In Shanghai, furniture meets business, technology, and culture in a global-scale event
From September 9 to 12, 2025, the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai Hongqiao will host the 56th edition of CIFF Shanghai, the world’s largest international furniture fair. Covering over 300,000 sqm, with more than 1,500 brands and 150,000 expected visitors, the event strengthens its role as the leading global platform for design and furniture business.
An ecosystem for global design
CIFF Shanghai stands out as an international hub embracing the entire value chain: residential and contract furniture, outdoor, office, hospitality, accessories, textiles, and production technologies. Its 10 halls provide a comprehensive overview, encouraging collaboration among global brands, designers, architects, and retailers.
The pillars of excellence at CIFF Shanghai 2025
Original Design: creative laboratory
The Design Eden Contemporary Design Trade Fair (Hall 4.1) is dedicated to original design and focuses on the theme Preciousness. Curated exhibitions and special projects turn the pavilion into both an incubator of ideas and a commercial testing ground.
Highlights include:
- East Design Show, curated by Zhu Xiaojie, supporting emerging talents.
- The Italian Lounge, a bridge between Italian design and the Chinese market.
- HOTLINE Design Creators’ Joint Exhibition, curated by Zhang Zhongyu, dedicated to independent creative communities.
- Grand View Tea Ceremony, an immersive experience blending oriental rituals and sustainability.
- Envision Contemporary Design Living Exhibition, curated by Jiang Boming, exploring design through all five senses.
- Design Gravity Field, focusing on sustainability and the “Just Enough” philosophy.
Boosting Exports: Chinese identity for global markets
CIFF Shanghai 2025 highlights Chinese design as a cultural and stylistic expression with international impact. Key areas include the Living & Dining Rooms Interior Pavilion (Hall 6.1), the Urban Outdoor Furniture Exhibition (Hall 1.1), and the Office & Public Space Exhibition (Halls 7.2/8.2), all presenting integrated solutions for home, outdoor, and workplace environments.
Renewed Supply & Demand: from production to brand
China’s furniture industry is shifting from manufacturing powerhouse to creative innovator. Sofa Excellence (Halls 2.1/5.1) and Smart Sleep Solutions (Hall 3) showcase this evolution, combining comfort, quality, and advanced technology in home environments.
New Home Consumption: retail as experience
The New Retail Pavilion introduces a new paradigm: stores that act as lifestyle platforms rather than simple points of sale. With a data-driven approach and immersive storytelling, retailers offer complete experiences that go beyond the product itself.
Technological Innovation: Industry 4.0
CIFF Shanghai 2025 also focuses on production technologies with two strategic events:
- International Woodworking Machinery Fair (Halls 7.1/8.1), featuring over 340 companies presenting automation and AI-driven wood processing solutions.
- Upholstered Furniture Technology Exhibition (Hall 8.1), showcasing robotics and smart systems for upholstered furniture production.
The Italian Lounge: a cultural bridge between Italy and China
Among the special initiatives, The Italian Lounge stands out as an experiential platform celebrating Italian design and lifestyle. Designed by Davide Pavanello Lab with the artistic direction of Vudafieri Saverino Partners, the space offers a multisensory environment combining hospitality, culture, and networking.
Supported by the Politecnico di Milano – School of Design and coordinated by Prof. Francesco Scullica, the program features forums, talks, and B2B meetings exploring the relationship between Italian and Chinese markets. Brands such as Laminam, Kartell, Natuzzi Italia, Oluce, and Dedar present curated collections that strengthen the connection between Italian excellence and China’s dynamic furniture industry.
A fair that unites tradition and future
With the theme “Design Crossing Boundaries”, the 56th CIFF Shanghai confirms its role as an international platform for design and furniture. The convergence of East and West, tradition and digital innovation, business and culture defines an event that anticipates the transformations shaping the global furniture industry.
