China Tattoo Convention 2026

06 • 07 • 08 November 2026

START OF THE CHINA TATTO CONVENTION 2026
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INTRODUCTION

The China Tattoo Art Festival #20 marks a historic milestone for the Chinese and international tattoo community.

After 18 successful editions in Langfang, this legendary event entered a new chapter in the spectacular city of Hangzhou, hosted inside the colossal and luxurious Hangzhou Platinum Hanjue Hotel — one of the most impressive convention venues ever used for a tattoo event in Asia.

For two decades, the China Tattoo Convention has stood as the longest-running and most influential tattoo convention in China, attracting thousands of tattoo artists, industry professionals, collectors, and hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world. What began as a pioneering gathering evolved into one of the true landmark events of the global tattoo culture.

Twenty years is more than an anniversary.

It is enough time for a movement to become a culture, for apprentices to become masters, and for an event to establish itself as a defining platform for an entire industry.

Whether you are a tattoo artist, studio owner, supplier, collector, or simply passionate about tattoo culture, this is an edition you do not want to miss.

A special thanks goes to renowned artist Cristopher Mendez Alfaro for creating this year’s iconic official poster artwork.

As China continues to stand at the center of global manufacturing and innovation, this year’s edition will expand far beyond the traditional tattoo convention format. Alongside the international tattoo artists and exhibitors, the event will showcase hundreds of leading local and international manufacturers presenting the latest developments in tattoo equipment, cosmetic tattooing, tattoo removal technologies, piercing products, merchandising, software, studio tools, and much more.

The organization is preparing an unforgettable 20th anniversary edition, bringing together some of the finest tattoo artists and professionals from around the globe, alongside spectacular tattoo contests, live seminars, art exhibitions, music performances, entertainment shows, and exclusive industry networking opportunities.

The vision remains clear:

“To build the biggest and most refined platform in Asia for the international tattoo industry.”

LOCATION

Hangzhou Platinum Hanjue Hotel
No.9, Coral Sha East Road,
Xihu District, Hangzhou,
Zhejiang, 310008,
China

Supplier Showcase Edition

Highlights

  • Tattoo machines, needles & cartridges
  • Tattoo inks & pigments
  • Hygiene & cleaning solutions
  • Stencil & transfer products
  • Aftercare & healing supplies
  • Piercing & body modification products
  • PMU products

Who Should Attend?

  • Tattoo artists & studio owners
  • International distributors & wholesalers
  • Tattoo supply brands expanding into Asia
  • Entrepreneurs seeking OEM/private-label manufacturing partners

Benefits

  • Bilingual Support Team (Chinese–English) for smooth communication
  • Direct negotiations with manufacturers
  • One-on-one meetings for quick and effective business talks
  • OEM & private-label opportunities tailored to your brand
  • Flexible order volumes (including small-batch production)
  • International trade support, including customs & shipping consultation
  • Behind-the-scenes factory tours to see production in action
  • On-site legal advisory team for international trade compliance
  • Exclusive presentations and workshops
  • By meeting manufacturers directly, attendees can reduce costs, streamline sourcing, and secure trusted supply partners.

EVENT PROGRAM

TATTOO CONTESTS RULES

Tattoo Contests are at the heart of every reputable tattoo convention and at the China Tattoo Convention we strive to present the most impartial and transparent tattoo contest possible.

If you are participating as an Artist, please read very carefully the following rules:

Grouping & Format

  • Each category will adopt an elimination format, progressing from Top 16 → Top 8 → Top 3 (Champion, Runner-up, and Second Runner-up).
  • Artists may submit the same work for up to three categories.
  • Small pieces are defined as within A4 size (21cm × 29.7cm). Works exceeding this size must be entered into the Large Piece Group.
  • In Black & Grey categories, color highlights must not exceed 10% of the total area, and only a single color tone may be used.

Category Rules

Best Small Job

Tattoo size must be within 15cm × 15cm, no color restriction.

Tattoo Design Concept

Works must be related to tattoo design. Style, color, and size are not limited. Must include an original concept or creative idea.

Western B&G/Small Job

Within A4 size, showcasing Western cultural style.

Asian Colors/Small Job

Within A4 size, showcasing Asian cultural style.

Best Creative Job

Focused on innovation in concept, composition, and design, integrating the human body as the main element. No restriction on color or size. Emphasis on unique interpretation and artistic expression.

Asian B&G/Small Job

Within A4 size, focusing on Asian cultural style.

School Group

Includes both Old School and New School styles.

Black style Group

Includes Dark Style/Tribal/Dotwork, and all styles dominated by black tones.

Best Realistic

The subject must reproduce 100% of the reference photo. The composition may include design elements. (Original reference photo required.)

