CIPS 2026: the biggest aquarium trade show returns to Guangzhou

From 12 to 15 November 2026 Guangzhou will once again become the world capital of the aquarium hobby with the thirtieth edition of the China International Pet Show, better known as CIPS. This year, too, DaniReef will be there as Official Media Partner to cover one of the largest and most important events in the industry, but this time we will also have two rather special roles: we will sit on the international jury of the CIPS Innovation Awards and we will be a speaker at the 3rd Aquatic Industry Convention.

After our experience in 2025, we are returning to Guangzhou with an even richer programme of professional meetings, technological innovations and international competitions. And this year we will also have the opportunity to contribute directly to two important industry events.

CIPS 2026 will run from Thursday 12 November to Sunday 15 November at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in the city of Guangzhou, also known in the West as Canton.

The thirtieth edition is a significant milestone for CIPS, which over the years has helped create opportunities for meeting and collaboration between the Chinese industry and pet trade professionals from all over the world.

For those who are not familiar with this show, CIPS is not simply an aquarium fair, but a gigantic international event dedicated to the entire world of companion animals, in which the aquarium hobby plays a very prominent role. And when we say aquarium hobby we really mean everything: marine and freshwater aquariums, corals, ornamental fish, breeding, lighting, filtration, pumps, accessories, aquascaping, biotopes, technological products and equipment of every kind.

CIPS 2026: the 30th edition in Guangzhou

This year the China International Pet Show reaches a particularly important milestone: 30 editions of an event that has become one of the main international reference points for the trade and development of the pet and aquarium industry.

According to the information released by the organisers, the show will involve tens of thousands of trade professionals from more than 120 countries and regions, with a programme that includes more than twenty events, conferences and special activities.

Impressive numbers, but on their own they are not enough to describe the experience of visiting a fair of this size. We saw it first-hand in 2025, as well as in 2017: just a few minutes among the halls are enough to realise how many companies, products and opportunities the Asian market manages to concentrate in a single place.

CIPS 2026 exhibitors: the aquarium companies to watch

One of the most interesting aspects of CIPS 2026 is, of course, the impressive number of companies linked to the aquarium world. As we already pointed out last year, the show makes it possible to meet not only the big international brands, but also a great many Asian manufacturers that we rarely find at European fairs.

CIPS 2026 will host an extraordinary line-up of Chinese companies, many of which operate on an international scale. Calling them simply local companies would be an understatement: these are manufacturers competing in one of the most important markets in the world and, increasingly often, developing technologies and products intended for international markets as well.

According to our analysis of the official catalogue, around 379 exhibitors linked to the aquarium sector will be present at CIPS 2026, practically the same as last year, when we identified 380. As a point of comparison, in our analysis of Interzoo 2024 we counted around 270 companies in the same sector: a difference of about 40%, even taking into account possible differences in classification criteria.

One of the things we appreciate most about CIPS is the chance to meet in person the entrepreneurs, designers and professionals who work behind the products. These meetings help us understand not only the technical features of the equipment, but also the ideas, ambitions and strategies of the companies that develop it.

Selected companies and stand numbers

As we said, CIPS 2026 has 379 exhibitors from the aquarium sector. Among them, we have selected 23 companies that we think will be particularly interesting for our readers. Here is the list in alphabetical order, with their stand numbers and links to their official profiles.

