Asia's leading international design event, Design Shanghai, has revealed highlights from its 2026 Features Programme, marking a significant new chapter as the fair returns to its original home at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Taking place from 19–22 March 2026, the upcoming edition promises an expanded and immersive showcase of contemporary design, craftsmanship and material innovation from across Asia and beyond.
© Design Shangai
Beyond craft, design Shanghai 2025 edition.
The 2026 programme places curated feature exhibitions at the heart of the visitor experience, exploring design across multiple disciplines, from emerging talent and traditional craftsmanship to interactive material research and collectible art. The historic architecture of the Shanghai Exhibition Centre provides a dramatic backdrop, creating a dialogue between heritage and contemporary creativity.
A key highlight is Talents, Design Shanghai's platform for designers under 35, curated by Frank Chou. Now in its sixth edition, Talents 2026 explores the theme "About Time", inviting ten emerging Chinese and international designers to reflect on time as both a cultural and conceptual design material. Exhibits range from experimental lighting made from innovative PVC materials to furniture combining traditional wood with expressive metals and bio-based materials.
© Design Shangai
QIUAtelier | Nearby ceramic art studio [Made in JDZ 2026 exhibitors].
Celebrating contemporary craft, Made in JDZ, curated by Ryan Ran, returns with the theme "Craft Without Borders". Rooted in Jingdezhen's historic porcelain culture, the exhibition reimagines traditional ceramics, lacquer and metalwork within modern contexts. Participating studios highlight how craft can evolve, sustain itself and engage with everyday life and contemporary youth culture.
Further emphasising heritage and materiality, Beyond Craft presents works from over ten Asian brands exploring techniques such as lacquer art, weaving, metal inlay, ceramics and glass engraving. The feature demonstrates how traditional skills continue to inspire innovative design applications today.
© Design ShangaiA Courtyard in the City Feature.
New for 2026 is A Courtyard in the City, a large-scale outdoor installation designed by Shen Baohong. Reinterpreting the traditional Chinese courtyard within an urban and Western architectural context, the immersive project proposes a contemporary vision of Eastern living, blending architecture, furniture and landscape.
Rounding out the programme, Collectible Design & Art showcases limited-edition works from international galleries and designers, while materials expert Chris Lefteri returns with the interactive Materials First lab, inviting visitors to experiment with colour, texture and perception.
Together, the 2026 Features Programme positions Design Shanghai as a vital global platform for design innovation, cultural exchange and material exploration.
More information:
Design Shangai
www.designshanghai.com
