Guide to CPHI China 2026 - The Ultimate Travel & Visit Planner
CPHI China 2026 is Asia’s premier pharmaceutical trade show – a must-attend event for professionals in pharma, biotech, lab instruments, packaging, and related sectors. If you’re planning your trip, here’s a complete guide to help you make the most of your visit.
🗓️ Event Overview
This massive event attracts 110,000+ international attendees and 3,600+ exhibitors across the whole pharmaceutical supply chain – from ingredients and machinery to biotech, contract services, packaging, lab equipment and more. Over 100 conferences and sessions take place alongside the exhibition, making it a vibrant hub for networking and sourcing.
Venue:
📍 Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China
✈️ Flights to Shanghai - Best Options from India
If you’re travelling to Shanghai from India (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore):
✈️ Direct Flights
There are direct flights from major Indian cities to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) on airlines like:
China Eastern Airlines
Air India (seasonal / codeshare)
Other carriers with one-stop options via Middle East (Emirates, Qatar Airways etc.)
⏱️ Flight Duration
From Mumbai to Shanghai – ~9-11 hours including one stop.
From Delhi to Shanghai — ~8-10 hours with one stop, depending on routing.
💡 Flight Tips
Book early (3-4 months ahead) for the best fares.
Compare flight routes via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore – sometimes cheaper with a short layover.
Check seasonal demand – June is peak trade show season, so flights fill up fast.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Most international visitors require a Chinese visa. Here are some key points:
📍 Visa Invitation Letter
To obtain a business visa (M-visa) or tourist visa (L-visa) for CPHI China, you’ll likely need a Visa Invitation Letter from the event organiser. This helps with visa approval at the embassy/consulate.
👉 Tip: Register for the event early and request your invitation letter as soon as registration is confirmed (the portal opens in January 2026).
🛂 Visa Processing
Submit your passport, visa application form, photos and invitation letter at the nearest Chinese Consulate in India.
Processing can take 4–7 business days – plan it early.
✈️ Visa-Free Entry
China occasionally offers short-stay visa-free policies (e.g., 24–72 hours/30 days) for travellers from select countries, but rules vary – check current rules before booking.
🏨 Hotels & Accommodation in Shanghai
Shanghai is huge – but if you’re attending CPHI China, you’ll want a good balance between proximity to the venue (SNIEC in Pudong) and good sightseeing access.
🏙️ Best Areas to Stay
1. Near SNIEC (Pudong)
Perfect if your focus is the expo:
Short taxi or metro ride to SNIEC.
Many business hotels near Longyang Road and Huamu Road.
Often more budget-friendly for expo weeks.
2. City Centre Areas
Good for sightseeing after work:
The Bund / Nanjing Road
People’s Square
Xintiandi / French Concession
Offers great nightlife, restaurants, and easy metro connections.
🏨 Hotel Booking Tips
Book at least 2–3 months in advance — rooms fill quickly during major expos.
Consider hotels near Metro Line 2 or Line 7 for easy travel to SNIEC.
Many expo hotels offer shuttle services between hotel and venue.
🚇 Transport - Getting Around Shanghai
🚆 Metro
Extensive metro with English signs.
Lines 2 and 7 connect airports, city centre, and SNIEC.
🚖 Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Taxis are widely available.
Use Didi (China’s Uber) for ride-hailing – often cheaper than taxis.
🚆 From Airport to Venue
Pudong Airport to SNIEC: ~45 min by taxi or metro (Line 2 to Longyang Road, then Line 7).
🚡 Maglev Option
Shanghai’s fast magnetic train (Maglev) can take you from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road quickly – a unique experience!
🛍️ What to Expect at CPHI China 2026
Huge exhibition halls with pharma ingredients, equipment, biotech, processing tech and more.
Networking events: Hosted buyers, conferences, expert panels and matchmaking meetings.
Product demos: Live shows, new tech showcases and innovation zones.
📅 Event Tips
Plan shows by categories (e.g., machinery, biotech, packaging).
Use the official expo app or schedule planner to book meetings.
Arrive early – registration queues can grow mid-morning.
🌆 Top Places to Visit in Shanghai
If you have free time before/after the expo, here are iconic spots to explore:
🏙️ 1. The Bund
Shanghai’s famous waterfront with dazzling skyscraper views – a must-see, especially after sunset when lights sparkle across the riverfront.
🏯 2. Yu Garden & Old Town
A beautiful classical Chinese garden with traditional architecture. Nearby is the vibrant Old City bazaar – perfect for snacks and souvenirs.
🏙️ 3. Shanghai Tower & Lujiazui Skyline
Take the elevator up Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views of the city’s futuristic skyline.
🛍️ 4. Nanjing Road
One of Asia’s busiest shopping streets – from high-end malls to local street food.
🚆 5. Zhujiajiao Water Town
If time allows, take a day trip to this charming water town for canals, bridges, traditional houses and a relaxed vibe.
🍜 Food & Culture Tips
Try Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) – Shanghai’s signature dish.
Street food alleys offer local snacks at affordable prices.
Metro cards/apps help with payments – some foreign cards may not work everywhere.
📌 Final Travel Tips
✅ Book flights & hotels early – June is busy season.
✅ Apply for visa with invitation letter well in advance.
✅ Download metro & translation apps for smooth mobility.
✅ Keep printed expo badge and passport handy at registration.
Want a Stress-Free Trip to CPHI China 2026?
Planning an international expo trip can be overwhelming – from visa paperwork and flight bookings to hotel coordination near the venue. If you prefer a stress-free experience, it’s best to book through a professional travel agency that handles everything for you. From flights, visa assistance, hotel stays, airport transfers, and expo-friendly itineraries, a travel expert ensures you can focus on networking and business – not logistics.