Design takes over Shanghai: What to expect at WDCC 2025

Shanghai is set to dazzle as it hosts the World Design Cities Conference 2025 from Sept 25 to 28 in Huangpu district. Co-hosted by the Shanghai municipal government and UNESCO, this year's theme is "Design Boosts Flourishing".

Whether you're a design professional, student, or simply curious, here's what you won't want to miss:

Meet the world's design leaders

More than 1,000 speakers will take the stage, including heads of global design organizations, the presidents of the Royal College of Art and the Rhode Island School of Design, as well as internationally acclaimed designers such as Jimmy Choo and Shigeru Ban.

Discussions will focus on eco-design, sustainable fashion, and green supply chains. More than 30 UNESCO Creative Cities, including Dundee in the UK, Como in Italy, Nagoya in Japan, and Al-Ahsa in Saudi Arabia, will share their experiences in building creative cities.

What to see in Shanghai

The main exhibition in Huangpu spans 15,000 square meters, showcasing 500 brands and over 3,000 design pieces. Visitors can explore themed zones on eco-design and lifestyle, browse national pavilions from Italy, the Nordic countries, and Brazil, and enjoy an outdoor design carnival featuring standout projects from the 2025 Shanghai Design 100+ Global Competition.

Beyond Shanghai

The conference expands globally with special events in:

· Paris — fashion & brand showcase during Bonjour Brand Forum (late September)

· Milan — fashion shows during Milan Fashion Week (late September)

· Kuala Lumpur — exhibitions & business matchmaking (late October)

For young designers & job seekers

The new Shanghai creative design talent under 35 program will unveil the first group of 35 emerging talents working in the city.

A large-scale recruitment event will bring together more than 800 companies, offering nearly 10,000 positions for graduates and young designers.

A special Design Night gala will conclude the event with a festival atmosphere, celebrating creativity and connecting talent with investors, brands, and industry experts.

Explore the city of design

Throughout the city, districts will host design forums, exhibitions, and pop-up events, turning Shanghai into a living design gallery.