China Architectural Design Expo (CADE) Shanghai

China Architectural Design Expo (CADE) is an annual trade fair dedicated to architectural design and its forward-looking developments. Since its inception in 2018, it has been recognized as the first exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region to place a consistent focus on high-quality architectural system solutions.

The event is held at the modern Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC), one of Asia’s leading exhibition venues. It is organized by Messe München Shanghai Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the internationally renowned Messe München, known for its professional execution, strong industry connections, and innovative trade fair concepts.

CADE positions itself as a platform for architects, designers, urban planners, and industry professionals operating at the intersection of technology, sustainability, material innovation, and design aesthetics. At its core, the exhibition presents cutting-edge solutions for the architecture of tomorrow. It showcases innovative building materials and integrated systems for façades, building envelopes, windows, roofing, lighting technologies, and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Digital technologies such as BIM, IoT, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and smart building control systems are highlighted as key drivers of a transformed planning and construction process.

A particular emphasis is placed on the major challenges of 21st-century architecture: sustainability, carbon reduction, and climate-conscious construction. The exhibition offers tangible approaches to zero-energy buildings, energy-efficient systems, and urban greening. It also features projects that address the revitalization of urban spaces and the enhancement of city structures in social, functional, and aesthetic terms.

CADE combines the character of a trade fair with a curated design and cultural program. Artistic installations and interdisciplinary projects invite reflection on materiality, spatial experience, and cultural identity. A comprehensive program of talks, conferences, and panel discussions provides in-depth insights into topics such as sustainable construction, digital innovations in the building sector, and strategies for innovation management – always with a practical focus and a strong emphasis on international knowledge exchange.

Exhibitors span a wide range of sectors, including manufacturers of building materials, architectural firms, software providers, and developers of intelligent building technologies. Visitors primarily come from the fields of architecture, urban planning, construction, landscape and interior design, and the real estate industry – all in search of future-oriented solutions and new business opportunities.

With its dynamic blend of historic architecture and visionary urban development, the city of Shanghai offers an ideal backdrop for the event. The spacious, state-of-the-art expo center is easily accessible by public transport and car, making it a logistically optimal venue that combines international reach with strong regional relevance.

CADE is more than just a trade fair – it is a forward-thinking forum for architectural innovation, sustainable development, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 4 days of the fair, from 29. October to 01. November 2020, about 58 exhibitors and 25000 visitors from 12 countries on the China Architectural Design Expo (CADE) in Shanghai.

The China Architectural Design Expo (CADE) will take place on 4 days from Wednesday, 05. November to Saturday, 08. November 2025 in Shanghai.