China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS)

The China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) — 中国国际服务贸易交易会 — is China's national international platform dedicated to trade in services and one of the largest fairs of its kind in the world. It has been held in Beijing since 2012; the organisers are the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and the People's Government of Beijing.

The 2026 session runs 9–13 September 2026 at Shougang Park (首钢园, Shougang Park) in Beijing — the sixth year CIFTIS has been held at the Shougang venue.

CIFTIS's format comprises one comprehensive thematic exhibition and 9 specialised exhibitions: telecommunications, computing and information services; financial services; cultural and tourism services; educational services; sports services; transport and business services; engineering consulting and construction services; healthcare services; environmental and energy services.

About 70 countries, regions and international organisations have so far confirmed participation in the fair and its events. More than 740 companies and organisations have announced their intention to take part in the nine specialised exhibitions.

The fair will showcase a large number of new developments and achievements. More than 80 companies and organisations, including Alibaba, Schneider Electric, GE HealthCare and MSD, plan to present more than 180 innovative developments and results in areas such as artificial intelligence, healthcare, cultural product exports, green and low-carbon development and other directions.

Who this is for. CIFTIS is primarily of interest to companies working in services: logistics and transport, IT and digital technologies, finance and fintech, engineering, consulting, education, healthcare, tourism, design and professional services. The fair suits those looking for Chinese and international partners, promoting their own services, researching the market and holding business negotiations. CIFTIS's core subject is services, not sourcing physical goods.

CIFTIS's format comprises one comprehensive thematic exhibition and 9 specialised exhibitions. Each specialised exhibition is effectively a separate industry platform:

• Telecommunications, computing and information services — cloud, AI, data services, industrial software.
• Financial services — banking, insurance, fintech, cross-border payments and settlement.
• Cultural and tourism services — destinations, IP and licensing, entertainment, museums and creative industries.
• Educational services — universities, vocational training, edtech, study-abroad programmes.
• Sports services — events, facilities, equipment services, sports IP.
• Transport and business services — logistics, trade services, consulting, legal and accounting.
• Engineering consulting and construction services — EPC, design institutes, overseas project contracting.
• Healthcare services — hospital management, medical tourism, digital health, elderly care.
• Environmental and energy services — carbon management, water and waste treatment, green certification, energy.

Running in parallel with the fair are the Global Trade in Services Summit and a series of forums devoted to the development of trade in services.

Venue: Shougang Park — 首钢园, Beijing. In Baidu Maps, search for 首钢园.

By metro — Line 11 to Xinshougang station (新首钢).

From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) — a taxi is more convenient: 75 min, ~¥150–250.

From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) — a taxi is more convenient: 75 min, ~¥180–250.

Register online in advance at ciftis.org.

Badge collection. After registering, follow the organiser's instructions for collecting your pass.

Prepare for meetings in advance. CIFTIS includes business negotiations, presentations, industry forums and matchmaking events. If you are looking for Chinese counterparts or want to offer your services, study the exhibitor list in advance and make a list of companies you would like to meet and discuss cooperation with.

Bring extra business cards. Bilingual business cards with English and Chinese sides are useful: company name, name, position, phone, e-mail and a brief description of your activity. This makes follow-up communication with managers after the fair much easier.

Visa. Entry rules depend on your citizenship — check the current requirements for your passport before booking your trip. Russian citizens have visa-free entry to China for up to 30 days, including for business trips. For longer stays a visa is required.

Opening hours and tickets. 9 September: 13:00–17:00. 10–13 September: 09:00–17:00. Ticket prices: 9–11 September are professional days — a one-day ticket costs 20 yuan per person; a three-day ticket costs 50 yuan per person.

Weather. Beijing in mid-September is usually warm but already noticeably cooler than the summer months: around 23–28 °C during the day, dropping to 12–18 °C in the evening. Rain is still possible, especially in the first half of the month. Part of the routes around Shougang Park are outdoors, so light clothing, a hat and sun protection will be useful during the day, and a light sweater or jacket for the evening.

Public days. In 2026, 12–13 September are public open days. Entry is free on these days, but advance registration is required. If your goal is business negotiations and finding partners, plan your visit for 9–11 September, which are reserved for professional visitors.

Payments and communication. Before you fly, install and set up Alipay and link a foreign bank card. For a detailed guide on installing and setting up Alipay, linking your card and how foreigners pay in China, read our article How to Pay in China in 2026: A Complete Guide. With Alipay you can pay for most everyday expenses in China — from transport and taxis to restaurants, shops and hotels. Also arrange your mobile internet in advance: an eSIM or a roaming package will come in handy for maps, taxis and online translation.