Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Hotelex Shanghai 2027 is the premier event for the food and hospitality industry, showcasing innovations in catering equipment, food and beverage, coffee and tea, and more. It will take place from March 30 to April 2, 2027, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
Hotelex Shanghai 2027 takes place in Shanghai, China. Venue: National Exhibition and Convention Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Hotelex Shanghai 2027 runs from March 30 to April 2, 2027, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, China.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is expected to host over 5,000 exhibitors and attract 400,000 professional visitors, showcasing a wide range of hospitality solutions.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd., with more details available at hotelex.cn.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees will include industry professionals from hotels, restaurants, and catering services, looking to explore the latest trends and products.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is available online, and attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance.
Why visit
HOTELEX Shanghai 2027 connects hospitality and foodservice buyers with exhibitors across food and beverage products, coffee and tea, bakery and confectionery, catering equipment and tableware, hotel supplies and hospitality technology. Visitors registering through the official pre-registration portal (reg.hotelex.cn) can walk international and China Mainland exhibitor groups organised by hall (2026 exhibitor listing shows hall groupings such as 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2 and 7.2), making it practical to plan category-specific buying across a National Exhibition and Convention Center venue. Buyer audiences span hotel groups, restaurant and chain caterers, coffee chains, bakery operators, foodservice distributors and hospitality equipment specifiers sourcing products from suppliers from the United States, Italy, Spain, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Australia and China Mainland.
Why exhibit
Hotelex Shanghai serves as a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, discover new products, and engage with market trends. Scale and Focus: This event is expected to host over 5,000 exhibitors and attract 400,000 professional visitors, showcasing a wide range of hospitality solutions. Organiser: The event is organised by Shanghai Sinoexpo Informa Markets International Exhibition Co., Ltd., with more details available at hotelex.cn.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Hotel managers and owners seeking new suppliers and innovations.
Catering professionals looking for the latest equipment and food products.
Restaurant owners interested in enhancing their service offerings.
Distributors and wholesalers in the food and beverage sector.
Hospitality consultants aiming to network and explore new trends.
Event planners and coordinators searching for catering solutions.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of catering equipment and supplies.
Food and beverage producers showcasing their latest offerings.
Coffee and tea brands looking to expand their market presence.
Baking equipment suppliers targeting the hospitality sector.
Packaging companies providing solutions for food service.
Franchise operators seeking to connect with potential partners.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Catering equipment and supplies for the hospitality industry.
Food and beverage products including coffee, tea, and snacks.
Baking equipment and raw materials for pastry chefs.
Tableware and serving solutions for restaurants and hotels.
Refrigeration equipment for food storage and preservation.
Food packaging solutions for the catering sector.
Location & Facilities
Venue
National Exhibition and Convention Center
Shanghai, China
Facilities
Parking
National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai 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: National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai 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 National Exhibition and Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Event days & opening times
DayOpening hours
March 30 to April 2, 2027Confirm daily opening hours on the organiser registration page
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
This edition
—
Exhibitors: 5,000
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Shanghai, China
Why it matters
Attending Hotelex Shanghai 2027 on 2027-03-30 to 2027-04-02 in Shanghai 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.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Primary international gateway for long-haul arrivals and the airport used across the flight searches in this guide (DXB-PVG, JFK-PVG, LHR-PVG, NRT-PVG, SIN-PVG, SYD-PVG). Shanghai Metro Line 2 links the airport towards the NECC side of the city; allow extra time in peak traffic.
Across the city from NECC on the eastern side of Shanghai (approx. 60-70 km road distance; confirm with your transfer provider).
to venue
Approx. 60-90 min by road or metro depending on traffic
by car
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Second Shanghai gateway and the most convenient for NECC because Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station sit in the same transport hub as the venue. Useful for domestic and regional connections and for short final-leg transfers to Hongqiao-side hotels.
Beside the Hongqiao transport hub, immediately adjacent to the National Exhibition and Convention Center area in west Shanghai.
to venue
Approx. 5-20 min by taxi or metro from the NECC side of the hub
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Jing An / Putuo fringe or general Shanghai budget stockUSD 60–95 / night
Simple rooms in outer central districts; confirm the exact district and metro link to NECC before booking.
