WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 opens on Sept 22, with the skill competitions running from Sept 23 to 26 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), or NECC.

 

What's at the NECC?

Three major WorldSkills events will take place at the venue.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition: The competition brings together 1,385 competitors from 68 countries and regions to compete in 64 skill competitions across six sectors. The skill competitions are spread across eight halls: 1.1H, 1.2H, 2.1H, 3H, 4.1H, 5.1H, 6.1H, and 6.2H.

WorldSkills Conference 2026: The conference will be held in Hall 4.2H from Sept 23 to 25. Policymakers, government officials, industry leaders, educators, and young people will discuss technical and vocational education and training, as well as skills development.

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo: The expo will run from Sept 23 to 26, with Hall 5.2H as its main venue. Visitors can watch skills demonstrations, try hands-on activities, and explore themed exhibitions.

Tip: Pick the competition halls for the skills that interest you, then head to 5.2H for expo activities.

 

Where to find the 64 skills

1. Manufacturing and Engineering Technology

Hall 1.2H

• Welding
• Mechanical Engineering CAD
• Industrial Design Technology
• Robot Systems Integration
• Optoelectronic Technology
• Electronics

Hall 3H

• Industrial Mechanics
• Industrial Control
• Water Technology
• Renewable Energy
• Mechatronics
• Industry 4.0

Hall 5.1H

• Additive Manufacturing
• CNC Turning
• CNC Milling
• Chemical Laboratory Technology
• Autonomous Mobile Robotics

2. Information and Communication Technology

Hall 4.1H

• Cloud Computing
• Software Testing
• Cyber Security

Hall 6.2H

• Mobile Applications Development
• Software Applications Development
• Web Technologies
• IT Network Systems Administration
• ICT Network Infrastructure

3. Construction and Building Technology

Hall 1.1H

• Plastering and Drywall Systems
• Concrete Construction Work
• Landscape Gardening
• Bricklaying

Hall 1.2H

• Intelligent Security Technology

Hall 2.1H

• Wall and Floor Tiling
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Painting and Decorating
• Plumbing and Heating
• Electrical Installations
• Digital Construction

Hall 6.2H

• Cabinetmaking
• Joinery
• Carpentry

4. Transportation and Logistics

Hall 3H

• Aircraft Maintenance
• Automobile Technology
• Rail Vehicle Technology

Hall 5.1H

• Car Painting
• Heavy Vehicle Technology
• Autobody Repair
• Unmanned Aerial Systems

Hall 6.2H

• Logistics and Freight Forwarding

5. Creative Arts and Fashion

Hall 4.1H

• Visual Merchandising
• 3D Digital Game Art

Hall 6.1H

• Graphic Design Technology
• Jewellery
• Digital Interactive Media Design
• Fashion Technology
• Floristry

6. Social and Personal Services

Hall 4.1H

• Cooking
• Bakery
• Patisserie and Confectionery
• Restaurant Service

Hall 6.1H

• Hairdressing
• Beauty Therapy
• Retail Sales
• Health and Social Care
• Dental Prosthetics
• Hotel Reception

Tip: A full bilingual list of the 64 skills and the competition map can be accessed by scanning the QR codes at the venue.

Try-a-Skill activities are also available throughout the competition halls. Check the official WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 app or mini programs for locations and activity details.

Learn more about the official app: A handy guide for WorldSkills spectators

 

Check the schedule before visiting

Not all competitions and activities run throughout the day.

Public viewing of the competitions is available from Sept 23 to 26:

• Sept 23: 10 am–5 pm
• Sept 24–26: 9 am–5 pm

Latest entry is at 4 pm each day.

 

Getting to the NECC

By metro

• Line 2: National Exhibition and Convention Center Station will be closed from the start of service until noon on Sept 23. At other times, alight at the station and use Exits 4, 5, 6, or 8 to reach the West Registration Hall.
• Line 17: Alight at the National Exhibition and Convention Center Station and use Exit 15. The underground passage leads to the North Plaza and North Registration Hall.

Shuttle buses

From Sept 23 to 26, free shuttle buses operate from the NECC P5 Parking Lot during the departure period from 3 pm to 7 pm to:

• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2
• Zhongchun Road Station on Metro Line 9

Check on-site information for the latest operating times and arrangements.

Learn more about transport: Bilingual travel service now available

 

Traffic restrictions

Traffic restrictions will be in place around the venue from Sept 23 to 26.

Learn more about traffic: Temporary road restrictions and metro changes

 

Note: Competition schedules, hall arrangements, opening hours, admission procedures, traffic controls, parking, and shuttle services are subject to change. Check official channels before traveling and follow on-site notices and instructions from staff and traffic police.

 

Source: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau