In town for a trade fair?
Trade fairs in Shanghai
Dates, venues, and where to stay within a sane commute.
CIIE — China International Import Expo 2026
The largest import-themed national expo in the world: hundreds of thousands of trade visitors converge on the NECC in Hongqiao for one week. Hotel rates across the western half of Shanghai spike accordingly.
Automechanika Shanghai 2026
One of the largest automotive trade fairs anywhere, taking the entire NECC — around 390,000 square metres, some 7,600 exhibitors and a quarter of a million expected visitors.
Shanghai Marathon 2026 (30th edition)
The thirtieth running, expanded to thirty thousand entrants and starting on the Bund. The 5K has been split onto its own day on December 5, running from the West Bund to Shanghai Stadium — so the weekend is now a two-day event.
Auto Shanghai 2027
The biennial Shanghai auto show — around 380,000 square metres across the whole NECC, with press days from April 23 and public days running to May 2. It lands directly on the May Day national holiday.
SNEC PV Power Expo
One of the largest photovoltaic and energy-storage trade shows globally. Draws a heavily international exhibitor and buyer crowd.
The character collection
While you're planning — somewhere to stay
Since Airbnb left the mainland, places with real character that still take foreign guests are rare. We collect the survivors.