Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Chocex Hangzhou 2026 is a significant event in the chocolate industry, bringing together leading brands and professionals. The exhibition will feature product displays, forums, and tasting events, providing a comprehensive experience for attendees.
This event is a must-visit for anyone involved in the chocolate market, offering insights into the latest trends and innovations. Chocex Hangzhou 2026 takes place in Hangzhou, China.
Venue: Hangzhou International Expo Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Chocex Hangzhou 2026 runs from December 25 to 27, 2026, at Hangzhou International Expo Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event showcases a wide range of chocolate brands and products, attracting industry professionals.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Shanghai Qinnuo Exhibition Co., Ltd., known for hosting major exhibitions.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include chocolate manufacturers, distributors, and retailers looking for new products.
- 5Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of chocolate products and brands. The event will also host forums and workshops, allowing attendees to gain valuable insights from industry experts. Networking opportunities abound, making it an essential event for professionals in the chocolate sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Chocex Hangzhou 2026 offers brands unparalleled exposure to key industry players. Sponsors and exhibitors can connect directly with potential buyers and partners, enhancing their market presence. The event also provides a platform for launching new products and gaining feedback from industry professionals.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Chocolate and confectionery manufacturers sourcing couverture, cocoa ingredients, inclusions, moulding equipment and retail packaging
Retail buyers and e-commerce merchandisers selecting premium bars, gift boxes and seasonal chocolate ranges for Chinese consumers
Distributors, importers and wholesalers building chocolate assortments for regional retail and foodservice accounts
Artisan chocolatiers, pastry chefs and bakery professionals tracking tempering, moulding, ganache and decoration techniques
Foodservice and hospitality buyers sourcing chocolate for hotels, cafes, dessert chains and gifting programmes
Private-label and OEM buyers looking for Chinese or international production partners for chocolate and confectionery lines
Packaging, display and cold-chain buyers sourcing gift tins, flow-wrap, POS refrigeration and presentation formats
Trade media, consultants and certification bodies serving the chocolate and confectionery supply chain
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Artisan chocolatiers and premium chocolate brands showing finished bars, bonbons, pralines and seasonal gift collections
Industrial chocolate producers and couverture suppliers offering bulk chocolate, cocoa masses and custom formulations
Cocoa, sugar, dairy, nut and flavour ingredient suppliers selling to chocolate manufacturers and pastry kitchens
Tempering, enrobing, moulding, depositing and cooling equipment manufacturers demonstrating production and artisan-scale machinery
Mould, tool and small-equipment suppliers serving chocolatiers, pastry chefs and bakery chains
Packaging converters, rigid-box makers and gift-tin printers supplying chocolate brands and seasonal retail programmes
Refrigeration and display suppliers providing chocolate cabinets, POS refrigerators and cold-chain handling for retail
Food-safety, certification, logistics and trade-media providers supporting chocolate brands entering or expanding in China
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Couverture, chocolate blocks and industrial chocolate
Cocoa ingredients, cocoa butter, cocoa powder and chocolate compounds
Inclusions, nuts, dried fruit, crisps and flavourings
Tempering, enrobing, moulding and depositing machinery
Chocolate moulds, tools, spatulas and small-scale production equipment
Packaging, gift boxes, tins, flow-wrap and label solutions
Finished artisan and gourmet chocolate, bonbons and pralines
POS refrigeration, display cabinets and cold-chain equipment
Private-label and OEM chocolate production services
Chocolate beverages, spreads, sauces and bakery applications
Location & Facilities
Venue
Hangzhou International Expo Center
353 Benjing Ave, Qianjiang Century City, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
Facilities
Parking
Hangzhou International Expo Center in Hangzhou typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Hangzhou International Expo Center in Hangzhou typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Hangzhou International Expo Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
Shanghai Qinnuo Exhibition Co., Ltd. (钦诺展览)
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Hangzhou, China
Why it matters
