The 2025 Fuxing Island Global Design Competition is now open for registration, inviting participants worldwide to submit creative ideas and visionary designs to contribute to the future of Fuxing Island.

Located in Yangpu district, Fuxing Island is the only island in downtown Shanghai, spanning over 1 square kilometer. The island is positioned as a pilot experimental zone to explore the fusion of digital and physical spaces, aiming to become a gateway to a city of the future.

 

Registration

Deadline: 10 pm, April 30

Website: https://biz.ghzyj.sh.gov.cn/fxds/web/register

 

Submission requirements

Themes: The competition focuses on three core areas, namely smart digital empowerment, art and creative design, as well as people-centered urban development — in line with Fuxing Island's vision as a "Digital Island", a "Design Island", and a "People's Island".

Scope of solicitation: Entire Fuxing Island and the Canal waterfront.

Research scope: Extending west to Jungong Road, including the main campus of the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology. Participants may explore urban-campus integration, spatial sharing, and openness.

 

Participants

The competition is open to tech companies, design firms, independent designers, commercial operators, product developers, creative planners, and cross-disciplinary teams from diverse industries.

 

Nine competition categories

In the creative selection phase, participants are encouraged to submit ideas in any format, including hand-drawn sketches, creative proposals, and short videos. Suggested directions include, but are not limited to:

1. Human-centered public spaces

Leverage Fuxing Island's unique waterfront landscape to enhance accessibility, create responsive public spaces, and optimize flexible spatial usage.

2. Smart ecological communities

Focus on the island's natural and ecological environment — utilizing renewable energy, cutting-edge biomaterials, and robotics to drive sustainability and innovation.

3. Future-oriented public services

Envision next-generation urban living by incorporating emerging technologies such as wearable devices, smart homes, and adaptive learning systems.

4. Smart integrated future transportation

Design a digital intelligent traffic management system by incorporating autonomous driving, dynamic road systems, and other latest technologies.

5. Innovative low-altitude economy scenarios

Focus on application scenarios such as logistics and deliveries, sports and tourism, and emergency rescue operations.

6. Future-oriented architecture

Reimagine urban spaces by blending industrial heritage and architectural identity with innovations such as foldable furniture, movable walls, smart home systems, and real-time sensing technologies.

7. Tech-infused artistic furniture

Create artwork reflecting Fuxing Island's identity. Blend environmental aesthetics, regional character, artistic innovation, and smart technology.

8. Metaverse & immersive experiences

Utilize AR, VR, and interactive audiovisual technologies to design compelling event experiences that seamlessly blend the virtual and physical worlds.

9. Open innovation

Beyond the listed themes, participants are encouraged to propose bold and groundbreaking ideas — including science fiction, film, music, and poetry — drawing from their unique expertise.

 

Timeline

The competition unfolds in three stages:

1. Creative Selection (April – May)

• Gather interdisciplinary ideas on future technology, art, and urban life.
• Submission deadline: 10 pm, May 30
• Shortlist announcement: Mid-June

2. Proposal development (June – August)

• Facilitate cross-industry collaboration to refine concepts into actionable plans.
• Submission deadline: Mid-August
• Shortlist announcement: Late August

3. Implementation (September – November)

• Transform ideas into prototypes, conduct testing, and showcase results.
• Awards & final showcase: September – December

Awards & Prizes

The competition boasts a total prize pool of 1.65 million yuan ($228,136).

 

Source: Yangpu district information office