Design Shanghai 2026 is extending its reach beyond the exhibition halls with the return of its "Design in the City" programme, transforming Shanghai into a citywide design destination from 5–22 March. The initiative runs alongside the fair's 13th edition, which takes place 19–22 March at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre.
© Design Shangai
With more than 100 activations across the city, the programme connects design, culture and lifestyle through installations, exhibitions, retail spaces, studios and hospitality venues. Organisers say the aim is to highlight how design influences everyday urban life.
"When creativity spills beyond exhibition halls into our streets, cafés and riverbanks, that's when design truly lives," said Zhuo Tan, event director of Design Shanghai. "This is our invitation to reimagine Shanghai not just as a backdrop, but as an active collaborator in the story of design."
A citywide design network
The programme builds on earlier initiatives such as the Design Shanghai @Xintiandi Design Festival and the City Design Guide, which highlight the city's creative destinations. In 2026, Design in the City expands across four curated districts and features 60–70 design hotspots, over 20 public events, and 15 open studio days allowing visitors to enter working design spaces.
Participating venues include galleries, studios, showrooms, cafés, hotels and cultural institutions, offering visitors a chance to experience design through architecture, retail, hospitality and creative production.
Four districts, four perspectives
Each district highlights a different facet of Shanghai's creative identity:
- Changning – Design for Tomorrow
Known for its historic streets and neighbourhood atmosphere, Changning blends heritage architecture with sustainability-focused design spaces, independent boutiques and cafés. Highlights include the TRACERIES exhibition at Park Dimanche, concept retailer DONGLIANG, and destinations such as Columbia Circle and Tsutaya Books. - Huangpu – Design Through Time
Located in Shanghai's historic core, Huangpu combines Art Deco landmarks with contemporary cultural venues. Exhibitions include SHANG XIA's 15th anniversary exhibition "Wander Through Wonder" and RICOSTRU's "Reconstructing the Ancient Path" installation inspired by the historic Tea Horse Road. - Jing'an – The Social Design Circuit
This district focuses on everyday design culture across cafés, studios and creative spaces. Highlights include Pillars Gallery, located in the historic Guang'er Warehouse along Suzhou Creek, and Quest for Urban Signals, an art residency and public performance by artist Shuare Shizhu. - Xuhui – Creative Convergence
Known for its tree-lined streets and renovated historic buildings, Xuhui hosts galleries, studios and experimental creative spaces. Venues include WS SPACE, LIANG, and design studios such as HATCH Architects and anySCALE Architecture Design, many of which will open their studios to visitors.
A platform for Asian design
Returning to its original venue at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre after six years, Design Shanghai 2026 aims to highlight the evolving landscape of Asian design while strengthening connections between international designers, brands and cultural institutions.
Through its citywide programme, the event positions Shanghai itself as part of the design experience, turning neighbourhoods, studios and cultural venues into a living showcase of contemporary design culture.
More information:
Design Shanghai
www.designshanghai.com
