Your first trip to a trade show in China may seem complicated. That is why many importers begin in Hong Kong. It is one of the easier places in Asia for a first business trip: you can generally pay by card, access familiar online services without a VPN, and find plenty of information and business communication in English.
Why start with a trade show in Hong Kong?
Global Sources takes place at AsiaWorld-Expo, next to Hong Kong International Airport. After landing, you can reach the venue by Airport Express, bus or taxi without a long journey between cities.
Hong Kong also gives you flexibility. You can spend your entire trip at the show or combine it with visits to selected suppliers in Shenzhen, Dongguan or Guangzhou.
Start at the show, then visit selected factories
At Global Sources, you meet many suppliers in one place. First compare products, prices and production capabilities. Then decide which companies merit follow-up conversations or a factory visit.
This makes the logistics of your first trip simpler. You can shape the itinerary around your own needs and product category.
What are the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows?
The Global Sources Hong Kong Shows are trade fairs for companies looking for suppliers and products in Asia. They take place at AsiaWorld-Expo twice a year. Exhibitors present products including electronics, mobile devices, home goods, small appliances, pet accessories, sports products and AI-enabled products.
The October 2026 edition runs in two periods: 11-14 October and 18-21 October. Different product groups are shown in each period, so check when the products you want to source will be on display.
For more detail on the event, see our Global Sources Hong Kong Shows guide. If Global Sources does not cover your category, check our 2026 Hong Kong trade fair calendar.
Check the dates and register for the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows.
What can you do during one visit to Global Sources?
At the show, you can see products and speak with several suppliers straight away. You do not need to travel from company to company or arrange every meeting separately. In one venue, you can compare prices, minimum order quantities and possible product changes.
Meet many suppliers in one place
At each booth, ask about pricing, minimum order quantity, production time and the changes the supplier can make. Examine samples and compare workmanship. You may quickly notice who knows the product well and who answers only in general terms.
Global Sources describes its exhibitors as verified suppliers. Do not treat that label as a guarantee. Before ordering, confirm the company's details, examine a sample and check the product documents.
Discuss OEM and ODM production
Many exhibitors offer production under a buyer's brand. At the booth, establish whether a company can only add your logo or can also change the material, construction or functions of the product. Ask what minimum order quantity applies to each option.
See new products for yourself
A catalogue photograph cannot show how a casing feels, how buttons work or whether a product is comfortable to use. At the show, you can handle a product and compare several models. If you intend to sell in the European Union, ask for documentation covering the exact version you are looking at.
Arrange meetings before you fly
With Global Sources MATCH, you describe the product you want to source. The organizer may suggest companies and arrange meetings at the show.
State the product type, expected order quantity, required changes and intended sales market. Be specific: “electronics” or “home goods” on its own tells a potential supplier very little.
How do you register for the Global Sources Hong Kong Shows?
Global Sources Hong Kong registration takes place online. Have your business email address and company details ready, then:
- Open the Global Sources Hong Kong registration form.
- Sign in or create a buyer account.
- Enter the visitor's details and the company information.
- Select the show period covering your product category.
- Choose the programs and benefits that interest you.
- Submit the form and save the confirmation message.
Use your business email address. Enter your name exactly as it appears on your travel document. After submitting the form, check whether the organizer has sent a QR code, registration code or another confirmation.
At the venue, go to the buyer registration desk. Present the specified confirmation and your identity document. Once your details have been checked, you will receive the badge needed for entry.
What benefits are available at Global Sources?
When registering, you can apply for additional benefits. Some must be selected on the form and are subject to confirmation by the organizer.
| Benefit | How you may use it |
|---|---|
| Free admission | Enter the show without an admission fee once your registration is approved. |
| Airport Express ticket | Travel between the airport, AsiaWorld-Expo and the city, subject to the ticket conditions. |
| Shuttle buses | Use selected routes from designated pickup points to the show. |
| Global Sources app | Check exhibitor information, the show plan and details saved to your account. |
| Hotel discounts | Reduce the cost of a stay at a participating hotel, if eligible. |
| Global Sources MATCH | Receive supplier suggestions and a schedule of pre-arranged meetings, if available. |
| VIP Buyer Program | Depending on approval, receive additional assistance or access to a VIP lounge. |
For the October edition, the original offer also described flight discounts, food and drink coupons and a welcome gift. Eligible visitors may be able to receive up to HKD 2,500 toward some travel expenses; the offer cited an application deadline of 30 September 2026. Check the organizer's current eligibility rules and the exact offer before booking travel or accommodation. Do not assume that a benefit is included with ordinary registration. In particular, the separate VIP Buyer Program has its own conditions and deadline.
What might your first day at the show look like?
Before departure, register for the show, book your hotel and list the suppliers you want to see. In Hong Kong, public transport is straightforward to use, card and mobile payments are common, and local eSIM options are available.
After checking in, work out your route to AsiaWorld-Expo and have your registration confirmation ready. In the morning, collect your badge, check the floor plan and start with the exhibitors you selected in advance.
Do not try to see everything on day one. Choose one or two product groups. After each meeting, note what the company offered and what it promised to send after the show. Comparing the offers that evening will be easier.
If you want to visit mainland factories after the show, you can plan an additional day or two for Shenzhen or Dongguan. This is one way to combine Global Sources with manufacturer meetings and on-site checks.
Must you visit mainland China on your first trip?
No. Staying in Hong Kong is enough to see products, have initial conversations and choose companies for further checks.
If you want to visit a supplier in Shenzhen, Dongguan or Guangzhou after the show, arrange the meeting beforehand. Check the entry requirements for Hong Kong and mainland China separately: crossing the border involves additional travel and document checks, and rules depend on your passport and itinerary.
For your first show, you may choose to remain in Hong Kong. You can learn how a major Asian trade fair works without adding several other cities to your schedule.
What should an importer know before visiting Global Sources?
If this is your first trade show in Asia, Hong Kong makes the journey easier to organize. The airport is close to the venue, registration is online, and you can arrange meetings before flying.
Start by choosing the right show dates. Prepare a short product brief and a list of questions. Once your registration is confirmed, check which visitor benefits you can actually use.
Register for the 2026 Global Sources Hong Kong Shows and plan your first day at AsiaWorld-Expo.