摘要：Shanghai's convention and exhibition industry is scaling new heights, with the city now hosting 41 exhibitions approved by the Glo

Shanghai's convention and exhibition industry is scaling new heights, with the city now hosting 41 exhibitions approved by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, more than any other city in the world.

The announcement was made at the Global Exhibition CEO Shanghai Summit 2025 from June 19 to 20.

Rising international profile

According to data from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, the city hosted 252 exhibitions from January to May, with a total exhibition area of 6.96 million square meters.

Among them, 94 were international exhibitions, which accounted for 84.71 percent of the total exhibition area — 3.09 percentage points higher than last year. The growth reflects Shanghai's continued push to internationalize its exhibition industry.

Driving innovation and industry

Widely regarded as a barometer of economic activity, the exhibition sector is playing a central role in driving industrial innovation and high-quality development.

The 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition showcased this momentum. The event drew over 750,000 visitors in just one week, including 42,000 overseas professionals from 97 countries and regions.

The expo featured 163 new car launches — 100 of which were domestic brands. Of the 1,320 vehicles on display, 914 were new energy vehicles, up 78.5 percent from the previous edition, highlighting the event's growing role as a launchpad for domestic innovation.

In the semiconductor sector, Semicon China 2025, held from March 26 to 28, further demonstrated the catalytic power of exhibitions.

Featuring 1,400 exhibitors, the event drew 180,000 professional visitors. The debut of the Compound Semiconductor Asia Conference fostered deeper integration of industry, academia, and research.

Stimulating business activity

The exhibition industry is becoming a powerful engine for consumption, injecting energy into Shanghai's ambition to become an international consumption center. Even something as simple as an expo ticket is now helping to draw foot traffic and boost business across the city.

As an example, on June 11, the opening day of the 11th China (Shanghai) International Technology Fair, restaurants at the nearby River Mall saw lunchtime sales spike by 40 percent, thanks to special discounts for attendees showing event tickets or badges.

For the first time, eight major commercial districts across the Pudong's Expo Center and Qiantan areas partnered to offer exclusive perks to expo visitors, ranging from dining discounts to parking privileges.

This cross-sector model is becoming a hallmark of Shanghai's exhibition economy. During the 7th China International Import Expo last year, visitors were able to use their expo passes to enjoy discounts of up to 50 percent at more than 50 tourist attractions, including the Shanghai Tower.

Source: Jiefang Daily

来源：澎湃新闻客户端