Planning to attend ChinaJoy 2026 in Shanghai?
Whether you are going for business meetings, game showcases, market research, networking, or simply to experience one of Asia’s biggest gaming and digital entertainment events, a little preparation goes a long way.
ChinaJoy is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if it is your first time in China. There are different exhibition areas. Ticket types may vary. Some event pages are listed on Chinese platforms. Everyday essentials like payments, taxis, maps, and contact exchange often depend on apps that international visitors may not usually use.
This guide keeps things simple. Here is what first time international visitors should know before heading to Shanghai for ChinaJoy 2026.
ChinaJoy 2026 at a glance
Event: ChinaJoy 2026
Full name: China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference
Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2026
Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Short name: SNIEC
Location: Pudong, Shanghai
Venue address: No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Chinese venue name: 上海新国际博览中心
Chinese address: 上海市浦东新区龙阳路2345号
Full name: China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference
Dates: July 31 to August 3, 2026
Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre
Short name: SNIEC
Location: Pudong, Shanghai
Venue address: No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Chinese venue name: 上海新国际博览中心
Chinese address: 上海市浦东新区龙阳路2345号
Useful links:
Official ChinaJoy English website
ChinaJoy 2026 BTOB Trade Visitor Pass on Huodongxing
SNIEC transport guide
Shanghai official useful apps guide
Shanghai official payment guide for overseas cards
ChinaJoy 2026 BTOB Trade Visitor Pass on Huodongxing
SNIEC transport guide
Shanghai official useful apps guide
Shanghai official payment guide for overseas cards
First, understand BTOC vs BTOB
One of the most important things to know before buying a ticket is that ChinaJoy usually has two main exhibition experiences: BTOC and BTOB.
BTOC means business to consumer. This is the public facing side of the event.
BTOB means business to business. This is the trade and professional side of the event.
They are not the same, and the right one depends on why you are attending.
| Area | What it is | Best for | What to expect |
| BTOC Interactive Entertainment Halls | The public facing exhibition area | Gamers, fans, content creators, consumer brands, community teams, and visitors who want the full ChinaJoy atmosphere | Game demos, entertainment showcases, esports, cosplay, merchandise, brand activations, product launches, and large crowds |
| BTOB Business Halls | The trade and business area | Game publishers, app developers, advertisers, agencies, ad tech companies, platforms, IP owners, investors, and monetization partners | Business meetings, partnership discussions, advertising and monetization solutions, publishing opportunities, technology providers, investment conversations, and industry networking |
If you are going to ChinaJoy for business, the BTOB area will likely be your priority.
If you want to understand the consumer side of gaming culture in China, the BTOC area is worth seeing too. It gives you a feel for what players are excited about, how brands show up, and which experiences attract attention.
For many international business visitors, the best approach is to use BTOC for market observation and BTOB for meetings.
Before buying your ticket, check what your pass actually includes. Do not assume one ticket gives you access to everything.
How to get ChinaJoy 2026 tickets
Ticketing is one of the biggest questions for first time visitors.
The simple version: start with your purpose.
If you are attending as a gamer, fan, content creator, or general visitor, look for BTOC visitor ticket information.
If you are attending for business meetings, advertising, publishing, monetization, investment, or networking, look for a BTOB trade visitor pass.
For BTOB visitors, the current registration page is available through Huodongxing here:
Huodongxing, or 活动行, is a common event registration and ticketing platform in China. It is often used for trade events, conferences, meetups, and side events.
Some pages may have an English option. Some may still include Chinese text. Use browser translation or a translation app if needed.
Useful Chinese words to recognize:
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
| 报名 | bào míng | Register / Sign up |
| 购票 | gòu piào | Buy ticket |
| 票种 | piào zhǒng | Ticket type |
| 电子票 | diàn zǐ piào | E-ticket |
| 二维码 | èr wéi mǎ | QR code |
| 发票 | fā piào | Invoice |
| 退款 | tuì kuǎn | Refund |
| 活动地点 | huó dòng dì diǎn | Event location |
| 主办方 | zhǔ bàn fāng | Organizer |
Before registering, prepare your company name, job title, email address, mobile number, WeChat ID, passport or ID information if requested, payment method, and invoice details if your company needs them.