Attending Chocex Hangzhou 2026 on 2026-12-25 to 2026-12-27 in Hangzhou lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CNY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Primary international airport for Hangzhou; confirm current taxi, airport shuttle and metro connections at arrival
TBA
to venue
Approx. 30-50 min by taxi or ride-hail depending on traffic
by car
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Useful alternate gateway with frequent high-speed trains to Hangzhou; book rail seats in advance during peak periods
TBA
to venue
Allow 2-3 hours door to door including rail and metro or taxi
by car
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Best for intercontinental routes that do not serve HGH directly; confirm rail and metro timings before booking
TBA
to venue
Allow 3-4 hours door to door including airport transfer and rail
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
SSAW Boutique Hotel Hangzhou Chengjun
midscale
HangzhouZhishang Hotel Hangzhou West Lake Zheyi
budget
West Lake district, HangzhouWest Lake QingChun CitiGO Hotel Hangzhou
4-star
West Lake / QingChun Road area, HangzhouBest Western
4-star
HangzhouOrange Hotel
3-star
HangzhouHilton Garden Inn Hangzhou Xixi Zijingang
upscale
Xixi / Zijingang, HangzhouLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costApprox. CNY 2-7 per single journey depending on distance; use station machines or Alipay/WeChat transit QR. Confirm current fares.
Best forHangzhou city centre to Qianjiang Century City / Hangzhou International Expo Center district
Hangzhou Metro connects the city centre with the Qianjiang Century City expo district; confirm the closest station and exit for Hangzhou International Expo Center on the current metro map.
bus
Estimated costApprox. CNY 2-5 per single ride; pay with a transport card or mobile QR. Confirm current route and fare.
Best forCentral Hangzhou hotel districts to the Qianjiang Century City venue area
Local bus routes serve the expo district but require route checking; metro or taxi is usually simpler for first-time visitors.
taxi / ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. CNY 60-120 by taxi or Didi for a 14-16 km trip; meter plus possible surcharges. Confirm the live in-app fare.
Best forWest Lake or central Hangzhou to Hangzhou International Expo Center
A captured Google Maps route from central Hangzhou showed about 26 minutes and 14.6 km via Qiushi Elevated Road, with alternates via Benjing Avenue and Qingchun Tunnel.
taxi / ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. CNY 80-130 for a 20-25 km airport trip by official taxi or Didi; confirm the live fare and pickup point.
Best forHangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Hangzhou International Expo Center
Use the official taxi queue or the designated ride-hail pickup area at HGH; allow extra time during peak hours.
airport shuttle + metro/taxi
Estimated costApprox. CNY 20-30 for the airport shuttle to central Hangzhou, plus CNY 5-15 for metro or short taxi to the venue. Confirm current shuttle routes.
Best forHangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) to Hangzhou International Expo Center
A lower-cost option when arriving with light luggage; check the current airport shuttle timetable before relying on it.
high-speed rail + metro/taxi
Estimated costCNY 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forShanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East, then to Hangzhou International Expo Center
Useful if arriving via Shanghai; book rail seats on 12306 or a reputable booking platform and allow transfer time at Hangzhou East.
car parking
Estimated costApprox. CNY 5-10 per hour with a daily cap; confirm current venue parking rates and hall access before driving.
Best forHangzhou International Expo Center car park
On-site parking is available at the venue; rates and entry gates should be confirmed on the venue or organiser site before travel.
taxi
Estimated costCNY 120-250 taxi or Didi ride to the venue district
Best forShanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Hangzhou International Expo Center
Allow 2-3 hours door to door including rail and metro or taxi; Useful alternate gateway with frequent high-speed trains to Hangzhou; book rail seats in advance during peak periods.
Weather
December 2026 in Hangzhou is early winter, cool and with rain possible; extension weather searches were blocked, so check a reliable forecast in the week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile roaming and local SIM options for China were not captured beyond a general note; arrange eSIM or a China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom SIM before arrival and confirm hotel Wi-Fi in the booking.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language and business cards
Mandarin is the main business language in Hangzhou; international sales staff often speak English, but a translation app or interpreter helps for technical and contract discussions. Carry bilingual business cards and present them with both hands.
