A handy guide for WorldSkills spectators

english.shanghai.gov.cn| September 21, 2026

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will take place from Sept 22 to 27, bringing 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions to Shanghai, both record highs for the event.

The skill competitions will run from Sept 23 to 26 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), or NECC.

For spectators heading to the venue, the official WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 app (世赛通) puts everything they need in one place, from competition information and activity schedules to venue navigation, official news, and city services.

Available in both Chinese and English, the app can also be accessed as a mini program on WeChat and Alipay.

1. Find skills and activities

Skills

Tap "Skills" on the home screen to browse all 64 skill competitions across six sectors. Each skill page includes an introduction, the location of the skill competition, and directions.

Select a sector to browse its skill competitions.

Tap "More" for information about a skill or "Get Here" for its location and route.

Return to the sector selection page to browse other skills.

WorldSkills Expo

The WorldSkills Expo runs from Sept 23 to 26 and includes hands-on activities, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and other programs alongside the competition.

Try-a-Skill

There are 64 Try-a-Skill stations, one for each skill competition. Visitors can try hands-on activities based on the same skills featured in the competitions.

Select a skill to view the instructions and check the current wait status. Tap the navigation icon in the top-right corner for directions.

Next-Gen Makers Workshop

The Next-Gen Makers Workshop offers one-hour hands-on sessions for young people aged 10 to 18. Participants can learn a practical skill and create their own project.

Tap a workshop icon to view information about the session.

Tap "Reserve a Spot" to make a reservation.

Places are limited. Registered spectators can keep checking the app; if an existing booking is canceled, the slot is released immediately on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cloud Exhibition Hall

The Cloud Exhibition Hall displays skill demonstrations from WorldSkills members, Chinese provinces and cities, organizations, institutions, and educational entities both in China and internationally.

Tap "More" for more information or "Get Here" for directions.

Performance and Event

During the competition, live demonstrations of skills and traditional craftsmanship from China and abroad will take place on the skills performance stage in the entrance hall.

Stamp Collection

There are 80 checkpoints around the venue. Visitors can use an NFC wristband and the mini program to complete the stamp-collection challenge and receive official WorldSkills souvenirs.

WorldSkills Conference 2026

The WorldSkills Conference 2026 will run from Sept 23 to 25, with discussions on technical and vocational education and training policy, industry trends, and skills development for young people.

Go to "Conference" and then "Sessions" to browse the program.

2. Find your way around the venue

Given the size of the NECC, the app's map can help you find skill competitions or visitor facilities.

Tap "Map" on the home screen to open the venue map. The bottom menu shows different types of facilities.

An example showing the locations of information desks, for reference only.

Zoom in and tap the name of a skill competition or facility to see its location. Tap "Route" for directions.

Swipe up on the menu to view more facilities and services.

3. Check city services

The "City Services" section provides information on transportation, tourism, and other practical matters for visitors arriving in, departing from, or traveling within Shanghai.

Tap "Smart Transportation" to open the Suishenxing (随申行) mini program for transportation information, including routes to the WorldSkills venue.

Tap "Shanghai Tourism" to open the Hu Xiaoyou (沪小游) mini program for information on attractions, major events, and other visitor services.

Sources: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau