The four-day WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo, a key showcase of the 48th WorldSkills Competition, is taking place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) from Sept 23 to 26.

The expo covers nearly 50,000 square meters and features 300 exhibition and interactive booths, the largest number in the history of the WorldSkills Competition.

The expo provides a platform for participating countries and regions, international organizations, global partners, sponsors and other stakeholders to showcase their work and exchange ideas.

It is organized around three parts: an exhibition area, a skill performance stage, and two zones for interactive experiences and other functions.

Exhibits to explore

The exhibition area features skill displays from WorldSkills member countries and regions, international organizations, provinces and cities across China, global partners and sponsors, technical colleges, and associations.

It has six sections: Global Perspective, Major National Equipment, Craftsmanship, Urban Development, Corporate Practice, and Talent Cultivation.

Performances to watch

A skills performance stage in the North Hall presents selected traditional and modern skills from around the world during the four days of the competition.

The "One Province, One Skill" showcase features 43 distinctive programs, ranging from robots performing tai chi and guilloche engraving, a fine decorative technique featuring intricate, repeating patterns, to clay figurine painting and iron painting.

Experiences to try

The two zones offer more than 100 interactive experiences and services closely related to the competition.

Designed for different age groups and interests, the activities allow visitors to go from merely observing skills to trying them out for themselves.

For general visitors, 64 Try-a-Skill stations, one for each skill competition, offer hands-on activities based on the same skills featured in the competition.

Through the official WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 app and mini-programs, visitors can check real-time queue status at the Try-a-Skill stations and find out what activities are available.

Click here to learn more about how to use the app.

For young people and children, the Future Craftsmen classroom offers one-hour courses where participants can learn a craft and take home their own work.

For visitors interested in other skills, the Hundred-Craft Market offers more than 30 activities spanning intangible cultural heritage, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, future technologies and public-interest initiatives. Visitors can browse, watch and try out the activities.

For skilled professionals, the Career Station provides one-stop professional career consultation and employment-matching services.

Source: WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau