CIHS - CHINA INTERNATIONAL HARDWARE SHOW

About the fair

The China International Hardware Show (CIHS) is one of the world's leading hardware exhibitions, held annually in Shanghai. With a 21-year history rooted in the International Hardware Fair in Cologne, CIHS has established itself as the second-largest show in the industry worldwide. This year CIHS presents more than 2,800 exhibitors and thousands of new products from around the world, covering the full range of hardware products, technologies and services — tools, lock and security systems, occupational protection, construction equipment, process equipment, garden machinery, outdoor leisure goods and more. CIHS is a gateway to growing Asian markets for building new business relationships and revenue, supporting companies in expanding global export and distribution networks with diverse displays, interactive opportunities and premium services.

Planning the trip

• Register the badge online. Every major fair issues visitor badges in advance, and on-site registration means queueing on the busiest morning of the show. Registration usually opens one to two months out.
• Check the visa position early. China's entry rules have changed repeatedly in recent years, including visa-free arrangements for a growing list of countries and transit exemptions. Confirm what applies to your passport for this month, and ask the organiser for an invitation letter if a business visa is needed — issuing one is routine.
• Book accommodation before the dates firm up. A large fair fills its host city and rates move accordingly. Cancellable bookings made early cost less than confirmed ones made late.
• Decide which halls before you arrive. The bigger Chinese fairs run to several halls across separate phases, and walking them without a plan burns a day. Shortlist the stands you need and treat anything else as a bonus.
• Plan the follow-up, not just the visit. Business cards collected at a fair convert poorly once you fly home: quotes arrive in patchy English, samples stall, and the time difference eats a day per exchange. Deciding who handles that before you travel is what makes the trip pay for itself.