Cashless payments
Alipay and WeChat Pay are standard for taxis, cafes and many venue services. Set up an international card link before departure and keep a small amount of cash as backup.
Trade fair etiquette
Meetings are often arranged by appointment and start with introductions; punctuality matters. Bring product samples, catalogues and clear pricing or MOQ information if you are buying or selling.
Dining and tipping
Tipping is not customary in Hangzhou. Business banquets are common in Chinese trade settings; confirm dietary restrictions in advance and expect shared dishes rather than individual plating.
Venue district orientation
Hangzhou International Expo Center sits in Qianjiang Century City, Xiaoshan District, across the Qiantang River from West Lake. Allow 20-40 minutes by taxi or metro between the venue district and central Hangzhou hotels.
Visas and registration
Check China visa or visa-free entry rules for your nationality and carry your passport, hotel booking and any organiser invitation. Trade-show registration may ask for company details, so bring a business card and company ID.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: HGH
Captured Google Flights results for London and New York to HGH on 25 Dec 2026 show one-stop and two-stop routings via Shenzhen, Beijing Daxing, Hong Kong, Doha, Seoul Incheon and other hubs; the capture notes prices are currently typical and warnings about air traffic disruptions, so re-check live fares and allow buffer days.
Visa
Most foreign nationals need a Chinese visa for business travel to Hangzhou; extension captures did not return official visa pages, so confirm the latest rules with your local Chinese embassy or visa application centre before booking.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
No official Chinese visa page was reachable in the capture; processing time and fee are intentionally left empty.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Approx. 30-50 min by taxi or ride-hail depending on traffic; Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Allow 2-3 hours door to door including rail and metro or taxi; Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Allow 3-4 hours door to door including airport transfer and rail. Allow road or rail time to Hangzhou International Expo Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Hangzhou International Expo Center: Hangzhou: SSAW Boutique Hotel Hangzhou Chengjun; West Lake district, Hangzhou: Zhishang Hotel Hangzhou West Lake Zheyi; West Lake / QingChun Road area, Hangzhou: West Lake QingChun CitiGO Hotel Hangzhou.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Hangzhou; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Extension captures for Hangzhou International Expo Center transit were blocked; the confirmed ground reference is a roughly 26-minute, 14.6 km road route from the city centre. Check live bus and metro options before relying on them.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Hangzhou International Expo Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: December 2026
Temperature: Approx. 3-12°C in December, with cool mornings and possible rain; check a reliable forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: Early winter in Hangzhou - pack for both cold dry spells and possible rain; no organiser-specific seasonal guidance was captured.
Packing: Layered warm clothing for December, plus a rain layer and comfortable shoes for walking the halls at Hangzhou International Expo Center.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Chocex Hangzhou 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your Chocex visitor registration and badge collection method on the official site before booking travel; trade access may require company details or a business card.
T-2
Check Chinese visa or visa-free eligibility for your nationality and confirm passport validity rules with the Chinese embassy or visa centre.
T-3
Book a hotel in Qianjiang Century City for easy access to Hangzhou International Expo Center, or in the West Lake area for evening dining with a 20-30 minute commute.
T-4
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before departure; many Hangzhou shops, taxis and venues are cashless.
T-5
Arrange mobile data or roaming and download offline maps; check which apps and services you need for email and messaging in mainland China.
T-6
Book flights to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), or plan a Shanghai arrival with a high-speed rail connection to Hangzhou East station.
T-7
Shortlist Chocex exhibitors by product category (couverture, inclusions, moulding equipment, packaging) and request meetings 5-7 days ahead.
T-8
Plan your metro, bus or taxi route from the hotel to the venue and check first and last train times for your show days.
T-9
Pack business cards, comfortable shoes and layered clothing for Hangzhou's cool December weather.
T-10
Check the official schedule for hall opening times, any conference sessions and buyer programmes, and leave buffer for security screening.
