The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo will open on 23 September with a record 300 exhibition and experience booths and more than 100 interactive activities.

The four-day Expo covers approximately 50,000 square meters at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), with Hall 5.2 serving as the main venue, supported by other sites across the centre.

The Expo is divided into an exhibition, live performances, and two special zones.

The exhibition will focus on six aspects: global perspectives, major national projects, craftsmanship, urban development, corporate practice and talent development.

The performance stage in the North Hall will host selected skills and traditional crafts from across the world, including robot tai chi, guilloche engraving, and Wuhu iron paintings.

The two special zones, an interactive experience area and a service area, will offer more than 100 activities linked to the Competition for visitors to experience the 64 skills across six sectors. The official WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 app and mini-programme will provide real-time queue information and details of Try-a-Skill activities.

Other features include Next-Gen Makers Workshop, a hands-on skills experience offering one-hour courses for teenagers; a bazaar, with more than 30 stalls covering intangible cultural heritage, traditional Chinese crafts, future technology and social causes; and a career guidance station, which will provide career advice and job-matching services for skilled workers.

From 23 to 26 September, visitors can also join a check-in challenge. It will cover Hall 5.2, the eight competition venues and connecting corridors, with 80 check-in points — 75 regular points and five points with special tasks. Visitors can use NFC wristbands, the official app, WeChat or Alipay to scan QR codes, unlock skill achievements and redeem points for official merchandise.