China National Hardware Fair (CIHF) 2027

Name: China National Hardware Fair (CIHF) 2027
Start: 2027-03-17
End: 2027-03-19
Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC

Event overview

Overview

The 40th China International Hardware Fair (CIHF) will take place from March 17-19, 2027, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China.

This renowned hardware sourcing fair attracts over 60,000 visitors and features more than 3,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in the hardware and tools industry.

TL;DR

1Event Dates: March 17-19, 2027
2Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center, Shanghai, China
3Expected Exhibitors: 3,200+
4Expected Visitors: 60,000+
5Exhibition Area: 170,000 sqm

Why visit

Visitors can explore a wide range of products, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the latest trends in hardware and tools.

Why exhibit

Exhibitors gain visibility in a competitive market, access to a diverse audience of buyers, and the chance to showcase their latest products and innovations to industry professionals. CIHF is a pivotal event in the hardware industry, connecting manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. It serves as a platform for showcasing innovations and fostering international business partnerships.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Retail buyers from hardware stores

Manufacturers seeking suppliers

Industry professionals and experts

Distributors and wholesalers

Trade visitors from various sectors

International buyers looking for partnerships

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Manufacturers of hand tools

Suppliers of power tools

Producers of pneumatic tools

Companies specializing in welding equipment

Distributors of safety gear

Innovators in logistics equipment

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Hand tools for various applications

Power tools including drills and saws

Pneumatic tools for industrial use

Welding equipment and accessories

Safety and protection gear

Logistics and storage solutions

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

Hall 1.2HHall 2.2HHall 5.2HHall 6.2HHall 7.2HHall 8.2H

National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC

333 Songze Ave, Qingpu District, Shanghai, China

Facilities

Parking

The expo centre has large on-site parking; parking is about RMB 10 per hour with a daily maximum of RMB 80. Public transport is usually quicker during trade-fair peaks.

Parking: The expo centre has large on-site parking; parking is about RMB 10 per hour with a daily maximum of RMB 80. Public transport is usually quicker during trade-fair peaks.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

March 1719, 2027

Build-up & tear-down

Setup starts15 Mar 2027

Setup ends16 Mar 2027

Teardown starts19 Mar 2027

Teardown ends19 Mar 2027

Who runs the show

Organisers

Beijing Jinyi Youlian Exhibition Co., Ltd.

Email Call Website

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

—

reported

Exhibitors: 3,170

Visitor countries: 100

This edition

2027

Visitors: 60,000

Exhibitors: 3,200

Next edition

Not announced yet

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

Prior-edition figures sourced from post-show reporting for 2026; confirm against organiser press release when available. The 40th China International Hardware Fair (CIHF) will take place from March 17-19, 2027, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China. This renowned hardware sourcing fair attracts over 60,000 visitors and features more than 3,200 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in the hardware and tools industry. CIHF is a pivotal event in the hardware.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

Exhibitors gain visibility in a competitive market, access to a diverse audience of buyers, and the chance to showcase their latest products and innovations to industry professionals. Expected Exhibitors: 3,200+. CIHF is a pivotal event in the hardware industry, connecting manufacturers and buyers from around the globe. It serves as a platform for showcasing innovations and fostering international business partnerships. Meet qualified buyers and partners including. Exhibitor categories include Manufacturers of.

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Shanghai, Yangtze River Delta, China

Why it matters

China remains the world's largest producer and exporter of hand tools, power tools, fasteners, locks and building hardware, and the Yangtze River Delta around Shanghai (Zhejiang, Jiangsu and Shanghai itself) is the densest cluster of that manufacturing base. For international buyers, a Shanghai hardware fair is the most efficient way to compare dozens of OEM/ODM factories, check certifications and negotiate terms without a multi-city factory tour. Shanghai is also China's most internationally connected city for business travel, with two major airports, high-speed rail links and a large expo infrastructure, which makes a three-day sourcing trip practical on a normal trade-visit budget.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Digital buyer journeys

Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.

Sustainability in procurement

Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.

Automation and labour efficiency

Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.