T-11
Arrange a Chinese-speaking interpreter or translation app for supplier negotiations, label review and technical discussions.
T-12
Confirm return airport transfer timing and allow extra time for HGH security and check-in on departure.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Hangzhou International Expo Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Chocex Hangzhou 2026 registration concourse
Hangzhou International Expo Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Hangzhou International Expo Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCN¥190.00
- Per diem × 2CN¥150.00
Estimated totalCN¥340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Chocex Hangzhou 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
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
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Chocex Hangzhou 2026 held?
Chocex Hangzhou 2026 runs at Hangzhou International Expo Center in Hangzhou, China; confirm the exact December 2026 show dates on the official organiser site before booking travel.
How do I get to Hangzhou International Expo Center from the city centre?
Google Maps routing captured here shows roughly 14.6 km and about 26 minutes by road via Qiushi Elevated Road, with alternates via Benjing Avenue or the Qingchun Tunnel; taxi or ride-hailing is the simplest default, and metro or bus options should be re-checked live.
Which airport serves Chocex Hangzhou?
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) is the destination used in the captured London and New York flight searches; both captures show one-stop or two-stop options via hubs such as Hong Kong, Beijing Daxing, Doha and Seoul Incheon.
Do I need a visa to attend a trade fair in Hangzhou?
Most foreign business visitors need a Chinese visa. The extension capture did not return an official visa page, so verify current requirements, processing times and fees with the Chinese embassy or visa centre in your country.
Where should I stay for Chocex Hangzhou?
The captured Google Hotels list includes West Lake and QingChun Road options such as West Lake QingChun CitiGO, Best Western, Zhishang Hotel West Lake Zheyi and SSAW Boutique Hotel Chengjun, plus Hilton Garden Inn Hangzhou Xixi Zijingang in Xixi/Zijingang - about 25-30 minutes by road from the venue.
What is the December weather like in Hangzhou for the show?
December is early winter in Hangzhou: cool with possible rain. Pack warm layers plus a rain shell and comfortable shoes; the extension weather captures were blocked, so check the forecast in the final week before departure.
Glossary
- Couverture
- High-cocoa-butter chocolate used by chocolatiers for coating, moulding and enrobing because it flows well and sets with a glossy finish.
- Tempering
- Controlled heating and cooling of chocolate to stabilise cocoa butter crystals, giving snap, shine and resistance to bloom.
- Conching
- Prolonged mixing and aeration of chocolate mass that develops flavour and reduces particle size before tempering or moulding.
- Cocoa butter
- Natural fat pressed from cocoa beans; a key ingredient in couverture and a major cost driver in chocolate formulation.
- Ganache
- A blend of chocolate and cream, sometimes with butter or flavourings, used as filling for bonbons, truffles and cakes.
- Praline
- A chocolate confection with a nut-based or cream filling; in a trade-show context, a finished bonbon style presented by artisan and industrial exhibitors.
- Bean-to-bar
- Production model where a chocolatier sources cocoa beans and controls roasting, grinding, conching and moulding in-house.
- Enrobing
- Machine coating of centres such as biscuits, nuts or pralines with a curtain of tempered chocolate.
- Moulding
- Casting tempered chocolate into polycarbonate or silicone moulds to form bars, shells and filled bonbons.
- Inclusions
- Nuts, fruit pieces, crisps, seeds or other solid ingredients added to chocolate for texture and flavour.
- Private label
- Retailer-branded chocolate produced by a third-party manufacturer; a common sourcing route for Chinese retail and gifting chains.
- Clean label
- Product positioning that avoids or reduces artificial additives and favours recognisable ingredient lists; relevant to premium chocolate buyers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Chocex Hangzhou
- Chocex China chocolate expo
- chocolate machinery China
- cocoa ingredients China
- chocolate packaging expo
- artisan chocolate China
- couverture suppliers China
- Hangzhou International Expo Center chocolate
- Chocex exhibitor list
- Chocex visitor registration
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.