Chinese Style Group

Based on traditional Chinese painting styles, including Gongbi (meticulous style), Xieyi (freehand), Mogu (boneless painting), and Ink Splash stylesCheck-in Time

All contestants and their models must check in 30 minutes before the competition begins. Check-in closes 20 minutes before the start time — late arrivals will not be accepted.

“Best of Day Tattoo“

  • No more than two artists may collaborate on one piece.
  • Day 1: 5 artists advance.
  • Day 2: 5 artists advance.
  • Day 3: 8 artists advance.
  • A total of 18 artists compete for the Best of the Day Grand Title. There are no restrictions on style or size, but all works must be completed on-site within the designated time.
  • Artists may choose to complete their work in one day or across multiple days.
  • For multi-day works, both artist and model must report to the registration desk before starting (13:00) and after finishing (18:30) each day for photo documentation.
  • Each day’ s creation time is 5 hours.
  • Failure to check in and record on time will result in disqualification.

Any form of cheating or violation will result in a lifetime ban from all future competitions organized by this event.

FLOORPLAN

ACCESSORIES FOR RENT

Tattoo Artists can can rent the following items during the tattoo convention:

Bed 200 RMB/ 3 Days
Lamp 80 RMB/ 3 Days
Television 650 RMB / 3 Days

To reserve those items please visit our service booth or contact us via Instagram at @china.tattooconvention.

VISITOR INFO

How International Guests Stay Connected in China

There a basically 5 solutions as far as SIM cards are concerned.

1. Roaming using your home SIM card.

If your provider supports access in China, this is the easiest solution. Nothing to buy, no SIM card to swap. As you are roaming, you should have full access to Western sites and apps without needing a VPN. You will also keep your number so people can reach you.

However, some corporate mobile phone plans don’t charge extra for international roaming- in which case this is the easiest solution. Be sure to check. 

2. Buy a local HK SIM card.

Buying a Hong Kong SIM card that works in mainland China can be a convenient option. These SIMs often include roaming packages that allow direct access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other Western apps without the need for a VPN. They are widely sold online or at Hong Kong airports, and some can be purchased abroad before you travel.

This is usually cheaper than international roaming, but you will get a new number, which means people won’t be able to call or message you on your original phone line. Check coverage and speed in your destination city before relying on this option.

3. eSIM

You will have to check if your phone has this capability; If your phone supports eSIM, this can be one of the easiest ways to get connected. You can purchase an eSIM plan online before your trip, scan a QR code, and activate it instantly without needing to visit a store or insert a physical SIM card.

Many eSIM providers include roaming plans that allow access to Western websites and apps directly. Pricing and speed vary depending on the provider, so research in advance. (Turns out some eSIMs make you keep roaming ON for them to work. )

4. VPN

Some international websites and apps are not directly accessible in China. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) may be required to use platforms like Google, Gmail, Instagram, or WhatsApp.

If you choose to use a VPN, it is important to download, install, and test it before arriving in China, since app stores may restrict downloads once you are in the country.

Please note that VPN use is regulated in China. Only use legitimate, trusted services and comply with local laws.

5. Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is widely available in airports, hotels, cafés, and at many venues, including the expo. This can be useful for quick internet access without buying a plan.

However, connections may require phone number verification, and many international sites may still be blocked without a VPN. Public Wi-Fi networks are also often insecure, so avoid online banking or entering sensitive information when connected.

This option is best for light, casual use rather than as your primary way to stay online.

PAYMENTS OPTIONS

Payments in China — Quick Reference for Visitors

Best Options

  • Alipay — Supports foreign credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx). Widely used in shops, restaurants, and taxis.

  • UnionPay / Bank Cards — China’s national card system. Foreign UnionPay cards work at ATMs and many shops. International Visa/Mastercard also accepted at larger hotels and malls.

  • Cash (RMB) — Always useful for small stalls, taxis, and emergencies. Withdraw from ATMs in airports or major banks.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

  • Download Alipay before arrival and link it to your card.

  • Preload funds into Alipay using Tour Pass or your linked card.

  • Test with a small purchase on your first day.

  • Keep some RMB cash for small vendors and taxis.

  • Use cards as backup in hotels and malls.

  • Look for logos (Alipay / UnionPay) at store entrances.

Recommended Setup for 3–7 Day Stay

  1. Install & verify Alipay (link Visa/Mastercard).

  2. Carry RMB cash (≈500–1000 RMB for small spends).

  3. Bring an international card (Visa/Mastercard/AmEx) for hotels & larger purchases.

  4. Use ATMs at major banks if more cash is needed.

With this 3-layer approach — Alipay + Bank Card + Cash — you’ll be covered almost everywhere in China.