CIIE 2026: How to Visit as a New China
Step-by-step guide to attending the 9th China International Import Expo as a foreign resident in China.
No published figure yet. The authority does not publish this cost in a form we could verify and quote, so this guide covers the procedure only: what to bring, in what order, and where it goes wrong. We will add the figures the moment there is a source for them.
In order
- Check your documents — Ensure your passport and residence permit are valid for the entire expo period.
- Create an account on the CIIE website — Use your passport details and a valid email address to register as a visitor.
- Complete the application form — Upload your photo, residence permit copy, and choose your visit dates and badge type.
- Wait for approval and save your QR code — Check your email for the confirmation and keep the QR code accessible on your phone or printed.
- Book travel and accommodation — Reserve a hotel near a metro line to the venue and arrive in Shanghai a day early.
- Collect your badge at the venue — Go to the badge collection counters with your passport, residence permit, and QR code.
- Pass security and enter the expo — Follow the security procedures and use the official app to navigate the exhibition halls.
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is held annually in Shanghai, and as a new resident you can attend as a trade visitor. This guide walks you through registration, travel, and entry so you can plan your visit without surprises.
Before You Register
Check your residence permit and passport validity. You will need both documents to complete the visitor registration and to enter the exhibition hall. Decide whether you are attending as a professional buyer or as a general visitor. The registration process and access differ, and your choice affects which halls you can enter.
Registration Process
Visit the official CIIE website and create an account using your passport details. The registration system opens several months before the event and closes before the expo begins. Upload a recent passport-style photo and a copy of your residence permit. The system will ask you to select your visit dates and the type of badge you need. Wait for the approval email. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code. Print the QR code or save it on your phone—you will need it to collect your physical badge on site.
Travel and Accommodation
Book your hotel in Shanghai well in advance, as prices rise sharply during the expo period. Choose a hotel near a metro line that connects to the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Plan to arrive in Shanghai at least one day before your first scheduled visit. This gives you time to collect your badge and familiarize yourself with the venue layout.
On the Day of Your Visit
Bring your passport, residence permit, and the QR code to the badge collection counters at the venue. The counters are located outside the main entrance and are clearly marked. Expect security checks similar to airport procedures. Do not bring large bags or prohibited items; use the luggage storage services if needed. Inside the venue, follow the crowd flow and use the official app to locate exhibitors. The expo is vast, so prioritize the halls that match your interests.
Confirm before you act
Fees and processing times change. This page was checked on 2026-11-11; confirm the current rule with the authority named in each source above before you rely on a deadline.
Last checked 2026-11-11, next review 2027-05-10. Every figure above names its source and the date it was read. This page is a guide, not legal, tax or immigration advice — confirm with the authority before acting on a deadline.