Education fairs let you meet many schools in a single day, without crossing the city for each one. This autumn the China Education Expo tours five cities, and the 名校来了 fair returns to Shanghai. We've also listed the confirmed open days in Shenzhen and Chengdu.
A fair and an open day do different jobs. A fair helps you build and trim a shortlist. An open day helps you decide. Here's how to get the most out of both.
Fairs versus open days
- At a fair you'll gather information quickly: curriculum, fees, entry points, boarding options. You won't feel a school's culture from a booth.
- At an open day you'll see lessons, students and staff in their own setting. That's where fit becomes clearer.
- A good plan: use a fair to narrow ten schools down to four, then visit those four.
How to get value from a fair
Check who's exhibiting. The China Education Expo focuses on overseas high schools and universities, with some international schools. It suits families of teenagers thinking about study abroad more than families of young children.
Arrive early. Mornings are quieter, and representatives have more time to talk.
Bring the same three or four questions to every booth, so you can compare answers fairly:
- Which year groups have places for August 2027?
- What does the application involve, and what are the deadlines?
- What are the total annual costs, not just tuition?
- What support is there for students joining from a different system or language?
Take notes straight after each conversation. After six booths, schools start to blur together.
Don't sign anything on the day. Fairs can create pressure to commit. A good school will still be there after you've visited it.
Open days in Shenzhen and Chengdu
Check eligibility. QSI Shenzhen and Léman Chengdu are schools for children of foreign nationals, which in China generally means a foreign passport, or a Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan residence document. Confirm with admissions before you book.
Know where to go. QSI Shenzhen has several campuses in Shekou. Its whole-school open day starts at the Main Campus, and the December session is for the PLE (early years) campus only.
The NovaEd Campus Culture Check gives you eight things to look for on campus, and the School Visit Guide covers what to do before, during and after a visit.
Education fairs, autumn 2026
| Date | City | Event | Venue | Visitor hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 24 Oct | Shanghai | 名校来了 international school fair | To be announced by the organiser | To be announced |
| Fri 30 – Sat 31 Oct | Beijing | China Education Expo (CEE) | China National Convention Center, Halls 1 & 2 | 9:30–16:00 |
| Tue 3 Nov | Wuhan | China Education Expo | Wanda Reign Wuhan, 3F | 10:00–16:00 |
| Thu 5 Nov | Chengdu | China Education Expo | CYNN Hotel, 3F | 10:00–16:00 |
| Sat 7 Nov | Guangzhou | China Education Expo | Yuexiu International Congress Center, 1F | 10:00–16:00 |
| Sun 8 Nov | Shanghai | China Education Expo | Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, Hall 4 B1 (North Door) | 10:00–16:00 |
The China Education Expo is free for visitors.
Open days in Shenzhen and Chengdu
| Date | City | School | Who it's for | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed 14 Oct, 9:00–11:00 | Shenzhen | QSI International School of Shenzhen | Whole school (starts at Main Campus, Shekou) | Register on the school's open day page |
| Wed 28 Oct, 10:00–12:00 | Chengdu | Léman International School Chengdu | Prospective families | Register on the school's open day page |
| Wed 18 Nov, 10:00–12:00 | Chengdu | Léman International School Chengdu | Prospective families | Register on the school's open day page |
| Thu 3 Dec, 9:00–11:00 | Shenzhen | QSI International School of Shenzhen | PLE campus only | Register on the school's open day page |
| Wed 9 Dec, 10:00–12:00 | Chengdu | Léman International School Chengdu | Prospective families | Register on the school's open day page |
For Shanghai and Beijing open days, see our separate city guides.
Free NovaEd guides for your visits
- NovaEd School Visit Guide: what to do before, during and after a school visit.
- NovaEd Campus Culture Check: eight things to look for on campus, with a simple rating sheet.
- International schools in China: browse and compare schools on the NovaEd directory.
Dates are as published by the organisers and schools on 27 September 2026. Please confirm before you go. NovaEd doesn't organise these events.