Automechanika Shanghai 2026 Guide: Why Shanghai?

Shanghai, home to the world’s largest Automechanika event, is located on the coast of the East China Sea and borders the provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. Shanghai’s modern development, which began about a hundred years ago, reached its peak in the 2000s. Shanghai is one of Asia’s most attractive tourist cities, where history and modernity combine to create a unique atmosphere. Join Automediat RVK News as we explore the city.

• English name: Shanghai; Chinese name: 上海 Shànghǎi
• Population: 24,854,100 residents (in 2025)
• ZIP code: 200000
• Airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
• Main attractions: Nanjing Road, the Bund (Wai Tan) waterfront promenade, People’s Square, Xintiandi, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yugarden, M50 Creative Park art center.
• Automechanika Shanghai 2025 attracted 253,691 visitors. Largest trade fair: East China Import and Export Fair 2026.
• Typical dishes: xiaolongbao (xiǎo lóng bāo), pan-fried stuffed buns (shēng jiān bāo), braised meat in soy sauce (hóngshāo ròu), Shanghai hairy crab (shàng hǎi máo xiè), crystal-clear shrimp (shuǐjīng xiārén), and fried river shrimp in batter (yóu bào hé xiā).

Shanghai is paradise for the rich and hell for the poor

There is a well-known saying: “Shanghai is paradise for the rich and hell for the poor.” People flock to Shanghai from all over China in search of a better life—to escape rural life, study at a top university, or land a job at a major multinational corporation. Even wealthy Chinese complain about Shanghai’s exorbitant housing costs and other expenses associated with maintaining a high standard of living.

Shanghai is one of China’s largest cities and plays a vital role in the national economy. It is an international financial center and port, as well as the headquarters of many international and Chinese companies. It is home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange, banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. Shanghai’s major port is one of China’s most important, handling vast quantities of containers and cargo ships. Shanghai is one of the world’s most important industrial centers. The city plays a central role in China’s heavy industry.

Shanghai is extremely important to China’s automotive industry for several key reasons:

• A Major Manufacturing Hub: Shanghai and its surrounding areas serve as a major manufacturing hub for both complete vehicles and auto parts. The city is home to numerous domestic and international automobile factories and production facilities.
• Headquarters: Many large automotive companies, both domestic and foreign, have established their regional headquarters, as well as their product development and design offices, in Shanghai. This concentration of intellectual capital drives innovation and technological advancement in China’s automotive industry.
• Strong Supply Chain: Shanghai benefits from a well-developed and integrated supply chain that includes suppliers of raw materials, components, and logistics services. This facilitates manufacturers’ efficient procurement of materials and distribution of finished products.
• International Trade and Exports: Shanghai’s strategic location as a major port city facilitates international trade and the export of automotive products. The city’s port handles a significant volume of vehicle and component exports, making it a crucial hub in the global automotive trade.
• Financial Hub: As a major financial hub in China, Shanghai provides access to financing, investments, and financial services that automotive companies need to grow and expand.
• Government Support: The Shanghai municipal government has actively supported the automotive industry through policies, incentives, and infrastructure development. This favorable environment has attracted investment and fostered growth in the sector.
• Skilled Workforce: Shanghai has a large pool of skilled workers, engineers, and technicians with expertise in automotive manufacturing, design, and technology.
• Innovation and Technology: Shanghai is a hub for innovation in the automotive industry, particularly in the fields of electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving, and connected car technologies. The city is home to numerous startups, research institutes, and technology companies that are driving these advancements.
• Strategic Geographic Location: Shanghai is located near other important economic regions and automotive manufacturing hubs in China, such as the Yangtze River Delta, making it a key hub for the automotive industry in China.