After registering, save everything. Keep screenshots of your confirmation, QR code, order number, ticket page, and entry instructions.
Large events can have slow mobile signal at the entrance. Having your QR code ready can save you a lot of stress.
Where to check ChinaJoy side events
ChinaJoy week is not only about the main exhibition.
Many valuable conversations happen around the event through private meetings, partner gatherings, showcases, dinners, networking events, and media activities.
Here are the best places to check.
Official ChinaJoy channels
Start with the official ChinaJoy website for exhibition information, conference details, schedules, service updates, and official announcements.
Huodongxing
Use Huodongxing to search for ChinaJoy related events, BTOB passes, conference sessions, side events, and networking activities.
Useful search terms:
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ChinaJoy
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ChinaJoy 2026
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CJ
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BTOB
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CGDC
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上海 ChinaJoy
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CJ期间活动指南
Some event pages may be listed only in Chinese, so translation tools are helpful.
WeChat Official Accounts
Many companies in China announce event activities through WeChat Official Accounts.
This is one reason WeChat is essential. If you only use email or LinkedIn, you may miss local updates.
For international visitors, LinkedIn is still useful.
Search for companies attending ChinaJoy, post that you will be in Shanghai, and message contacts before schedules fill up.
Company and partner websites
If there are specific publishers, advertisers, platforms, agencies, or technology partners you want to meet, check their websites and social channels directly.
Some events may be appointment only and may not appear on public event platforms.
Apps to download before arriving in Shanghai
Do this before you fly. Some apps need account setup, SMS verification, passport checks, or payment setup. It is much easier to handle this before you are standing at the airport, hotel, or event entrance.
| App | Why you need it | What to set up before arrival |
| Messaging, contact exchange, QR codes, groups, Official Accounts, mini programs, and payments | Create your account, add a clear profile photo, learn how to show your QR code, and set up WeChat Pay if possible | |
| Alipay | Everyday payments, taxis, transport, mini programs, translation tools, and visitor services | Register, complete verification if needed, and link an eligible international card |
| DiDi | Ride hailing, similar to Uber | Download the app or use DiDi inside Alipay or WeChat, set language to English, and add a payment method |
| Huodongxing | Event registration and side event discovery | Create an account or be ready to register for events |
| Amap | Navigation around Shanghai and the venue | Save your hotel, SNIEC, and meeting locations in advance |
| Translation app | Reading Chinese pages, menus, signs, and event information | Download offline language packs if available |
| Trip.com or airline app | Flights, hotels, trains, and travel changes | Save all booking confirmations offline |
If you only download three apps before your trip, make them WeChat, Alipay, and DiDi.
Payments in China: do not leave this until the last minute
China is very mobile payment driven. International credit cards may work at some hotels, larger restaurants, and major retailers, but they are not something you should rely on everywhere.
For daily use, set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before you arrive.
Alipay and WeChat Pay can support eligible overseas bank cards, but setup requirements may vary depending on your card and country. Test your setup before your trip if possible.
A few practical tips:
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Set up both Alipay and WeChat before arrival.
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Link your international card in advance.
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Bring a backup physical card.
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Carry some RMB cash for emergencies.
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Do not rely on one payment method only.
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Check transaction limits and fees before making larger payments.
Even if you prefer Alipay for payments, you will still need WeChat for business communication. In China, people often exchange WeChat before email.
Getting to Shanghai New International Expo Centre
ChinaJoy 2026 will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong.
Save the venue in both English and Chinese:
Shanghai New International Expo Centre
上海新国际博览中心
No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
上海市浦东新区龙阳路2345号
上海新国际博览中心
No. 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
上海市浦东新区龙阳路2345号
By Metro
Two stations are especially useful.
1. Huamu Road Station, Line 7
This is one of the most convenient stations for SNIEC.
2. Longyang Road StationThis is a major transport hub with Metro connections and Maglev access.
From Longyang Road, you can walk to the venue or transfer to Line 7.
If you are attending during peak hours, leave extra time. The venue area can get crowded.