• Amtra Croci Asia – stand 11.1-B021. The Croci group is present through its Asian branch, with aquarium and water treatment products.
• Aquanest – stand 11.1-D065. Chinese company specialising in the development and production of equipment and filter media for marine aquariums, with OEM services and professional solutions.
• Aquarium Systems – stand 11.1-D041+A. Long-established aquarium company, also known for Instant Ocean sea salt.
• Boyu – stand 10.1-D001. Long-established Chinese manufacturer of aquariums, filtration systems, pumps and accessories for aquariums and ponds.
• Deltec – stand 11.1-D041+C. Historic German marine aquarium brand, best known for its protein skimmers and filtration systems.
• Hailea – stand 11.1-D001. Large Chinese manufacturer of chillers, pumps, air pumps and other equipment, also active in OEM/ODM production.
• International Aquarium Supply – stand 9.1-D051. Distributor of international brands such as Waterlife, Hagen (Fluval and Nutrafin), Messner, API and Haquoss.
• JBL – stand 11.1-D041+B. German brand with a very wide range of aquarium products, from foods and test kits to filtration and accessories.
• Jebao – stand 10.1-E031. One of the best-known Asian manufacturers of wavemakers, return pumps and other aquarium equipment.
• Keloray – stand 11.1-F031. Chinese manufacturer specialising in LED lighting for marine and freshwater aquariums.
• Kunzhi Trading – stand 9.1-C001. Chinese distributor of European and American aquarium brands, active in both the marine and freshwater sectors. In 2025 it was also listed as a Sicce distributor.
• Lanhai Marine – stand 11.1-E071. Company specialising in the trade of marine ornamental fish and the supply of aquarium equipment and products.
• Macro Aqua – stand 10.1-B071. Company of Taiwanese origin producing aquarium equipment, including for other brands.
• Momipup – stand 11.3-B006. Company specialising in SMART technologies applied to the aquarium hobby, as well as to the pet sector in general.
• Neptunian Cube – stand 11.1-G041. Manufacturer of high-end marine aquariums, with particular attention to design and integrated technical solutions.
• Netlea – stand 11.1-E061. Chinese company specialising in lighting, smart aquariums, substrates and equipment for freshwater fishkeeping.
• Red Sea – stand 10.1-F021. Showing its new REEF-FRAME, REEFER G3+, ReefControl and Complete Reef Care, together with the D-D products distributed by the company.
• Red Starfish – stand 11.1-F051. Manufacturer of protein skimmers, algae reactors, filtration systems and accessories for marine aquariums.
• Seachem – stand 9.1-C021+. US brand specialising in products for water treatment, supplementation and aquarium management.
• Two Little Fishies – stand 11.1-D041+D. Historic brand founded by Julian Sprung, specialising in products and accessories for reef aquariums.
• Tropic Marin – stand 13.1-E021++. German company known for sea salts, supplements and products for the chemical management of aquariums.
• WWWAQUA – stand 13.1-D051. Company specialising in aquariums, terrariums and design objects that combine nature and interior décor.
• Zetlight – stand 11.1-E011. Manufacturer of LED lighting and smart systems for marine and freshwater aquariums.

These are, of course, only some of the companies at CIPS 2026, selected from those we consider most interesting for our sector. Many other brands may also be represented through local distributors, without appearing under their own name in the exhibitor catalogue.

Distributors and brands at CIPS 2026

One of the peculiarities of CIPS is that an international brand does not always have its own independent stand. Companies are often represented by their Asian distributors, who bring several manufacturers together in the same exhibition space.

An interesting example is stand 11.1-D041, split between Aquarium Systems (A), JBL (B), Deltec (C) and Two Little Fishies (D). Four brands that are very well known to aquarists, gathered in a single exhibition area.

Another case is International Aquarium Supply, at stand 9.1-D051, which states that it distributes brands such as Waterlife, Fluval, Nutrafin, Messner, API and Haquoss.

Also particularly interesting is the presence of Red Sea, whose official profile mentions not only the brand’s new products, but also the D-D products it distributes on the local market: Funktion, Spektrum, ROWAphos and H2Ocean.

Finally, there is Kunzhi Trading, already included in our CIPS 2025 list as the distributor of many important Italian brands.

The new products we are most interested in

This year we will also pay particular attention to the Chinese manufacturers that are developing increasingly interesting products and technologies for the international market. Companies such as Neptunian Cube, Red Starfish, Jebao, Hailea, Netlea and Keloray represent different approaches to the aquarium hobby, from the production of technical equipment to complete aquariums, through to lighting and automation.

Among the companies we will follow most closely will certainly be Red Sea, which has announced the presence of REEF-FRAME, REEFER G3+, ReefControl and its Complete Reef Care solutions. It will be interesting to see these products up close and understand how they fit into the evolution of the brand’s range.

