CPhI China & P-MEC China | TradeShowIntel

Event overview

Overview

CPHI & PMEC China 2027 is Asia's largest integrated pharmaceutical supply-chain exhibition, running 16-18 June 2027 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. The 25th CPHI China and 20th PMEC China bring pharma ingredients, natural extracts, excipients, biotech, contract research and manufacturing, finished dosage, machinery, packaging, laboratory instruments and clean technology under one roof.

The organiser targets 300,000+ sqm, 3,900+ exhibitors, 150,000+ attendees and 100+ conferences. The 2026 edition is the published benchmark: 250,000 sqm, 3,701 exhibitors and 129,172 professional visits from 168 countries, with more than a quarter of visitors from overseas.

The show is trade-only and admits no one under 18. It is a working sourcing and partnership event, not a consumer beauty-style expo: buyers come for supplier qualification, price discovery, CDMO capacity, equipment selection and China market entry.

TL;DR

125th CPHI China and 20th PMEC China, 16-18 June 2027 at NECC Shanghai.
2Organiser target: 300,000+ sqm, 3,900+ exhibitors, 150,000+ attendees, 100+ conferences.
32026 benchmark: 250,000 sqm, 3,701 exhibitors, 129,172 visits from 168 countries.
4Trade-only, 18+; online pre-registration free until 14 June 2027.
5First edition at NECC after the move from SNIEC; 2027 hall plan not yet published.

Why visit

Visit to qualify Chinese and international suppliers in one trip, compare API and excipient offers, meet CDMO/CRO capacity providers, see machinery and packaging lines running, and pre-book meetings with the overseas buyer teams that attend. The co-located ingredients, services and equipment halls let a sourcing team cover an entire product chain in two days. Free online pre-registration and a Shanghai location make it a low-cost entry point compared with separate supplier tours.

Why exhibit

Exhibit to reach a concentrated audience of Chinese manufacturers plus 160+ country buyer delegations, launch a product or capacity story into the China market, and meet distributors, CDMO partners and equipment buyers face to face. The 2026 post-show data reports 89% of visitors having or influencing purchasing decisions. The 2027 move to NECC adds space for larger machinery and demo stands. Success depends on pre-booked meetings, bilingual collateral and a clear China channel plan.

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Procurement and sourcing managers for APIs, intermediates, excipients and natural extracts

CDMO/CRO business development and outsourcing managers

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, engineering and validation teams

Packaging, drug-delivery and laboratory instrumentation buyers

Distributors, traders and international buyer delegations

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

API, intermediate and excipient manufacturers

Natural extract and traditional-medicine ingredient suppliers

CDMO/CRO and contract manufacturing providers

Pharmaceutical machinery, packaging and cleanroom equipment makers

Laboratory, analytical and life-science instrument suppliers

Finished-dosage and biotechnology companies

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Pharma ingredients and APIs

Intermediates and fine chemicals

Excipients and formulation services

Natural extracts and traditional medicine

Biotechnology and advanced therapies

Contract research, development and manufacturing (CDMO/CRO)

Pharmaceutical machinery and production equipment

Packaging, drug delivery and cleanroom technology

Laboratory and life-science instruments

Clean technology and environmental protection

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Halls & areas

NECC Exhibition Halls (2027 Allocation Not Yet Published)

National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai

No. 333 Songze Avenue, Qingpu District, Shanghai 201702, China

Facilities

Parking

On-site paid parking at NECC; daily price not published.

Parking: Paid on-site parking is available at NECC; use the north gate on Songze Avenue or the south gate on Yinggang East Road. Allow extra time on build and opening days.

Gate: Main visitor access is via the NECC north and south gates; the 2027 hall allocation and exact visitor gate were not published on the fetched pages.

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Free registration

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Tue 16 June9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Wed 17 June9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Thu 18 June9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Standard trade visitor (online pre-registration)
Free until 14 June 2027, 00:00; CNY 100 late/on-site registration after the deadline.

Ticket info

Badge collection

Real-name registration. Chinese nationals use the original ID card at the gate; passport, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan-resident visitors collect a paper badge at the service counter.

Ticket notes

Online pre-registration is free until 14 June 2027, 00:00; a CNY 100 registration fee applies after that deadline. No consumer tickets are sold.

Registration deadline

2027-06-14

Who runs the show

Organisers

Informa Markets

Global exhibition organiser

Website

China Chamber of Commerce of Medicines & Health Products Importers & Exporters (CCCMHPIE)

Co-organiser and industry association

Website

Sinoexpo Informa Markets

Co-organiser

Website

What's on

Programme

Topic tracks

Pharma Ingredients and APIsExcipients and FormulationBiotech and Contract ServicesMachinery, Packaging and Laboratories

Co-located events

PMEC China 2027

Free with ticket

Pharmaceutical machinery, equipment, packaging and clean technology, co-located with CPHI China.

Same NECC venue and badge.

Website

CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2027

Separate ticket

Southern China edition focused on R&D, biotech and the Greater Bay Area, 8-10 September 2027.