Mid-range
Putuo / Changfeng Park and Jing AnUSD 110–190 / night
Good balance of metro access and rate; Putuo / Changfeng Park is closer to the NECC and Hongqiao side.
Premium
Pudong riverside / central 5-star stockUSD 240–420 / night
Full-service and riverside options; Pudong sits across the river from NECC, so plan a longer cross-city transfer.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costCNY 7–12 single journey depending on distance
Best forPVG / central Shanghai to NECC area via Shanghai Metro Line 2 (change at Hongqiao-side interchange to reach East Xujing)
Cheapest way to cover the city; luggage-friendly off-peak and confirm last train times before late arrivals.
taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costCNY 40–80 meter fare for the short hub-to-venue leg
Best forShanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to National Exhibition and Convention Center
SHA and NECC share the western Hongqiao hub, so this is the shortest airport transfer; use the official taxi rank or a metered app.
taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costCNY 280–400 cross-city transfer depending on traffic and route
Best forShanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to National Exhibition and Convention Center
Long cross-city run from the eastern gateway; confirm the fare basis on the app before starting and allow extra time in peak traffic.
airport metro
Estimated costCNY 8–15 single journey with a stored-value transit card or single ticket
Best forPVG to NECC side via Line 2 with a change on the Hongqiao branch
Much cheaper than taxi but slower with luggage; avoid the evening peak and confirm the current Line 2 service pattern before travel.
rail
Estimated costCNY 3–6 metro fare for the final hop
Best forHongqiao Railway Station arrival to NECC by metro or on foot within the hub
Convenient for high-speed rail arrivals from other Chinese cities; keep the metro card topped up for the last leg.
local bus
Estimated costCNY 2–5 single journey depending on route
Best forQingpu district and NECC-area bus routes for the last mile
Useful backup to Line 2 for short venue-area hops; check current routes and service hours in a local transit app and confirm before travel.
Weather
Late March to early April 2027 in Shanghai is early spring: mild but changeable, with daytime highs broadly in the mid-teens Celsius and cooler mornings and evenings. Expect a mix of dry, sunny spells and light rain days, and sometimes a sharp wind off the river. Treat these as climatological bands, not a forecast, and check a live forecast in the final week before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile connectivity in Shanghai is fast and widely available on 4G and 5G networks. Options for visitors include international roaming with a home operator, a China data eSIM bought before departure, or a local SIM obtained in Shanghai with passport registration. NECC halls and most hotels provide Wi-Fi, but venue networks can be congested during show hours; keep a mobile data backup for lead capture. Note that some overseas websites and apps are not directly reachable from mainland China networks, so download maps, translation and transit apps before you fly and confirm your organisation's policy on connectivity tools.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Shanghai is a fast, formal business city: exchange business cards with both hands, use surnames and titles until invited otherwise, and arrive punctually for stand meetings. Mandarin is the main business language, so a Chinese-speaking colleague, interpreter or translation app helps at NECC.
Paying and tipping
Mobile payment through WeChat Pay or Alipay is standard for metro, taxis, cafes and many stands; set up an account linked to an international card before arrival. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and taxis, and cash is accepted but rarely needed.
Dining at and around the show
NECC has food and beverage outlets across its halls, with larger dining choices in nearby Hongqiao and central districts. Vegetarian, halal and allergy-aware options exist but vary by venue, so note dietary needs in Chinese in a translation app or ask your hotel concierge.
