API EXPO 2026 Shanghai: Overseas Visitor Guide & Checklist

As a professional platform for global exchange in the adult products industry, API EXPO 2026 will bring together sex toys manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and industry experts from around the world. For overseas visitors, preparing in advance and understanding the key points will not only help you efficiently obtain first-hand information but also facilitate the establishment of long-term business partnerships.

To ensure your trip to Shanghai is efficient and smooth, please keep this API EXPO 2026 guide handy.

📅 API EXPO 2026 Basic Expo Information

Name: Shanghai International Adult Toys and Health Industry Expo (API EXPO 2026)

Dates: April 17-19, 2026

Location: Shanghai Mart (2379 Guangfu West Road, Putuo District)

Exhibition Area: 26,700+ square meters

Number of Exhibitors: 400+

Venue: Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing （NO.2739 Guangfu West Road, Putuo District,Shanghai）

Official Website: www.api-expo.com

Tickets: Scan the QR code in the image below to apply for visitor tickets and reduce on-site queuing time.

✈️ Entry and Preparation: New Changes for 2026

1. Visa Preparation

By 2026, China's visa-free policies have been further expanded.

Visa-Free Access: Check if your passport is on the latest list of visa-free countries (currently includes many European countries, Malaysia, Singapore, etc.).

144-Hour Visa-Free Transit: If you are transiting through Shanghai to a third country, you can use this policy for visa-free entry.

Business Visa (M): If you need a visa, contact the expo organizer (contact information on www.api-expo.com) in advance to request an official Invitation Letter.

2. Essential Digital Tools (The "China Survival" Apps)

In Shanghai, while cash and physical credit cards are usable, mobile payment offers a much better experience.

Alipay / WeChat Pay: Now perfectly supports linking overseas credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

DiDi: Essential for booking taxis. The app has built-in Chinese-English translation, so you don't need to worry about communicating with drivers.

Shanghai Metro: An essential tool for taking the subway. You can download the APP or search for "shanghai metro" in WeChat. You need to register and bind your bank card. After successful registration and binding, you can directly scan the code to take the subway.

Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: Although Google Maps works (with roaming), local maps provide more accurate real-time traffic and indoor navigation (accurate to the expo hall entrance).

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Choosing the Right Location Saves Effort

Accommodation and Transportation

Accommodation: The exhibition venue is usually located in a large exhibition center in Shanghai (such as the National Exhibition and Convention Center). Give priority to hotels near Pudong New Area or Hongqiao Transportation Hub for easy access to and from the exhibition hall. Given the tight supply of rooms during the exhibition, be sure to book 1-3 months in advance. Consider comparing prices and locations through international or local booking platforms (such as Booking.com, Trip.com).

Transportation:

International Arrival: Shanghai has Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong Airport has more flights, but it is farther from the city center; Hongqiao Airport is usually closer to the exhibition area. You can choose according to your flight and hotel location.

City ​​Transportation: Shanghai's subway network is well-developed and is the most economical and efficient way to get to the exhibition hall. Download the "shanghai metro" App in advance, or search for "shanghai metro" in WeChat, and you can scan the code to take the subway. Taxis and online car-hailing services (DiDi International Edition can be used) are also very convenient. It is recommended to reserve sufficient travel time during the exhibition to avoid morning and evening peak hours.

Efficient Expo Strategies

1. Digital Business Cards

Chinese exhibitors are used to using WeChat scan codes. It is recommended to set up your enterprise WeChat or personal WeChat business card in advance, which is much more efficient than handing out physical business cards and also makes it easier to send PDF quotations after the exhibition.

2. Prepare a Suitcase

If you want to collect supplier information or samples on site, a convenient suitcase can be a good way to store all your things without getting tired.

Practical Guide and Leisure Recommendations

Internet: After arrival, you can purchase a local SIM card or rent a mobile Wi-Fi device at the airport. Make sure your phone is unlocked. Almost all hotels, expo halls, and large shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi. It is recommended to get an eSIM or international roaming package from your home country's operator in advance. If using local Wi-Fi, remember to have reliable tools to access your usual overseas social media (because China's network cannot access foreign social media).

Language: Many volunteers at the expo can speak English, but it is recommended to download the simultaneous translation function of DeepL or Youdao Translate for communication in restaurants or taxis. Learning a few simple Chinese phrases (like "Hello" Nǐ hǎo, "Thank you" Xièxie, "How much is this?" Zhège duōshao qián?) will be very appreciated.

Payment: Mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) is everywhere in China. It is strongly recommended to link an international credit card or have a local partner help you top up. Some places also accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), so you don't need to prepare RMB cash. Electronic payment is completely sufficient.

Health and Safety: Shanghai is safe, but the expo is crowded, so please take care of your personal belongings. Drink bottled water. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance.

Leisure and Dining:

Food: The expo dining area may be crowded. Explore shopping malls around the expo hall. Shanghai is a food paradise, offering everything from local Shanghai cuisine to international dishes.

Sightseeing: If time permits, the Bund, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, and Lujiazui are classic choices for experiencing Shanghai's traditional and modern charm.

Shopping: Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road are the main shopping areas. Pay attention to comparing prices when buying electronic products and souvenirs.

Summary Checklist

1. Passport, valid Chinese business visa

2. API EXPO 2026 official invitation letter and pre-registration confirmation

3. Hotel and flight booking confirmation

4. Business cards, company information

5. Local mobile network solution (SIM card/Wi-Fi)

6. Set up mobile payment (WeChat/Alipay)

7. Download necessary apps: Maps (Baidu/Gaode), translation app, ride-hailing app

8. Comfortable shoes (you'll walk a lot!)

9. A lightweight backpack or suitcase for storing materials and samples

10. Phone power bank

We wish you a fruitful API EXPO 2026 and a pleasant and memorable time in Shanghai!