CBD Guangzhou will hold its 29th edition from 8–11 July 2027 at the Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, China, following a year of increased international participation and expanded efforts to connect Chinese manufacturers with overseas markets. The event is positioning its four-day exhibition as part of a broader, year-round platform for international matchmaking, market development and business opportunities.
The strategy was presented on 14 September during “Witnesses of Going Global”, a CBD World-Connect media exchange attended by more than 20 leading Chinese media organisations. The meeting reviewed the results of the 2026 edition and outlined the direction for the 29th event, with internationalisation identified as a central priority.
International participation and year-round connections
The 28th edition recorded 11,473 overseas visitors, an increase of 33.4% compared with the previous year. Visitors came from 146 countries and regions, while nearly half of the exhibitors had already established export channels. Europe, Central Asia and North America were among their priority markets.
The international focus comes as China’s building decoration market increasingly moves from new construction towards the renewal of existing housing stock. This shift is creating opportunities in renovation, quality upgrading, smart technologies and omnichannel distribution, while encouraging manufacturers to develop stronger international market strategies.
CBD World-Connect, the fair’s international trade programme, generated nearly 59 million views across five major overseas social media platforms in 2026. More than 700 international buyers participated in organised delegations developed with over 30 international institutions. In addition, 1,867 brands took part in year-round activities and matchmaking services.
The programme also introduced The World Connect Lounge and the World Connect Forum during the exhibition. Conceived and developed by Edimotion, the two initiatives served as new settings for international dialogue, networking and business exchange.
Three ecosystems for the 29th edition
Guided by the four keywords Gather, Momentum, Integrate and Domain, CBD Guangzhou 2027 will organise its offering across 21 exhibition halls and three major ecosystems: INTERIOR, EXTERIOR and MATECH.
INTERIOR will address China’s growing renovation market and the national “Good Housing” strategy. Its focus will include existing homes, quality of living, new finishes, customisation, age-friendly solutions and spaces designed around comfort and wellbeing.
EXTERIOR will develop its coverage of outdoor living and the building envelope, including sun-shading systems, architectural aluminium, wood-plastic composites and integrated housing. A new focus created with the Wood Preservation Association will examine heritage restoration in connection with rural revitalisation and cultural tourism.
MATECH will reinforce the exhibition’s international and technological dimension by bringing together global hardware brands and adding a new smart hardware segment linked to the smart-home sector. The ecosystem will also cover machinery, equipment and year-round export matchmaking.
Challenges for international expansion
The September media exchange also highlighted challenges facing Chinese companies in overseas markets. These include moving beyond low-price competition, understanding local markets and standards, strengthening downstream connections and progressing from product exports towards higher-value solutions, services and brands.
Against this background, CBD Guangzhou is extending its role beyond the exhibition itself. Through CBD World-Connect and its related activities, the event aims to connect manufacturers, buyers and industry professionals throughout the year while supporting new partnerships and market opportunities. The 29th edition will welcome the international building decoration community to Guangzhou from 8–11 July 2027.
