The Shenzhen Design Week 2026 commenced at the Longgang International Arts Center on April 27. The 10-day event features a host of activities, including the prestigious Kunpeng Global Design Awards, which have gathered 6,282 submissions from 20 countries and regions.
The APEC China Year Shenzhen – City of Design Initiative was launched at the opening ceremony of the Shenzhen Design Week 2026 on April 27.
Aligning with the priorities of the China Year of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation – "openness, innovation and cooperation", the event aims to create an international platform integrating technological innovation, industrial collaboration and cultural exchange.
A major highlight of the opening ceremony was the launch of the APEC China Year Shenzhen- City of Design Initiative, which saw participation from multiple metropolises that have been dubbed City of Design to promote enhanced international design cooperation among APEC member economies.
The 2026 Kunpeng Global Design Awards announced the gold award winners in the categories of Urban Design, Industrial Design, and Visual Communication.
With a total prize pool of 4 million yuan ($584,000), the Kunpeng Global Design Awards cover five categories, including urban design, industrial design and digital design. This year’s submissions show an increase of over 1,000 entries from the previous year, with AI technology emerging as a notable highlight.
The Shenzhen Design Week 2026 commenced at the Longgang International Arts Center on April 27.
In a significant move, Shenzhen signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the London Design Festival to support the global expansion of the "Shenzhen Design" brand. The event also includes a Global City of Design Roundtable Dialogue, a Global Designers Conference and five industry matchmaking conferences.
As China's first "City of Design" recognized by UNESCO in 2008, Shenzhen continues to drive industrial upgrades and urban development through design innovation. This year's design week leverages the APEC meeting to foster international exchange and industry collaboration, reinforcing its international standing as a "City of Design."
