Since joining UNESCO’s “Creative Cities Network” in 2010, Shanghai has made significant progress in building itself into a “City of Design,” with its creative design industry flourishing. The scale of the related industry has now exceeded 1.6 trillion yuan.

Shanghai has cultivated 21 national-level industrial design centers and 200 municipal-level design innovation centers.

Shanghai is the birthplace and hub of modern China’s national industry and domestic brands. At one time, “Shanghai-made” products not only dominated the Chinese market but were also exported to Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. Well-known Shanghai brands such as Shanghai watches, Butterfly sewing machines, Phoenix bicycles, and White Rabbit candy emerged during this period.

Design innovations in Shanghai are now driving a new phase of “Shanghai manufacturing”: the C919 large passenger aircraft has won China’s Outstanding Industrial Design Award, the country’s first domestically built large cruise ship, the “Ada·Modu,” sails the seas, and humanoid robots like Zhiyuan showcase future trends.

Shanghai is using design to drive industrial innovation and development, accelerating the application of new-generation information technologies like artificial intelligence and green design, with a focus on enhancing the core competitiveness of industries.

From September 25 to 28, 2025, the World Design Capital Conference will be held in Shanghai, co-hosted by the Shanghai Municipal Government and UNESCO. The event will bring together design professionals from around the world to discuss cutting-edge design and future development.

UNESCO

UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is not a single place but a specialized agency of the United Nations, founded in 1945 to promote peace through international collaboration in education, science, and culture. It is best known for its World Heritage program, which designates and helps protect cultural sites and natural landmarks of outstanding universal value across the globe.

Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network is a global initiative launched in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Member cities, which are designated in fields like literature, music, crafts, and gastronomy, share best practices and develop partnerships. The network’s history is rooted in leveraging local cultural assets to foster economic and social innovation on an international scale.

C919

The C919 is a narrow-body passenger jet developed by the Chinese state-owned aerospace manufacturer COMAC. It was designed to compete with aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, with its maiden flight taking place in 2017. The project represents a major milestone in China’s ambition to become a global leader in the aviation manufacturing industry.

Ada·Modu

I am unable to identify a specific place or cultural site named “Ada·Modu.” It is possible the name is misspelled, refers to a very localized or lesser-known location, or is written in a different script. Could you please provide more context or check the spelling?

Zhiyuan

I am not familiar with a specific cultural or historical site named “Zhiyuan.” It is possible you are referring to a local place, a mistranslation, or a less commonly documented site. Could you please provide more context or clarify the name?

World Design Capital Conference

The World Design Capital is an initiative by the World Design Organization (WDO) that designates a city each year to recognize its effective use of design for economic, social, and cultural development. The program began in 2008, with Torino, Italy, as the first-ever designated capital. It culminates in a year-long program of events, including a major conference, where the city showcases its design-driven urban revitalization projects.

Shanghai Municipal Government

The Shanghai Municipal Government is the administrative body governing China’s largest city, operating from a historic building complex. The main structure, completed in the 1990s, was designed with traditional Chinese elements and stands on the site of a former horse-racing club from the colonial era. It serves as the central hub for the city’s political leadership and public administration.