes a real bridge between you and your Chinese interlocutors. Before the show, he or she can help you book a cab, or pick you up directly for a more personal approach. This way, you’ll be ready for action as soon as you arrive.

Once on site, he’ll help you navigate the show, whether it’s understanding instructions, reading brochures or locating key stands. During discussions with exhibitors or visitors, he or she will be able to translate not only words, but also cultural nuances, avoiding misunderstandings that could jeopardize a business opportunity.

Throughout the day, the interpreter can also accompany you to conferences and workshops to help you make the most of the content, which is often exclusively in Mandarin. They can also act as mediators, helping you to present your products or services convincingly, while respecting local cultural expectations and sensitivities.

Finally, at the end of the day, a good interpreter can help you summarize and organize the key information gathered, facilitating effective follow-up with your contacts.

The interpreter is not only there to assist you at the show. As mentioned earlier, they can also accompany you outside the show to help you better understand the environment (like a cab), or they can accompany you on a factory tour to help you understand the manufacturer’s explanations and make appointments with suppliers.

In short, an interpreter is much more than a translator: he or she is an indispensable ally in optimizing your presence at the show.

Events calendar

Finally, here’s a calendar of the upcoming trade shows mentioned earlier, during which you may need an interpreter.

And don’t forget, if you need this type of service, contact HI-COM via the website or social networks.