Design Shanghai 2026 Showcases Tradition and Innovation with 500+ Brands at Shanghai Exhibition Centre
From March 19 to 22, 2026, the Shanghai Exhibition Centre will host Design Shanghai, featuring more than 500 brands from over 20 nations. This event celebrates Chinese innovation in the global design landscape, with Shanghai's creative sectors projected to reach over ¥2 trillion in 2025, an increase from ¥1.64 trillion in 2024. The TALENTS section, curated by Frank Chou with the theme About Time, will highlight up-and-coming designers under 35, such as Yilu Studio and Liang Living Studio. The Beyond Craft section will focus on traditional craftsmanship, showcasing exhibitors like Kyoraku Kougei. Noteworthy participants include 12h, PAST TO NOW, JUN WANG STUDIO x Ziyuan Jiang, Yuya Zhou, and Yin Dahua. A new feature for 2026 is A Courtyard in the City, along with additional curated events.
Key facts
- Design Shanghai runs from 19-22 March 2026 at Shanghai Exhibition Centre
- Features over 500 brands from more than 20 countries
- Shanghai's creative industries generated over ¥2 trillion in 2025
- TALENTS section curated by Frank Chou showcases designers under 35
- Beyond Craft section highlights traditional techniques like Nishijin-ori weaving
- New installation A Courtyard in the City reinterprets traditional siheyuan
- Includes sections: Materials First, Collectible Design & Art, Made in JDZ
- Shanghai is China's only UNESCO-designated City of Design
Entities
Artists
- Frank Chou
- Hong Zhangliang
- Yin Dahua
- Yuya Zhou
- Ziyuan Jiang
Institutions
- Design Shanghai
- 12h
- PAST TO NOW
- Yilu Studio
- Liang Living Studio
- JUN WANG STUDIO
- Kyoraku Kougei
- UNESCO
- Shanghai Exhibition Centre
- Aesthetica Magazine
Locations
- Shanghai
- China
- Tianjin
- Kyoto
- Jingdezhen