Design in the City

Since 2014, Design Shanghai has extended beyond its main exhibition halls to activate the city through a series of design-led initiatives. The Design Shanghai @Xintiandi Design Festival, launched in 2017, has since presented more than 200 installations, bringing design to life through immersive and interactive experiences.

The City Design Guide, first launched in 2020 and expanded with a second edition in 2025, collectively showcases over 200 of Shanghai’s most inspiring creative destinations — from studios and concept stores to cafés, galleries and boutique hotels. Together, these initiatives form Design in the City, a programme that celebrates the city’s design culture and creative energy.

We are proud to announce that in 2026, Design in the City will further expand its impact as a strategic extension of Design Shanghai, offering a powerful platform for visibility, engagement and collaboration for brands, designers and venues. Through curated experiences and cross-industry partnerships, the programme will activate Shanghai’s most inspiring districts, reinforcing the city’s position as Asia’s most dynamic design capital.

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4 Curated Design Districts

Four distinct zones across Shanghai, each with its own design character and thematic programming.

100+ Creative Destinations

A citywide network spanning galleries, studios, brand showrooms, and design-forward lifestyle spaces.

20+ Interactive Experiences

A diverse schedule of events, creative moments, and designer- led activities throughout the city.

City Design Guide

Your essential companion featuring district overviews, venue highlights, and curated trails that connect Shanghai’s design landscape.

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Discover Shanghai Through the Eyes of Our City Explorers

Four distinct districts, four unique perspectives. Our acclaimed City Explorers—esteemed designers and cultural insiders—will guide audiences through the creative soul of each neighborhood, revealing hidden gems and design narratives that define Shanghai’s urban landscape.

Sheen Tao
Partner
Yatofu

Roger Qian
Founder and Managing
Director
JYQ

W
Founder and Designer
W SELECT DESIGN

Yaotian Zhang
Founder
Fun Connection

Cafés and Tea Houses

Spaces where design and hospitality converge, offering atmospheres that stimulate conversation and cultivate community around shared aesthetic experiences.

Brand Showrooms

Authentic brand environments that provide exclusive access to design innovation, showcasing the stories behind products and creative processes.

Galleries and Cultural Spaces

Platforms for creative dialogue where design intersects with art and culture, presenting curated perspectives that challenge and inspire.

Retail and Fashion Outlets

Curated shopping environments that blend commerce with creativity, transforming retail spaces into immersive brand experiences.

Boutique Hotels

Design-forward hospitality settings that serve as living laboratories for contemporary lifestyle and cultural exchange.

Entertainment Venues

Social hubs where design enhances nightlife, creating dynamic spaces for creative expression and community engagement.

As a cornerstone of the Design in the City programme, the City Design Guide celebrates Shanghai’s most inspiring creative destinations—from design studios and concept stores to cafés, galleries, and boutique hotels. Since its launch, the City Design Guide have featured over 100 exceptional venues across the city, building a living map of creativity, culture, and design experiences.

In 2026, the City Design Guide will further strengthen its role as the official publication of Design in the City. It will offer participating brands and venues premium visibility while connecting them directly with a design-savvy audience. The guide will be distributed citywide and at the Design Shanghai main event, serving as a curated platform to showcase creative spaces, attract new audiences, and anchor Shanghai’s most dynamic citywide design celebration.

Join the Programme

Download Design in the City Pack