Also very interesting is WWWAQUA, which we have already got to know through its original three-dimensional backgrounds. Its presence at CIPS will allow us to discover an approach to the aquarium world that focuses strongly on the integration of design, interior décor and nature.

As for the more technical side, it will be interesting to compare the offerings of companies such as Jebao, Hailea, Boyu, Zetlight, Keloray, Macro Aqua and Red Starfish, above all to understand how pumps, lighting, filtration and automation are evolving.

Neptunian Cube also deserves attention for its high-end marine aquariums, as does Netlea for its solutions dedicated to freshwater fishkeeping and planted aquariums.

The major international competitions at CIPS 2026

One of the things that makes CIPS such a special event is the large number of international competitions dedicated to ornamental fish and aquarium design. During the show, some of the most spectacular specimens and most interesting layouts on the Asian and international aquarium scene are presented.

Arowana, Betta, Goldfish and ornamental fish

The programme dedicated to ornamental fish includes numerous specialised competitions, including the CIPS Global Arowana Championship, the Global Tigerfish Championship, the Global Stingray Championship, the Global Goldfish Championship, the Global Betta Championship and the Medaka Championship.

Alongside these there are exhibitions dedicated to koi, cichlids and other species that are particularly popular on the Asian market.

For a European aquarist it is an extraordinary opportunity to observe up close varieties, selections and breeding methods that are often little known in our part of the world.

The 4th Asia Clownfish Competition

Of particular interest to marine aquarium enthusiasts will be the 4th Asia Clownfish Competition (China) 2026, dedicated to clownfish.

Last year we also followed this competition as official media partner, discovering some truly unusual specimens and meeting breeders specialised in the selection of the various Amphiprion varieties.

The world of captive-bred clownfish continues to be extremely interesting, both for the variety of colours and patterns and for the increasingly important role that breeding can play in the availability of fish for marine aquariums.

This year, too, we will try to document the competition with photographs and in-depth articles on the most interesting specimens.

Aquascaping, biotopes and international contests

Plenty of space will also be devoted to aquascaping, a field in which the Asian market continues to express creativity and technical quality of the very highest level.

Among the competitions listed in the official programme are the CIPS Biotope Aquarium Contest (CBAC), the CIPS International Aquascaping Contest (CIAC), the CIPS International Marine Aquascaping Contest (CMAC) and the CIPS Open Ecological Aquarium Contest (COAC).

These events make it possible to observe very different approaches to aquarium design: from the recreation of natural habitats to more artistic aquatic landscapes, through to marine layouts.

CIAC 2026, in particular, has adopted a format that also includes a live final in Guangzhou, with the aquascapers competing head to head during the show.

It is one of the events we will follow with the greatest curiosity, because watching an aquascaper work live gives a much better understanding of the design, technique and choices behind a top-level layout.

You can find the competition programme in the official Aquarium Contest section.

CIPS Innovation Awards 2026: DaniReef on the international jury

Among the new features that make this edition particularly important for us are the CIPS Innovation Awards 2026. Last July we were delighted to announce that DaniReef had been invited to join the international jury of the awards, in the aquarium category.

The CIPS Innovation Awards were created to showcase the most innovative products presented by companies in the pet and aquarium sector. For the Aquatics category, several types of products are considered, from food to water management, from equipment to complete aquariums.

According to the 2026 rules, products launched from 1 January 2026 onwards are eligible, while the judging phase is scheduled for October.

This recognition is particularly meaningful to us. For almost twenty years, DaniReef has been covering new products through hands-on testing, independent measurements and in-depth reporting that goes beyond marketing claims.

You can find all the details about the awards on the official awards page.

DaniReef speaker at the 3rd Aquatic Industry Convention

But this year the news for DaniReef doesn’t end there.

We have in fact also been invited as a speaker at the 3rd Aquatic Industry Convention, the international conference organised by CIPS together with Ornamental Fish International (OFI), which will bring together professionals, company representatives, experts and key players in the global aquarium market.