SZCEC, Shenzhen; separate event and registration.

Website

Awards

CPHI Celebration Awards

Annual

Industry awards and networking party held during the show; the 2026 edition drew 600+ decision-makers, including 300+ overseas buyers.

source

Government supporters

China Chamber of Commerce of Medicines & Health Products Importers & Exporters(CCCMHPIE)

Co-organiser and industry association · China

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Last edition

2026

Completed

Visitors: 129,172

Exhibitors: 3,701

Floor area: 250,000 sqm

Edition #: 24

Visitor countries: 168

This edition

2027

Forecast — not final

Visitors: 150,000

Exhibitors: 3,900

Floor area: 300,000 sqm

Next edition

2028

No 2028 dates were published on the fetched pages. Expect the show to remain at NECC Shanghai in June.

Second NECC edition Continued growth in international and CDMO participation

Edition recap

CPHI & PMEC China 2026 closed at SNIEC with 3,701 exhibitors, 129,172 professional visits from 168 countries and more than 25% overseas attendance.

New this edition

1
Move to NECC Shanghai
The 2027 edition relocates from SNIEC to the National Exhibition and Convention Center, adding space for larger machinery and demo stands.
Source
2
International New Brand Zone
A dedicated zone for first-time international exhibitors, listed in the 2026 post-show review of featured zones.
Source

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The 2027 move to NECC is a scale upgrade: the organiser is planning 300,000+ sqm against 250,000 sqm in 2026, with 3,900+ exhibitors against 3,701. That is roughly 20% more floor and 5% more exhibitors, while attendance is targeted at 150,000+ against 129,172 actual visits. The risk is that a first-year venue transition disrupts hall flow, logistics and hotel supply; the opportunity is a less cramped floor for machinery demos and more space for international pavilions.

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Audience quality is the event's strongest asset. In 2026, 89% of professional visitors had or influenced purchasing decisions, more than 25% came from outside China, and the visitor base spanned 168 countries. The mix skews toward sourcing, manufacturing, engineering and business-development roles rather than general marketing attendees. For a supplier, that means fewer casual visitors but a high proportion of people who can specify, qualify or buy.

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

ROI depends on preparation. A 9 sqm stand costs an estimated USD 6,000-12,000 all-in; a team needs 40-60 qualified conversations to justify that. The 2026 audience of 129,172 visits over three days implies roughly 43,000 visits per day across 36 halls, so traffic is spread thin per exhibitor. Exhibitors that pre-book 20+ meetings, run live machinery or lab demos, and follow up within 48 hours should clear the cost; those who rely on walk-ins will not.

Intelligence

Market context

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

Asia

Why it matters

China supplies a large share of the world's APIs, intermediates and pharmaceutical equipment, and its domestic market is the second largest after the United States. CPHI & PMEC China is the annual point where that supply base meets international buyers. For a sourcing team, the show shortens supplier discovery from months of factory visits to three days of concentrated meetings. For a Chinese exporter, it delivers inbound international buyer traffic that would otherwise require a global roadshow. The 2026 audience of 168 countries and >25% overseas share confirms the two-way trade function.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Supply-chain diversification and China+1

Global buyers are qualifying second-source suppliers outside China while keeping Chinese API and intermediate capacity for cost and scale. Chinese suppliers are responding with overseas warehouses, joint ventures and regulatory filings.

What it changes: Exhibitors should present a credible multi-country supply story, not only a China factory price.

Source

CDMO and biotech outbound

Chinese CDMOs and biotech companies are increasingly selling development and manufacturing services to US, European and Middle East clients, and licensing assets globally.

What it changes: The contract services halls are where partnership and licensing conversations start; allocate time beyond the ingredient halls.

Source

Automation, digitalisation and green manufacturing

Machinery demand is shifting from single machines to integrated lines with digital monitoring, data integrity and lower energy/water use, driven by GMP upgrades and sustainability targets.

What it changes: Equipment buyers should bring a validation and utilities brief; live line demos are the main differentiator.

Source

Quality and regulatory convergence

Chinese suppliers are investing in EDQM, US FDA and WHO prequalification pathways, while international buyers demand audit trails, CoAs and change-control discipline.

What it changes: Regulatory documentation is now a gating criterion in supplier selection, not an afterthought.

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

CPHI & PMEC China 2026 closes with record 129,172 visits

Read

2027 edition moves to NECC Shanghai

Read

The CPHI circuit around Shanghai 2027

Book Shanghai in March-April; book Shenzhen in July.

CPHI & PMEC China anchors the June Shanghai pharma season; the Shenzhen edition extends the brand into the Greater Bay Area in September.

16–18 Jun 2027

CPHI & PMEC China 2027

Shanghai, China

At NECC; 300k+ sqm target.

website

8–10 Sep 2027

CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2027

Shenzhen, China

At SZCEC; smaller, more R&D and biotech focused.

website

Shanghai sourcing window

CPHI & PMEC China 2027

Mid-June; combine with factory visits in Jiangsu/Zhejiang.

