Shanghai steps onto the global stage for skills

For many people travelling to the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai will be their first encounter with China and it is certain to be a memorable one. As delegations will soon discover, the city is a fusion of ancient heritage and modern innovation. Few places can match its scale, energy, and ambition.

With its famous skyline stretching along the banks of the Huangpu River, Shanghai is home to almost 30 million people, making it one of the largest cities in the world by population. Over the past few decades, Shanghai has rapidly expanded its infrastructure, its cultural offer, and its international reach. Last year seven million visitors came to the city.

The city is famous for being China’s financial and commercial centre and contributes around 4 per cent of China’s total GDP. It is also a global hub for trade, with the Port of Shanghai the busiest container port on the planet. The city hosts the world’s largest trade fair, the China International Import Expo, where thousands of exhibitors from over 100 countries fill the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC).

Shanghai is a thriving heartland of Chinese industry and technical training, which makes it the perfect setting for the global stage for skills. Advanced manufacturing, financial services, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, aerospace, and the creative and digital sectors are all well established in Shanghai. The city is also one of China’s leading education centres, home to dozens of universities and research institutions.

For visitors stepping beyond the Competition and Conference halls this September, Shanghai boasts famous landmarks, striking attractions, and rich history.

The Bund is Shanghai’s instantly recognizable waterfront on the western bank of the Huangpu River. Among the skyscrapers and office blocks stands the Shanghai Tower which, at 632 metres, is the second tallest building in the world. Its observation deck offers incredible views across the entire city.

In contrast the Old Town, known in Chinese as Nanshi, is made up of winding lanes, temples, traditional architecture, tea houses, and local markets. It reminds visitors of the city’s seven-century history. One of the highlights is the Yu Garden, a 16th-century Chinese garden, which offers Shanghai residents and tourists a place of calm and beauty amid the bustling city.

The WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Competition Organizer is planning a programme of city tours for Competitors, Experts, delegations, and supporters. As well as giving visitors a chance to soak up these famous landmarks and cultural highlights, plans also include a visit to the WorldSkills Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to skills. The Museum is full of unique exhibits and immersive installations, and for many people it will be their first opportunity to see the full history of the Competition brought to life.

Learn more about WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 and what to expect as a visitor to the city, the Competition, and the Conference.