By DiDi or taxi
DiDi is useful if you are carrying materials, traveling from your hotel, or moving between side events. During ChinaJoy, traffic around the venue can be heavy. Pick up and drop off points may also be busy. Save the Chinese venue name and address so you can show it to a driver if needed.
From Pudong International Airport
Pudong International Airport is on the same side of Shanghai as SNIEC, but travel time still depends on traffic and your transport choice.
You can consider taxi, DiDi, Metro, or the Maglev to Longyang Road with a local transfer.
From Hongqiao Airport or Hongqiao Railway Station
Hongqiao is farther from SNIEC than Pudong Airport.
If you arrive through Hongqiao and plan to go straight to the event, leave more time than you think you need.
Where should international visitors stay?
For convenience, many ChinaJoy attendees stay in Pudong, especially near SNIEC, Longyang Road, Century Park, or Lujiazui.
Staying near SNIEC makes event days easier, especially if you have morning meetings.
Staying in Puxi can be better for restaurants, nightlife, and some side events, but travel time to the venue will be longer.
When booking a hotel, check:
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Distance to SNIEC
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Morning travel time
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Metro access
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DiDi pickup convenience
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Breakfast hours
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WiFi quality
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Nearby restaurants or convenience stores
Hotels near the venue can fill up quickly during major events, so book early if you want to stay close.
Business meeting tips for ChinaJoy 2026
If you are attending for business, do not wait until you arrive to arrange meetings.
Start outreach several weeks in advance. The most relevant people will likely have packed schedules before the event begins.
Keep your intro simple
At a busy event, people do not have time for a long explanation.
Prepare a short intro that answers three questions:
What does your company do?
Who do you help?
Why should this person continue the conversation?
Prepare your WeChat QR code
Many people in China exchange WeChat instead of email first.
Before the event, make sure your WeChat profile looks professional and easy to recognize. Learn how to open your QR code quickly.
After adding someone, send a short message so they remember you.
Example:
Great to meet you at ChinaJoy. This is [Name] from [Company]. Looking forward to staying in touch.
Bring useful materials
- Prepare both digital and physical materials.
- Digital deck
- Short company one pager
- Business cards
- Website or brochure QR code
- Product screenshots or demo links
- Case studies
- Meeting booking link
- Portable charger
- Laptop or tablet if needed
Keep materials short and clear. A one page summary is often more useful than a long deck during a busy event.
What game, app, and ad tech teams should watch
ChinaJoy is a useful signal of where gaming, mobile, advertising, and digital entertainment are moving.
For game publishers and developers, key topics may include monetization, distribution, user acquisition, player engagement, market expansion, and cross platform growth.
For app publishers, ChinaJoy is a chance to understand how mobile audiences are changing and how in app advertising is evolving.
For advertisers and agencies, the event offers a view into gaming culture, interactive media, AI enabled marketing, and new ways brands are reaching digital audiences.
For ad tech and monetization partners, ChinaJoy is a strong moment to discuss supply quality, demand quality, signal strategy, measurement, transparency, and global growth.
In 2026, expect conversations around AI, mobile gaming monetization, privacy conscious targeting, campaign performance, and better control for publishers and advertisers to remain important.
For more on these themes, you can also read:
Mobile Gaming Advertising: Why Signal Quality Matters
Agentic AI in Programmatic Advertising
AlgoriX Exchange
Practical event day tips
ChinaJoy can be fun, but it can also be intense. A few small habits can make the day much easier.
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Arrive earlier than your first meeting.
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Save your ticket QR code as a screenshot.
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Keep your passport or ID with you if required.
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Bring a power bank.
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Wear comfortable shoes.
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Carry business cards.
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Leave buffer time between meetings.
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Save your hotel and venue names in Chinese.
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Keep your WeChat QR code ready.
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Take notes right after each important meeting.
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Bring water or buy it before entering crowded halls.
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Do not rely only on live internet access for key documents.
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Block time to reset.
The best conversations often happen when you are not rushing.
ChinaJoy 2026 checklist for international visitors
Before you fly:
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Check visa or entry requirements for your nationality.
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Confirm whether you need BTOC, BTOB, or both.
