Shanghai rises as global design hub with 1.7 trillion yuan output

Jointly organized by the Shanghai Municipal People's Government and UNESCO, the 2026 World Design Cities Conference was held from September 28 to 30, featuring over 100 themed activities.

During the opening ceremony, guidance for enhancing urban and community sustainability performance was launched. This guidance, based on the ISO 37105 standard, is a publicly available specification (PAS) for a City of Design.

For the first time since joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network 16 years ago, Shanghai's achievements have become a global benchmark.

The main exhibition of the conference opens to the public on Saturday, September 26, showcasing more than 3,000 exhibits from nearly 500 brands. Emerging trendy brands make up over 40 percent of the exhibits, while international brands account for more than 20 percent.

Additionally, the conference features a 4,000-square-meter outdoor design carnival area.