Regional supply-chain resilience

Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.

Hybrid engagement models

Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.

The global hardware and tools trade-fair circuit

Plan 6–12 months ahead: the circuit peaks between February and May (Cologne, Shanghai, Las Vegas), with a second Asian window around the Canton Fair phases and a Gulf show in November.

CIHF Shanghai sits inside a well-established circuit of hardware, tools and building-products fairs. Most international buyers plan one European and one Asian show per year, with a US show for the North American retail channel.

Q1 (February–March)

Cologne's Eisenwarenmesse and the Shanghai hardware fair fall in the same window — decide which one carries your priority buyer base, or split teams.

Q2 (April–May)

Canton Fair phases in Guangzhou and the Las Vegas National Hardware Show follow within weeks; combine Asian sourcing and North American retail meetings in one planning cycle.

Peer events are established sector fixtures; confirm current dates, venues and hall layouts on each event's official website before booking travel.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · CNY

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

PVG

Shanghai Pudong

Maglev + metro or taxi to Pudong expo clusters.

to venue

45–70 min to SNIEC

by car

SHA

Shanghai Hongqiao

Hongqiao is closer to central Shanghai halls.

to venue

30–45 min

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai

upscale

Pudong New Area, near the expo centre

source

Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai

upscale

Pudong New Area

source

IntercityHotel Shanghai New International Expo Center

mid-range

Pudong New Area, about 420 m from the expo centre

source

Ji Hotel Shanghai Longyang Road Magnetic Levitation Station

mid-range

Longyang Road, about 500 m from the expo centre

source

Home Inn Neo (Shanghai New Int'l Expo Center Longyang Rd Subway Station Store)

budget

Longyang Road, about 360 m from the expo centre

source

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

taxi

Estimated costCNY 150–220 (taxi estimate)

Best forShanghai Pudong (PVG) to National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC

Maglev + metro or taxi to Pudong expo clusters.

taxi

Estimated costCNY 80–120 (taxi estimate)

Best forShanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC

Hongqiao is closer to central Shanghai halls.

metro

Estimated costLow fixed metro fare of a few RMB per ride; exact fare varies by distance

Best forShanghai Metro to the expo centre (Line 7 Huamu Road Station; Longyang Road interchange on Lines 2 and 7)

Metro Line 7 stops at Huamu Road next to the north entrance, and Longyang Road Station about 600 m away links Metro Lines 2 and 7, the Maglev and buses.

taxi

Estimated costRMB 10 per hour, daily maximum RMB 80

Best forSelf-drive parking at the expo centre

Large on-site parking is available; public transport is usually faster during trade-fair peaks.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
M (business)	Foreign business travellers attending the fair, business meetings or market visits in China	—	Varies by nationality and consulate; apply several weeks before travel
L (tourist)	Visitors travelling to China for tourism or leisure alongside the fair	—	Varies by nationality and consulate; apply several weeks before travel

Official visa page

Weather

March in Shanghai is cool, damp and changeable — typically around 6–15 °C with roughly 10–13 rainy days and about 80–95 mm of rain across the month. Pack layers plus a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for the 17–19 March show days; heavier plum-rain season arrives in June.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

China restricts many foreign apps and websites. Before travel, arrange connectivity: buy an eSIM or a local prepaid SIM (China Mobile, China Unicom or China Telecom), or confirm roaming with your home operator, and plan a VPN if you need cross-border access. Hotel and venue Wi-Fi is widely available but may require a Chinese mobile number or ID for activation.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Tipping and payments

Tipping is not customary in China and service charges are unusual. Mobile payment (Alipay / WeChat Pay) dominates almost everywhere; link an international card to one of these apps or carry a modest amount of RMB cash, as many venues and taxis no longer handle cards.

Business etiquette

Exchange business cards with both hands and give them a moment's attention. Address counterparts by family name with Mr/Ms; meetings start punctually and small talk is brief. WeChat is the default channel for follow-up, so share a QR code rather than relying on email alone.