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Buy or register for the right ticket.
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Download WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Huodongxing, maps, and a translation app.
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Set up mobile payments.
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Save ticket confirmations and QR codes.
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Book hotel and flights early.
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Prepare your meeting list.
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Update your deck or one pager.
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Prepare your WeChat QR code.
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Save the venue address in English and Chinese.
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Plan your route from hotel to SNIEC.
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Bring a power bank and backup payment method.
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During the event:
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Arrive early.
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Check hall locations before each meeting.
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Leave time between appointments.
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Use WeChat to exchange contacts.
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Take short notes after important conversations.
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Check Huodongxing and WeChat for side events.
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Keep your schedule flexible enough for unexpected opportunities.
After the event:
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Follow up within one week.
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Mention the specific conversation you had.
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Share any materials you promised.
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Confirm next steps clearly.
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Add contacts to your CRM or internal notes.
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Review which meetings were most valuable.
AlgoriX at ChinaJoy 2026
AlgoriX will be back in Shanghai for ChinaJoy 2026.
And yes, we can already smell the coffee beans.
This year, we are preparing more ways to connect during ChinaJoy week, from relaxed conversations over coffee to a very limited invite gathering for those who like their networking with a little more energy after dark.
For publishers, advertisers, agencies, and partners, ChinaJoy is more than an exhibition. It is a chance to compare ideas, spot what is changing across gaming and mobile, and have better conversations about growth, monetization, advertising quality, AI, and performance.
Our plans are still brewing, but the direction is clear: excellent coffee, sharper conversations, and a few surprises for the people joining us in Shanghai.
More details coming next week.
FAQ: ChinaJoy 2026 for international visitors
When is ChinaJoy 2026?
ChinaJoy 2026 is scheduled for July 31 to August 3, 2026.
Where is ChinaJoy 2026 held?
ChinaJoy 2026 will be held at Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Pudong, Shanghai.
What is the difference between BTOB and BTOC at ChinaJoy?
BTOC is the public facing side of ChinaJoy. It is best for game demos, entertainment showcases, esports, cosplay, fan activities, merchandise, and brand activations.
BTOB is the business focused side of ChinaJoy. It is best for publishers, advertisers, agencies, platforms, ad tech companies, monetization partners, investors, and professional visitors looking for meetings and partnerships.
Which ChinaJoy ticket should I buy?
If you are attending as a fan, gamer, content creator, or general visitor, look for BTOC visitor ticket information.
If you are attending for business meetings, advertising, publishing, monetization, investment, or industry networking, look for a BTOB trade visitor pass.
Always check what your ticket includes before purchasing.
Where can I get a ChinaJoy 2026 BTOB pass?
The current ChinaJoy 2026 BTOB trade visitor pass is listed on Huodongxing. You can also check official ChinaJoy channels for the latest registration links.
What is Huodongxing?
Huodongxing, or 活动行, is an event registration and ticketing platform used in China. During ChinaJoy week, it can be useful for finding trade visitor passes, conference passes, side events, and networking activities.
What apps should I download before going to Shanghai?
International visitors should download WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, Huodongxing, a map app, and a translation app before arriving. Set up accounts and payment methods in advance where possible.
Can foreigners use Alipay or WeChat Pay in China?
Many international visitors can use Alipay and WeChat Pay by linking eligible international bank cards. Setup requirements may vary, so complete registration and card setup before your trip and carry a backup payment method.
Is DiDi useful for ChinaJoy?
Yes. DiDi is useful for getting around Shanghai, especially when traveling between hotels, meetings, side events, and the venue. You can use the DiDi app or access DiDi through Alipay or WeChat.
Should I arrange meetings before ChinaJoy?
Yes. If you are attending for business, start arranging meetings several weeks in advance. ChinaJoy schedules fill up quickly, especially for publishers, advertisers, platforms, agencies, and technology partners.
Will AlgoriX be at ChinaJoy 2026?
Yes. AlgoriX will be in Shanghai for ChinaJoy 2026. Expect coffee, conversations, and a very an exclusive after dark gathering during ChinaJoy week. More details coming next week.