Getting around and local norms
Queue for metro security checks, keep your passport or ID with you as a foreign visitor, and avoid discussing sensitive topics at business meetings. Shanghai traffic is heavy at peak hours, so build buffer time into every transfer between hotel, NECC and evening appointments.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PVG
Flight searches for the 30 March 2027 arrival at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) show wide fare spreads for round-trip economy, one adult, taxes and fees included, with 3 April 2027 return: Tokyo NRT-PVG around CNY 4,064-5,340, Singapore SIN-PVG around CNY 2,357-3,215, Sydney SYD-PVG from about CNY 5,590 via connections, New York JFK-PVG from about CNY 6,434-7,237 with connections via Istanbul or Hong Kong, and London LHR-PVG from about CNY 7,591 with a nonstop British Airways option and a shorter China Eastern nonstop listed. A Dubai DXB-PVG search returned a Cebu Pacific connection via Manila with no price captured, so check live fares. Optional charges and bag fees may apply. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) remains the primary long-haul gateway, while Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) is far closer to NECC if your route allows it - compare total door-to-door time, not just ticket price, and book early on the Tokyo, Singapore and New York bands where pricing was visible.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Approx. 60-90 min by road or metro depending on traffic; Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Approx. 5-20 min by taxi or metro from the NECC side of the hub. Allow road or rail time to National Exhibition and Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near National Exhibition and Convention Center: Jing An / Putuo fringe or general Shanghai budget stock: Jing An / Putuo fringe or general Shanghai budget stock; Putuo / Changfeng Park and Jing An: Putuo / Changfeng Park and Jing An; Pudong riverside / central 5-star stock: Pudong riverside / central 5-star stock.
Ride-hail: DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing app in mainland China and works in Shanghai for airport, hotel and NECC trips; international operators such as Uber do not run their own service in the city. Set up the app and a payment method before you arrive, since the in-app interface and driver communication are usually in Chinese. Pick-up and drop-off points at NECC and at both airports are signposted and can be busy during show opening and closing peaks, so allow a few minutes to walk to the designated zone. Metered street taxis remain a reliable backup.
Public transit: Shanghai Metro Line 2 is the backbone route for NECC visitors, running towards East Xujing station on the venue side of the city and connecting both airport corridors. Buy a single-journey ticket at station machines or use a metro card or mobile payment QR in the transit app. Local buses fill the last mile around the NECC and Qingpu district. Stations have security screening on entry, and trains are very crowded at commuter peaks, so avoid the tightest rush-hour windows if you are carrying show materials.
Parking: The National Exhibition and Convention Center operates large on-site car parks serving its halls, with entry points signposted around the venue complex. Parking is generally charged by time or by day and can fill quickly on peak show days. Confirm current tariffs, hall-specific car park entrances and any exhibitor vehicle or build-up parking permits with the venue or organiser before driving, and treat published rates as indicative only.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late March to early April 2027 (Shanghai spring)
Temperature: Approx. 7-10 C at night rising to 14-18 C in the daytime; occasional warmer afternoons. Treat as a seasonal band and confirm the live forecast in the final week before travel.
Seasonality: Early spring in Shanghai is changeable: expect a mix of bright, mild days and light rain or drizzle, with roughly a third of days likely to see some precipitation and higher humidity than in winter. Bring a compact umbrella or light rain shell.
Packing: Pack layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons: a light jacket or knitwear, a compact rain shell or umbrella, and comfortable broken-in shoes for long days walking the NECC halls. Bring business cards and smart-casual or business attire for stand meetings, a Type A/I power adapter for 220V Chinese sockets, and a power bank for phones used for badges, maps and mobile payment.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Hotelex Shanghai 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2Hotelex Shanghai 2027 registration concourse
National Exhibition and Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
National Exhibition and Convention 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¥120.00
- Per diem × 2CN¥150.00
Estimated totalCN¥270.00
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 Hotelex Shanghai 2027 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
What is HOTELEX Shanghai?
HOTELEX Shanghai is a hospitality and foodservice trade fair held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) in Shanghai. It covers commercial kitchen and catering equipment, food and beverage, bakery and pastry, specialty coffee and tea, tabletop, hotel supplies and hospitality technology, and is run from the organiser domain hotelex.cn.
When and where does the 2027 edition take place?
The edition covered by this guide is scheduled for late March to early April 2027 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), Shanghai, with travel planning in this listing built around a 30 March arrival and 3 April departure. Confirm the exact show days and hall opening hours on hotelex.cn before booking.
Is HOTELEX Shanghai trade-only?
It is a B2B hospitality and foodservice fair aimed at trade buyers such as hotel F&B managers, restaurant and chain operators, distributors, importers and chefs. Check the organiser site for the current badge and registration rules, and bring business credentials to support any trade-only entry requirements.
Which product sectors are represented?
