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Design Shanghai 2025: How China is Leading in Design Innovation

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Asia’s Leading Design Show Demonstrates the Richness of China’s Craft and Design Landscape

The 12th edition of Design Shanghai 2025 will take place 4th – 7th June at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition Center. Recognised as Asia’s leading design show, Design Shanghai demonstrates how China is a global powerhouse in design. Since the inaugural event over a decade ago, Design Shanghai has witnessed domestic brands – from globally renowned to independent design practices – choose the platform to launch their collections and cutting-edge designs. Each recognises the global impact and authoritative voice Design Shanghai holds in the design and architecture space.

Each edition of Design Shanghai is a commitment to celebrate the advancement of Chinese design and craftsmanship, and the show has contributed to the unprecedented growth of numerous Chinese designers, many of whom have become pillars of contemporary design in China. This year, the show continues to redefine perceptions of Chinese design on the global stage, with over 600 design masterpieces on display and seven special features led by an incredible roster of Chinese artists, designers and craftsmen: TALENTS, neooold, Re:Materialize, Made in JDZ, Beyond Craft Japan, Materials First and Collectible Design & Art.

“Over the past 12 years, Design Shanghai has pioneered Chinese design exhibitions, witnessing modern design development in China. During this time, the Chinese design industry has entered a vibrant and flourishing era, with numerous designers and brands emerging in the market and expressing their voices. As we endeavour to shape the ecosystem of Asian design exhibitions, Design Shanghai remains dedicated to the Chinese design industry and provides resolute support. This year, we continue to spearhead the industry, both as a trailblazer and a practitioner, leading the trends of modern design.” Zhuo Tan, Event Director, Design Shanghai.

Show curators have noticed a significant shift in consumer attitudes in China and a deeper focus on value and longevity in design. Domestic consumers are willing to invest in quality. The Design Shanghai features showcase the breadth and quality of craftsmanship, design, and innovation that China has to offer, alongside design excellence from participating international designers and brands.

The 2025 show marks the launch of Design Shanghai Collectible Design & Art, which brings together a curated selection of limited edition artworks and designs from across the globe, in collaboration with galleries, artists, and designers. In today’s China, there is a growing accumulation of wealth, with an increasing number of enterprises and individuals expressing their personality and taste through the collection of internationally acclaimed limited edition works. Chinese galleries participating include: Ivory Gate Gallery, Langblink, Champochic Gallery, Jin Junfeng, Chengyan Art, Deep Time Art Museum, Yanshan Art Museum, Lacquer_Chengyan, Studio M.Noir, and Pinwu. The new feature will provide a professional platform for both Chinese and international designers, collectors, and enthusiasts to exhibit and interact.

TALENTS supports and champions local emerging designers, alongside international talents, by providing a platform that helps build lasting relationships in business and therefore supports growth. 2025 marks the features 5th anniversary, with the theme ‘Confront Conflicts’, which raises an important question for creators – In a future world where conflicts are becoming more intense and frequent, how will we, as designers, respond with the right mindset and actions? The exhibition will display designers’ responses through their respective mediums, aligning with curator Frank Chou’s mission to help young designers grow to help improve the design ecology in China. Selected designers of past TALENTS editions will participate in the exhibition, symbolizing the feature’s ongoing commitment to the growth of emerging design talent, including Yif Design, Xiangzhi, AbidJaved, and Yusheng.

neooold marks its momentous 5th year showcasing at Design Shanghai. In China, 5 years is a milestone for reflection. In this spirit, curator Chen Min reflects on previous years, taking inspiration from existing neooold designers who have grown alongside the concept, well aligned with the ancient Chinese proverb ‘learning from the past to understand the present’ (温故而知新). This year’s theme, Mass Wonders, will delve into the beauty of handcrafted art by a curation of 20 young Chinese artisans who are creating masterpieces utilising time-honoured crafts such as lacquer, ceramics, metalwork, and weaving.

Two highlighted designers participating this year include Jiang Sheng, sculptor and Founder of Jiang Jia Ban, and Lin Yuming, founder and chief designer of Nanchow, both based in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The creative skills and artistry of these design masters provides a snapshot of the level of local craftsmanship and talent which will be showcased this year, and the makers who are leading Chinese design innovation.

New in 2025, the Made in Jingdezhen feature symbolises the convergence of diverse crafts in the region. Historically, Jingdezhen has been the ceramics capital of the world, yet the mission behind Made in Jingdezhen is to present the ‘new’ Jingdezhen: a creative hub where many designers and artists have relocated to form a rich community of craft and design. Split into three themed rooms, the inaugural feature will present Jingdezhen-based artists’ work, which interprets traditional techniques in modern scenarios, formed from lacquer, silver, gold, and glassmaking. Participating designers and artists include Moonline, POT, Ciireals, borges, Correct vs Incorrect, Zing space, and Studio bay.

Re:Materialize is a showcase of traditional Chinese heritage techniques as well as modern industrial and technological materials. Organized by Design Shanghai and Róng Design Library curators, the exhibition advocates for a return to material-oriented thinking at the early stages of design, emphasizing the concept “material-driven design”. The exhibition features over 20 selected material brands and 20 designers or artists, inviting them to experiment with material possibilities within given themes. In light of contemporary global challenges such as environmental concerns, technological advancements, and an aging population, three emerging themes—Present Optimism, Nostalgic Shelter, and Harmonious Coexistence—propose a discourse on how design can assist humanity in reconstructing a sense of security. These themes explore the evolving relationship between humans and the Earth and contemplate the creative mission of future design.

Design Shanghai has showcased over 2600 design brands from more than 30 countries, welcoming over 640,000 professional attendees who have each witnessed the growth and integration of Chinese design power. Over the years, the Chinese design industry has flourished, with numerous designers and brands emerging in the Chinese market, whilst international brands and designers have recognised the quality and innovation China has and have therefore explored and experimented in China.