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.

Download City Design Guide 2026

4 Curated Design Districts

Huangpu, JIng'an, Xuhui, Changning
 

The 2026 edition of Design in the City extends across four major districts—Huangpu, Jing’an, Xuhui, and Changning—encompassing over 100 distinguished destinations and presenting a comprehensive map of the city’s creativity, culture, and design landscape.

Each district offers a unique lens on Shanghai’s creative vitality. Led by acclaimed designers and cultural practitioners with deep engagement in the city, the “City Explorers” will guide visitors through the creative cores of each area, revealing hidden landmarks and design narratives that collectively define Shanghai’s distinctive urban identity.

Download City Design Guide 2026

City Design Guide

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.

Download City Design Guide 2026