Dress and venue practicalities

Smart business attire is standard at the fair, with comfortable shoes for the exhibition halls. Carry your passport or a copy plus your badge — identity checks can occur at venue entrances — and expect air-conditioned halls, so keep a layer handy.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: PVG

Book flights to PVG when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare SHA only if fares are materially lower.

Visa

Most foreign attendees need a Chinese visa. Business and trade-fair travel is covered by the M (business) visa, which generally requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or the organiser, a passport valid for at least six months with blank visa pages, and the online visa application form.

Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).

Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.

Apply through a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). Fees and processing times vary by nationality and consular location and are sometimes reduced; confirm the current fee and timeline for your passport before booking travel, and carry your invitation letter and hotel details.

Official

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Shanghai Pudong (PVG): 45–70 min to SNIEC; Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA): 30–45 min. Allow road or rail time to National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.

Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC: Pudong New Area, near the expo centre; Pudong New Area; Pudong New Area, about 420 m from the expo centre.

Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Shanghai; confirm local availability before travel.

Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC.

Parking: On-site parking is available at National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) NECC; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: March 2027

Temperature: About 6–15 °C (overnight lows of roughly 6–9 °C, daytime highs of 12–16 °C)

Seasonality: Early spring in Shanghai: overcast and changeable with frequent drizzle — expect roughly 10–13 wet days and about 80–95 mm of rain during March. The heavy plum-rain season does not begin until June.

Packing: March in Shanghai is cool, damp and changeable — typically around 6–15 °C with roughly 10–13 rainy days and about 80–95 mm of rain across the month. Pack layers plus a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for the 17–19 March show days; heavier plum-rain season arrives in June.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Thursday 18 March 2027 (Day 2)

The fair runs for three days with no published session grid. Day 1 is dominated by registration and first-pass hall scanning, and Day 3 halls thin out as exhibitors pack down. Day 2 is typically peak attendance: exhibitor teams are fully staffed, catalogue and sample stock is still complete, matchmaking meetings are running, and buyers who arrived on Day 1 already have a shortlist to negotiate against.

Side trips

Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town

Suzhou

Networking spots

Organiser buyer–supplier matchmaking area

Pre-scheduled meetings between international buyers and exhibitors; register for matchmaking before the show so slots are allocated.

Main concourse and F&B zones between halls

Coffee and food counters along the main concourse are the natural meeting point between hall visits; useful for informal introductions at peak hours.

Business hotel lobbies and lounges near the venue

Mid-range and upscale hotels around the expo area host supplier teams during show week — lobby lounges work well for evening follow-up meetings.

Budget

Costs & budget

Cost reference

Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.

visitor_ticket

visitor · Registered trade visitor

—

official

hotel_night

visitor · Budget

USD 20–40 / per room per night

estimate

hotel_night

visitor · Mid-range

USD 60–90 / per room per night

estimate

hotel_night

visitor · Premium

USD 150–200 / per room per night

estimate

per_diem

visitor · Standard

USD 75 / per person per day

estimate

visa_fee

visitor · M (business) visa

USD 60–185 / per applicant

estimate

Item	For	Tier	Estimated range	Status
visitor_ticket	visitor	Registered trade visitor	—	official
hotel_night	visitor	Budget	USD 20–40 / per room per night	estimate
hotel_night	visitor	Mid-range	USD 60–90 / per room per night	estimate
hotel_night	visitor	Premium	USD 150–200 / per room per night	estimate
per_diem	visitor	Standard	USD 75 / per person per day	estimate
visa_fee	visitor	M (business) visa	USD 60–185 / per applicant	estimate

Decision

Visit, exhibit, or skip?

Should you go?

Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.

QUESTION 1 OF 6

What is your primary role?

Decision matrix

Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.

visit

You are evaluating suppliers, comparing product lines or need to meet several Chinese manufacturers and export agents in a single trip.

Best for

Hardware buyers, distributors, importers, wholesalers and specifiers sourcing tools, fasteners, locks, power tools and building hardware from Chinese manufacturers.

Min. budget

$450.00

Timeline

4-8 weeks before the show (visa application, flights and NECC-area hotel booking).

