On 14 June, the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau kicked off a series of activities to mark the 100-day countdown to the 48th WorldSkills Competition. A themed event built around the Competition slogan, “Master Skills, Change Your Future” was held at Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza. It adopted a citywide “1+10+100” model, bringing together WorldSkills sponsors and high-skilled talent training bases across the city, with one main venue, ten satellite venues, and the participation of more than 100 skills institutions. Centred on four key aspects of everyday life—clothing, food, housing and transportation—the initiative transformed professional skills into tangible, hands-on experiences for the public. By embedding the WorldSkills spirit into the fabric of urban life, Shanghai is creating a vibrant citywide atmosphere in anticipation of the Competition.

Skills in everyday life: “WorldSkills Carnival” brings energy to the city

The main venue at Bailian Zhonghuan Commerce Plaza was buzzing with activity throughout the day. At the opening ceremony, the latest updates on the WorldSkills Expo were announced. The Expo is designed to be accessible to all, with an international, China-themed, youth-focused and interactive approach. Featuring a layout of one main venue and multiple satellite venues, the Expo will extend from Hall 5.2 of the National Exhibition and Convention Center to other halls. Over 200 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, including skilled Competitors from around the world, global sponsors representing a wide range of industries, and regional delegations from across China, each showcasing their signature expertise. Nearly 100 hands-on activities are also being prepared, offering visitors an immersive and inspiring skills festival.

An interactive webpage for the overseas promotion of WorldSkills Shanghai 2026—jointly launched by the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Executive Bureau and the Shanghai Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese—is also live. Serving as a bridge for global youth exchange, the campaign has already brought the WorldSkills message—“Master Skills, Change Your Future”—to nearly 40 cities around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Florence, New York and Melbourne. At the event, Liu Hongpeng, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai Mint Co., Ltd., presented the medals for the Competition. Designed under the leadership of Shanghai craftsman and artist Zhu Xihua, the medals feature an innovative form, rich symbolism, and sophisticated craftsmanship. “Breaking away from the traditional flat circular design, the medals adopt an irregular hexagonal shape inspired by traditional Chinese mortise-and-tenon joinery,” Liu explained. “This design has received high praise from WorldSkills International for its seamless integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics.”

After the ceremony, the “WorldSkills Carnival” drew enthusiastic participation. WorldSkills information panels, licensed merchandise booths and the medal exhibition attracted many curious visitors, while the mascots Neng Neng and Qiao Qiao proved especially popular among young people. Four themed experience zones—“Fashion and Design”, “Craftsmanship in Cuisine”, “Dream Spaces” and “Smart Mobility”—offered a wide range of interactive activities. From press-on nails and lacquer fan making to woodworking and robotics, more than ten interactive skill stations enabled visitors of all ages to experience firsthand how skills shape everyday life.

10 satellite venues and 100 skills bases join forces to build a “City of Skills”

The main venue was connected live with ten satellite venues across the city. On 13 and 14 June, “WorldSkills Open Day” events were held for the public at these venues. Participating organizations included SAIC Motor Corporation Limited, Shanghai Electric Group Corporation, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals High-Skilled Talent Training Base, Shanghai Technician School, Shanghai Shentong Metro Group Co., Ltd., Shanghai Construction Group High-Skilled Talent Training Base, China Eastern Airlines High-Skilled Talent Training Base, Shanghai Food Association, Shanghai Kingdom Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd., and Jiangnan Shipyard Group Co., Ltd. From urban transportation to intelligent manufacturing, and from biopharmaceuticals to pastry and confectionery, these training bases demonstrated their signature skills, offering visitors a diverse and engaging glimpse into the world of skills.

Meanwhile, starting from 12 June, 100 high-skilled talent training bases and WorldSkills sponsors across Shanghai simultaneously launched themed activities to build a strong WorldSkills atmosphere, working together to advance the vision of a “City of Skills.” With growing excitement and participation across the city, Shanghai is extending a warm invitation to the world and looking forward to welcoming Competitors, Experts and visitors to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.