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The 2026 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in Shenzhen. This marks China's third time hosting APEC and Shenzhen's first time hosting this high-level international event. As the November meeting dates approach, whether you are a delegate, a business representative, or a traveler planning to visit Shenzhen during this period, a clear schedule and travel reference is essential. The following addresses seven core questions.
When and where will the 2026 APEC Summit be held?
The 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled to be held on November 18–19, 2026, in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. This is the core segment of the Leaders' Meeting Week. Around this main session, Shenzhen will also host related events including the APEC CEO Summit and the Joint Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Looking at the full-year arrangements, APEC "China Year" is expected to host approximately 300 events, with venues spanning multiple Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Dalian, and Hong Kong, while Shenzhen hosts the culminating Leaders' Meeting Week.
What is the official meeting theme?
The official theme of the 2026 APEC Summit is "Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Promote Common Prosperity." Under this theme, China has proposed three priority areas: openness, innovation, and cooperation. The theme aims to foster closer consensus in the Asia-Pacific region on trade and investment liberalization, digital transformation, and regional collaboration.
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What is the APEC 2026 meeting schedule?
APEC Year activities span the entire year, but public attention is most concentrated on Shenzhen in November. Key dates are as follows:
November 14–16: The fourth APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting will be held in Shenzhen, summarizing the year's policy recommendations.
November 17–18: The APEC CEO Summit will take place, with leaders of member economies, heads of international organizations, and representatives of Chinese and foreign enterprises discussing topics including the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
November 18–19: The APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting will officially convene, marking the climax of the entire APEC Year.
Can I enter China during the 2026 APEC Summit?
Yes. China has not closed its borders during the APEC meetings, and normal entry procedures remain in operation. For business travelers, one facilitation policy is worth noting: starting November 1, 2026, eligible APEC Business Travel Card holders will have their maximum single stay in China extended from 60 days to 90 days. This adjustment is intended to facilitate business visitors who need to participate in extended negotiations, exhibitions, or supplier meetings.
Note, however, that this policy applies only to those who qualify for the APEC Business Travel Card and meet entry requirements—it is not universally applicable to all visitors.
What can I do in nearby cities during the 2026 APEC Summit?
If you have time after attending the 2026 APEC meetings, consider visiting Guangzhou. November weather in Guangzhou is typically mild and comfortable, suitable for outdoor sightseeing and urban exploration. Here are several experiences worth trying:
1. Enjoy Cantonese dim sum
When in Guangzhou, be sure to experience the local Cantonese dim sum culture. Find a traditional teahouse and sample classic dim sum such as shrimp dumplings, siu mai, char siu buns, and rice noodle rolls, while experiencing the leisurely daily lifestyle of Guangzhou residents.
2. Visit famous Guangzhou attractions
Guangzhou blends Lingnan traditional culture with a modern urban landscape. You can visit Canton Tower for panoramic city views, stroll through Shamian Island to appreciate the charm of historic architecture, or explore the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Beijing Road Pedestrian Street to learn about Guangzhou's history and culture. In the evening, you can also experience a Pearl River night cruise.
3. Explore Guangzhou's local wholesale markets
Guangzhou is an important commodity trading and wholesale distribution center in China, with numerous specialized wholesale markets covering categories such as clothing, bags, watches, toys, and accessories.
If you are interested in product sourcing, consider visiting these markets:
Guangzhou LIUHUA Fashion Wholesale Market:
Located at No. 194 Huanshi West Road, Yuexiu District, it has served global buyers since 1996, specializing in men's wear, women's wear, children's wear, Muslim clothing, wedding dresses and formal gowns, and accessories, supporting both spot wholesale and OEM/ODM customization.
Baiyun World Leather Trading Center:
Located in the Sanyuanli leather goods commercial area, it specializes in leather products such as handbags, backpacks, wallets, and luggage.
Onelink Plaza:
Located on Jiefang South Road, Yuexiu District, it brings together toys, gifts, home decorations, handicrafts, and various small commodities.
These specialized markets gather suppliers and physical stores across different categories, allowing overseas buyers to gain a close-up understanding of Guangzhou's commodity supply chain.
Questions about the 2026 APEC Summit
When is the 2026 APEC meeting held?
APEC "China Year" activities run throughout 2026, but the core meeting period is concentrated in November. The Economic Leaders' Meeting is scheduled for November 18–19; the fourth Business Advisory Council meeting will be held November 14–16, and the CEO Summit on November 17–18. Throughout the year, there are also three Senior Officials' Meetings (Guangzhou in February, Shanghai in May, Dalian in August) and approximately 10 specialized ministerial meetings distributed across various months.
Where is the 2026 APEC Summit held?
The Economic Leaders' Meeting and the core events of the meeting week are held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. Supporting activities throughout the year are distributed across multiple Chinese cities including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Dalian, and Hong Kong.
What is the APEC 2026 meeting schedule?
The year's activities progress around three Senior Officials' Meetings as milestones. Starting in May, specialized ministerial meetings on trade, the digital economy, transportation, tourism, energy, and food security are held in various locations, with the Finance Ministers' Meeting in Hong Kong in October. In November, Shenzhen Meeting Week begins: the fourth Business Advisory Council meeting on November 14–16, the CEO Summit on November 17–18, and the Economic Leaders' Meeting on November 18–19.
