Shenzhen in November Is "Exhibition Month": Two Venues with Shows Every Day
Shenzhen's exhibition calendar for November 2026 is packed tight. The headline event is the 28th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF), running from 26 to 28 November, alongside a whole host of consumer exhibitions. Shenzhen has two main exhibition venues, so get clear on which is which before you set off, or you'll end up at the wrong one:
- Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center: Fuhua 3rd Road, Futian District, right in the city centre, directly connected to Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Line 1 / Line 4.
- Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center: Bao'an District, one of the largest single exhibition complexes in the world, served by Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center Station on Line 20; just a few stops from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport.
Most November exhibitions rotate between these two venues, so always check carefully which venue is hosting before you go — they are a long way apart.
Highlight: China Hi-Tech Fair, 26–28 November
The 28th China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) is known as "China's No. 1 Technology Show". The 2026 edition runs from 26 to 28 November, with the main exhibition area at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an) and some themed exhibitions at Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian). This year's theme is "Technology Empowers New Quality Productive Forces, Connecting Global Innovation Ecosystems", with a total exhibition area of 400,000 square metres and around 5,000 exhibitors taking part.
The Hi-Tech Fair is primarily a trade show, but there are plenty of themed exhibitions open to the public running alongside it, such as 3E Asia Consumer Electronics Show, the Asia Robot Industry Chain Exhibition, the Asia Aerospace Industry Exhibition and the Asia Energy Storage & Battery Industry Exhibition — a chance for tech fans to see everything in one go.
November Shenzhen Exhibition Round-Up (Selected)
| Dates | Exhibition | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 3–5 November | Shenzhen International Lighting Exhibition | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
| 4–7 November | Shenzhen International Plastics & Rubber Industry Exhibition | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
| 11–14 November | Asia-Pacific International Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Heating & Ventilation Exhibition | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
| 12–13 November | Shenzhen International Automotive Innovation Technology Week | Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an) |
| 17–19 November | Shenzhen International Fine Wine Exhibition | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
| 17–18 November | Munich South China Electronics Production Equipment Exhibition | Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an) |
| 19–21 November | Shenzhen International Catering Franchise Exhibition | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
| 26–28 November | China Hi-Tech Fair (including 3E Consumer Electronics Show, Robot Exhibition and more) | Both venues simultaneously |
| 27–29 November | Shenzhen International Tourism Industry Expo | Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian) |
The above is a selection; in reality there are dozens more themed exhibitions running at the same time (semiconductors, energy storage, low-altitude economy, biotechnology and more). Organisers sometimes change dates, so it's best to double-check before you go.
Which Ones Can Visitors to Shenzhen Attend?
- 3E Asia Consumer Electronics Show (26–28 November, Bao'an): phones, home appliances, digital products — great for anyone who loves checking out new tech.
- Shenzhen International Fine Wine Exhibition (17–19 November, Futian): mainly wine and spirits, with some sessions open to the public; afterwards you can stroll over to COCO Park.
- Shenzhen International Tourism Industry Expo (27–29 November, Futian): travel routes, hotels and flight deals all in one place — worth a look if you're hunting for travel bargains.
- Shenzhen International Catering Franchise Exhibition (19–21 November, Futian): one for anyone thinking of starting a business or scouting franchise brands.
Note that trade shows generally require online pre-registration for a badge, and some are open to industry professionals only; consumer shows mostly allow entry with a ticket bought on-site or online. Ticket and opening arrangements are subject to each exhibition's official announcements.
Getting There: How to Reach the Two Venues
- Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center (Futian): directly connected to Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Line 1 / Line 4. From Futian Checkpoint, it's just two stops on Line 4 — the most convenient venue.
- Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an): Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center Station on Line 20; just a few stops from the airport. From Luohu Checkpoint, take Line 1 and change to Line 11 / Line 20, allowing 60–70 minutes in total; from Shenzhen Bay Checkpoint, take Line 13 and change to Line 11 / Line 20, around 45–60 minutes.
- High-speed rail: West Kowloon → Shenzhen North Station / Futian Station, then transfer to the metro or call a car.
What to Prepare Before Visiting an Exhibition
Shenzhen exhibitions aren't like the Hong Kong Book Fair where you can just walk in. Entry rules for trade shows and consumer shows are very different, so it's best to sort out the following before you go:
- First, check whether it's a trade show or a consumer show: trade shows (semiconductors, energy storage, aerospace, for example) generally require online pre-registration with your company name and job title, and some are open to industry professionals only; consumer shows (consumer electronics, fine wine, tourism) usually allow tickets to be bought online or on-site.
- Pre-register online: most exhibition websites have a "Visitor Registration" portal. Fill in your details and you'll receive an e-badge QR code — scan it at the gate on arrival, which is much faster than queuing on-site.
- Bring your documents: entry is under your real name, so remember your Mainland Travel Permit; there's a security check, so don't bring large luggage or liquids.
- Check opening hours: trade shows usually run 09:00–17:00, with the last day closing early (around 15:00–16:00); consumer shows may stay open into the evening.
During major exhibitions, the malls near both venues do brisk business. Opposite the Futian venue is Xinghe COCO Park and the Shopping Park area, with food, shopping and entertainment all in one place; the Bao'an venue is next to the airport, with newer surrounding facilities, and most people head straight back into the city centre for dinner afterwards.
Practical Tips
- For trade shows, pick a weekday (Tuesday to Thursday) when it's quietest; consumer shows at weekends are guaranteed to be busy.
- The Bao'an venue is huge — walking a single hall can easily take 20 minutes, so wear comfortable shoes.
- During major exhibitions, hotels and restaurants near the venues raise their prices; if you want to avoid the crush, stay one or two metro stops further out.
- There's a security check on entry, so don't bring large luggage; bring water and a power bank.
- Mid-November also sees the APEC meetings (17–19 November) in Xiangmihu, Futian, so city-centre hotels and transport will be stretched — book early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center and Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center the same place?
No. Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center is in Futian District (Convention & Exhibition Center Station on Line 1 / Line 4); Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center is in Bao'an District (Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center Station on Line 20). They are dozens of kilometres apart, so check carefully before you tap in the address.
When is the China Hi-Tech Fair 2026, and do I need a ticket?
26–28 November 2026, mainly at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center (Bao'an), with some themed exhibitions at the Futian venue. Trade shows generally require online pre-registration; consumer-themed exhibitions may require a ticket. Arrangements are subject to official announcements.
Can I visit an exhibition as a same-day return trip from Hong Kong?
Yes, but allow plenty of time. The Futian venue is closest to Futian Checkpoint — cross the border and it's two metro stops. The Bao'an venue takes over an hour each way, so a same-day return trip will be tight.
Sources: China Hi-Tech Fair official website, Shenzhen exhibition industry calendar round-up (Youzhan.com), and public information from Shenzhen Convention & Exhibition Center and Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center. Dates, venues and ticket arrangements may change; refer to each exhibition's latest official announcements.
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