The medals for the 48th WorldSkills Competition have been unveiled, blending traditional Chinese craftsmanship with Shanghai's distinctive urban heritage.

The medals will come in five categories: gold, silver, and bronze medals, the Best of Nation medal, and the Medallion for Excellence.

Breaking from the traditional flat, circular medal form, the new medals feature an irregular hexagonal shape inspired by traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon structures. The front of each medal features a three-dimensional mortise-and-tenon structure, symbolizing the spirit of craftsmanship embodied in striving for perfection and pursuing excellence.

The back of each medal features the lintel of a traditional Shanghai shikumen building and a silhouette of the modern city. The gradually opening shikumen doors convey the idea of preserving the original vision and pursuing innovation while upholding fundamental principles, and symbolize Shanghai's openness, innovation, and inclusiveness.

Additionally, the medals are made of brass and produced using a selective electroplating process that creates a layered interplay of glossy and matte finishes. They are also resistant to deformation and fading.

Source: WeChat account of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026