The overall theme of the convention will be “Transforming the Aquarium Industry: Data, Technology and Retail Innovation”, in other words how data, technology and innovation in retail are transforming the aquarium industry.

The topics covered will include international trade, market trends, artificial intelligence, new technologies, the role of social media and the changing relationship between companies and consumers.

And it is precisely on the subject of digital communication that we will bring our experience.

The theme sums up an experience that is very close to our hearts. When DaniReef was born in 2007, the digital landscape was profoundly different from today’s. Forums were one of the main gathering places for hobbyists, blogs were growing and social networks were still in their infancy.

Since then we have lived through the expansion of Facebook, the growth of YouTube and Instagram, the arrival of vertical video and, today, the spread of artificial intelligence. Above all, we have seen a change in the way hobbyists discover products, look for information, get in touch with companies and take part in the life of the industry.

A social network can bring thousands of views. A community built over time, on the other hand, can create trust, knowledge, relationships and real opportunities, for hobbyists and companies alike.

This is the experience we will try to bring to the stage in Guangzhou, telling the story of almost twenty years of DaniReef and sharing our view on how aquarium communication has evolved.

You can find all the details about the conferences on the official website of the 3rd Aquatic Industry Convention.

Two new awards to promote the industry

The initiatives linked to the convention also include two new awards: the CIPS & OFI Aquarium Retail Excellence Award, dedicated to businesses that stand out for quality, innovation and service, and the CIPS & OFI Commercial Livestock of the Year Award, dedicated to ornamental animals of particular commercial interest.

It is interesting to note that the evaluation of stores considers not only commercial aspects, but also sustainability, staff expertise, quality of communication, community engagement and customer care.

An approach that shows how much the industry is also trying to evolve in terms of professionalism and quality of service.

The evolution of the Chinese aquarium industry

In recent years the Chinese aquarium sector has undergone a significant evolution. Alongside its traditional manufacturing capacity, brands have grown that invest in developing their own products, in technological research and in building a recognisable identity on international markets.

It is a change we have observed directly during our visits to CIPS: from LED lighting to automation systems, from pumps to complete aquariums, many Chinese companies now offer solutions that deserve attention outside the Asian market too.

For DaniReef, visiting Guangzhou also means understanding this transformation, getting to know the people and companies driving it, and telling European readers about technologies and products that could play an important role in the future of the aquarium hobby.

Where is CIPS 2026 held?

The thirtieth edition of the China International Pet Show will take place in Area B of the China Import and Export Fair Complex, one of Guangzhou’s large exhibition complexes.

The show is aimed mainly at trade professionals: manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and companies interested in developing international business relationships.

Anyone wishing to attend can find information on trade registration and access to the show directly on the official website.

Event map

Here you can see where the exhibition complex hosting CIPS 2026 in Guangzhou is located.

DaniReef at CIPS 2026: what will we cover?

As we did last year, for this edition too we will try to take you with us through the halls in Guangzhou.

We will follow the companies’ new products, the ornamental fish competitions, the aquascaping layouts and the events dedicated to the marine aquarium hobby, trying to document everything through photographs, videos, interviews and in-depth articles.

It will be particularly interesting to exchange views with professionals from all over the world, to understand how the industry is evolving in different markets and to tell you about the ideas we find most interesting for our readers too.

If you want to get an idea of what to expect, you can re-read last year’s editorial: CIPS 2025: Aquascaping, Rare Goldfish & Tech Innovations (Video).

See you in Guangzhou!

For more information about the show and all the latest updates, you can visit the official CIPS 2026 website.

When DaniReef was born in 2007, we would hardly have imagined that almost twenty years later we would find ourselves in Guangzhou evaluating the industry’s innovations and sharing our experience in digital communication with an international audience.

But perhaps this is one of the most beautiful aspects of the aquarium hobby: its ability to connect people, passions and expertise from every part of the world.

So from 12 to 15 November follow us on DaniReef and on our social channels to discover all the news from CIPS 2026 together.

See you in Guangzhou!