Typical zones include foodservice and kitchen equipment, refrigeration and cold chain, bakery and pastry, coffee and tea, beverage and bar, food ingredients, tabletop and buffet, hotel supplies and amenities, and hospitality technology.
Who should attend as a visitor?
Hotel and resort F&B and purchasing teams, restaurant and QSR chain operators, cafe and bakery owners, catering companies, food and beverage importers and distributors, chefs and beverage managers, and hospitality equipment dealers sourcing for the Chinese and wider Asian market.
How do I register for a badge?
Registration is handled through hotelex.cn. Pre-register online to obtain a badge QR code, keep ID or passport details ready for verification at the NECC gates, and allow extra time at peak opening hours on day one.
How do I get to NECC from the airport?
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) sits beside the Hongqiao transport hub next to NECC, so a short taxi or metro ride covers the last leg. Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is the other main gateway and needs a longer road or rail transfer across the city; allow generous time in Shanghai traffic.
Where should I stay for the show?
Hongqiao and Putuo hotels are closest to NECC for short commutes, while Jing An and Pudong properties offer central dining and nightlife with a longer metro or taxi ride. Book a rate with free cancellation and confirm the hotel's distance to NECC before paying.
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai for the fair?
Many nationalities require a Chinese visa for a business visit, and Shanghai also operates visa-free transit for eligible travellers passing through to a third country. Rules change frequently, so verify your eligibility with a Chinese embassy or consulate and carry an invitation letter, hotel booking and return ticket if a visa is required.
What is the best way to pay in Shanghai?
Mobile payment through WeChat Pay and Alipay is the norm and is linked to international cards for many visitors; cash is accepted but less common. Set up a payment app and a data connection before arrival so you can pay for metro, taxis and food without delay.
Glossary
- HORECA
- Umbrella term for the hotel, restaurant, cafe and catering trade that HOTELEX Shanghai serves; exhibitors and buyers at the show span this whole hospitality and foodservice chain.
- Foodservice equipment
- Commercial kitchen machinery such as combi ovens, ranges, grills, blast chillers, dishwashing lines and ventilation systems - a core equipment category at the NECC halls.
- Cold chain
- Temperature-controlled storage, transport and display for fresh, chilled and frozen food and drink; relevant to refrigeration, display-case and logistics suppliers at HOTELEX Shanghai.
- Bakery and pastry
- Bread, viennoiserie, patisserie, chocolate and gelato production, plus the ovens, mixers, proofers and ingredients sold into hotel and chain bakery operations.
- Specialty coffee
- Green beans, roasting, espresso machines, grinders, water treatment and barista tools; the coffee hall is one of the largest specialist zones for cafe and hotel buyers.
- Tea and new-style beverages
- Leaf tea, brewing systems, and the milk tea / fruit tea supply chain including syrups, toppings and sealing and batching equipment.
- Tabletop and buffet
- Front-of-house tableware, glassware, cutlery, chafing dishes and buffet presentation used in restaurants, banqueting and hotel F&B operations.
- Banqueting and catering
- Large-scale event, hotel and institutional catering services, including central production kitchens, cook-chill processes and mobile catering equipment.
- QSR (quick service restaurant)
- Fast-service and chain restaurant formats; buyers from QSR and chain groups attend to source standardised equipment, packaging and frozen or prepared food.
- HACCP
- Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points - the food-safety management framework that drives demand for temperature monitoring, hygiene and traceability products at the show.
- Smart hotel
- Hotel technology covering property management systems, in-room automation, guest-experience apps and energy management; sits alongside equipment halls as the hospitality-tech side of the fair.
- Franchise chain catering
- Standardised menu and equipment packages sold to franchise operators; the chain-catering zone connects franchisors with equipment, ingredient and packaging suppliers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Hotelex Shanghai 2027
- Hotelex Shanghai
- Hotelex 2027
- Hotelex Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center
- Hotelex Shanghai China
- Shanghai hospitality expo 2027
- Shanghai food and beverage expo 2027
- catering equipment expo Shanghai
- food and beverage trade fair Shanghai
- bakery and pastry equipment expo China
8 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Hotelex
- event_website
- event_website
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.