Risks

Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

Shanghai trade-fair weeks book out nearby hotels early; rates rise sharply in March.

Cross-border apps, payments and mobile data need to be set up before arrival in China.

exhibit

You have a China/Asia distribution push, an export-ready catalogue and enough staff to cover all three show days.

Best for

Hardware, tool, fastener and building-materials manufacturers and exporters targeting Chinese and international distributors, OEM/ODM buyers and agents.

Min. budget

$2,200.00

Timeline

6-9 months before the show (stand booking and deposit, visa, sample shipment, staffing and travel).

Risks

Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.

Booth and shell-scheme pricing is not published in the captured listing data — confirm stand costs and hall allocation directly with the organiser before committing.

Importing samples and display hardware into China requires customs preparation.

skip

Budget and travel time are committed to higher-priority shows on the hardware circuit, or your suppliers are already fully qualified.

Best for

Teams with no China sourcing, OEM/ODM or export plan in the next 12 months, or whose category is not carried by the hardware and tools supply chain.

Timeline

Not applicable.

Risks

No major risks listed.

Book with

Partners

China National Hardware, Electric and Chemical Products Commercial Association

FAQs & glossary

Answers

Frequently asked

Do I need a visa to attend a trade fair in Shanghai?

Most foreign visitors need a Chinese visa. Business and trade-fair travel is covered by the M (business) visa, which generally requires an invitation letter from a Chinese company or the organiser, a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, and the online application form.

How do I reach the expo centre by public transport?

Shanghai Metro Line 7 stops at Huamu Road next to the venue's north entrance, and the Longyang Road interchange about 600 m away links Metro Lines 2 and 7, the Maglev and buses.

Is there parking at the venue?

The expo centre has large on-site parking; parking is about RMB 10 per hour with a daily maximum of RMB 80. Public transport is usually quicker during trade-fair peaks.

How do I stay connected while in China?

Buy an eSIM or a local prepaid SIM, or confirm roaming with your operator, and consider a VPN as many foreign apps and sites are restricted. Hotel and venue Wi-Fi is widely available but may need a Chinese number or ID to activate.

Where can I stay near the venue?

Hotels in the Pudong New Area near the Longyang Road hub range from budget (Home Inn Neo) to upscale (Kerry Hotel Pudong and Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel), many within a few hundred metres of the expo centre.

Glossary

CIHF: China National Hardware Fair, the hardware, tools and building-products trade fair held in Shanghai and the event this listing covers.
NECC: National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the large expo venue in Shanghai where the fair is staged.
SNIEC: Shanghai New International Expo Centre, a major Pudong expo venue referenced in travel and hotel research for the show.
M visa: Chinese business visa for commercial and trade activities such as attending trade fairs, meetings and market research; usually needs an invitation letter.
L visa: Chinese tourist visa for leisure travel; it does not cover commercial or trade-fair activity.
Invitation letter: A document from a Chinese host company or the organiser that supports a business visa application and states the purpose and dates of the visit.
eSIM: A digital SIM profile that can be installed before travel to give mobile data in China without buying a physical local SIM.
VPN: A virtual private network used by many business travellers in China for secure cross-border access, since several foreign apps and sites are restricted.
Maglev: Shanghai's high-speed magnetic levitation train linking Pudong airport with the Longyang Road interchange near the expo area.

Trust footer

Sources

References

Publishers

Date checked

China International Hardware Fair

Official Website
Lang: ENGLISH
event_website
Facebook
Lang: ENGLISH
event_social
YouTube
Lang: ENGLISH
event_social
Instagram
Lang: ENGLISH
event_social

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card

Exhibiting at this event?

Enter your business email to get a free first Exclusive Spotlight worth 250$.

Explore Spotlights

Build your event team

Compare trusted stand builders, logistics teams and local event suppliers in one request.

Explore Vendor Marketplace

Are you a delegate or visitor at this event?

Habsy.ai helps you scan badges, share your digital card, and keep every connection on the show floor. Exclusive premium tool worth $100.

Digital business cards for the show floor

Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.

Create a free card