Traditional Chinese joinery, shikumen doorways, and Shanghai's modern skyline come together in the medals for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. The design celebrates precision, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in skilled craftsmanship.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will run in Shanghai from Sept 22 to 27, with competition events taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Sept 23 to 26.

A design rooted in craftsmanship and Shanghai

Breaking away from the conventional flat, circular form, the medals have an irregular hexagonal shape inspired by traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joinery.

Their overall form also draws on the Luban lock, a traditional wooden puzzle composed of precisely cut, interlocking components. The structure has been distilled into a contemporary geometric design.

On the front, three-dimensional mortise-and-tenon elements fit together, representing the precision and pursuit of excellence central to skilled work.

The reverse features the lintel of a traditional Shanghai shikumen building alongside the city's modern skyline. The opening doorway creates a visual link between heritage and innovation while reflecting Shanghai's open, innovative, and inclusive character.

Made with precision

Made from brass by Shanghai Mint Co Ltd, the medals are produced through several stages, including relief sculpting, die engraving, striking, polishing, and electroplating.

Engraving each die takes about two days. Each medal then undergoes 15 rounds of striking and is inspected individually. After the edges are trimmed, skilled polishers remove tiny burrs and surface imperfections.

Selective electroplating creates a contrast between glossy and matte surfaces, and the medals are resistant to deformation and fading.

Meet Neng Neng and Qiao Qiao

The competition's mascots, Neng Neng and Qiao Qiao, take their names from neng gong qiao jiang (能工巧匠), a Chinese phrase meaning "highly skilled craftspeople".

Their designs echo Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower. Neng Neng's blue-and-white palette represents the future of skills, while Qiao Qiao's red-and-yellow colors convey energy and optimism.

Both wear workwear, protective goggles, and gloves, emphasizing their connection to skilled trades. With their thumbs raised in celebration of skilled work and arms open wide, they welcome competitors from around the world.

Sources: Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Human Resources and Social Security, Putuo district government, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026