South China window

CPHI & PMEC Shenzhen 2027

Early September; pair with Shenzhen/GBA supplier visits.

Circuit positions are editorial; dates and venues are from the official CPHI China site and Shenzhen event page.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · CNY

Arrival airports

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

SHA

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Closest airport; domestic and some regional international flights.

about 15 km

to venue

15-25 minutes

by car

PVG

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Main long-haul gateway; allow more time in traffic.

about 60 km

to venue

50-75 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

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

budget

Hongqiao / Qingpu outskirts

USD 45–75 / night

Simple business hotels; 20-30 minutes by taxi to NECC.

mid-range

Hongqiao business district / East Xujing

USD 70–130 / night

Best balance of price and 10-20 minute access.

premium

NECC / Hongqiao CBD

USD 140–240 / night

Walking or short taxi to the venue; book early during CIIE-scale events.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Metro

Estimated costCNY 3-6

Best forLine 2 to East Xujing or Line 17 to Zhuguang Road, then walk/shuttle

Cheapest option; allow 10-15 minutes for the final walk.

Taxi

Estimated costCNY 40-70

Best forHongqiao Airport / Hongqiao Railway Station to NECC

Metered; use the official taxi queue.

Ride-hail (Didi)

Estimated costCNY 35-90

Best forHotel to NECC north or south gate

Set the correct gate in the app; traffic is heavy at opening time.

Airport express / taxi from PVG

Estimated costCNY 180-250

Best forPudong Airport to NECC

50-75 minutes by taxi; metro is cheaper but slower with luggage.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa not required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
M visa (business)	Nationalities without visa-free entry, for commercial and trade activities	$140.00	4-10 working days plus appointment
L visa (tourist)	Nationalities without visa-free entry, for tourism or visiting contacts	$140.00	4-10 working days plus appointment

Many EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese, Korean and GCC passport holders currently have visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days for business or tourism. Rules change; verify before booking.

Do not assume ATA carnet acceptance. Confirm with a Chinese forwarder and customs broker; a temporary import bond may be required.

Official visa page

Weather

June in Shanghai is early summer: 24-32C, humid, with plum-rain showers possible. Light business clothing, a compact umbrella and breathable shoes are sensible.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay) is standard; foreign cards can be linked. Google services are restricted, so arrange an international roaming plan or approved VPN before travel. Wi-Fi is available at NECC and most hotels.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

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

Business etiquette

Exchange cards with both hands, use surnames and titles, and keep initial meetings formal. Decisions often need a second meeting and a visit to the factory.

Payments and connectivity

Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate; link a foreign card before arrival. Carry some cash for small vendors and keep a VPN plan for email and Google services.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

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

Flights

Destination: Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) preferred; Pudong (PVG) for long-haul

Book 6-10 weeks out. Hongqiao is much closer to NECC than Pudong.

Book flights

Visa

Visa-free for many passports for up to 30 days; others need an M or L visa.

Estimated cost: USD 140 for a standard visa; visa-free entries cost nothing

Processing: 4-10 working days plus appointment

Carry hotel booking, return ticket and show invitation. Apply early.

Official Partner

Transport

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

Airport → venue: Taxi or Didi from SHA 15-25 min (CNY 40-70); from PVG 50-75 min (CNY 180-250). Metro Line 2/17 is cheaper but slower with luggage.

Hotel → venue: Use hotel shuttle if offered, otherwise Didi or metro. Allow 30 minutes at peak.

Ride-hail: Didi is the main app; taxis are metered and reliable. Set the NECC gate in the app.

Public transit: Metro Line 2 to East Xujing or Line 17 to Zhuguang Road, then walk or shuttle.

Parking: Paid on-site parking at NECC; entry via Songze Avenue or Yinggang East Road.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: June

Temperature: 24-32C

Seasonality: Humid early summer; plum-rain showers possible, especially mid-to-late June.

Packing: Light business clothing, compact umbrella, breathable shoes, refillable bottle; halls are air-conditioned.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Day 1 (Wednesday 16 June) or Day 2 (Thursday 17 June)

Day 1 has the fullest exhibitor attendance and the opening energy, but the first morning is crowded. Day 2 is better for unhurried meetings and machinery demos. Day 3 closes at 15:30 and many international exhibitors begin packing down after lunch.

T-14

T-10

Build a target exhibitor shortlist by hall and product — Use the online exhibitor directory when the 2027 list opens.

T-7

Request 8-12 meetings and confirm agendas — Ask for the specific product, capacity and certification documents you need.

T-4

Prepare visa, ID/passport and invitation letter — Check visa-free eligibility; carry hotel and return-ticket proof.

T-2

Download Alipay/WeChat Pay, Didi and an offline map — Link a foreign card; arrange roaming or a approved VPN.

T-1

Print the meeting schedule and confirm NECC gate — Allow 45 minutes from Hongqiao on opening morning.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day