Skip to main content

Design in the City

   

In 2025, Design Shenzhen will collaborate with the city’s most innovative brands, design-led destinations, and creative communities to transform Shenzhen into a dynamic, city-wide platform for immersive design experiences — a living stage for the exchange and fusion of creativity and inspiration. At the core of this vision is Design in the City — a curated series of urban creative initiatives spanning interactive installations, pop-ups, exhibitions, and events. From the City Design Guide · Shenzhen, to awards ceremonies, designer gatherings, and private dinners, the programme aims to bring together design, fashion, art, and commerce in boundary-crossing experiences across the city.

A flagship element of the programme, City Design Guide · Shenzhen, will showcase 100 of the most design-forward destinations across the city — including mixed-use developments, retail concepts, restaurants, hotels, lifestyle venues, cultural spaces, and entertainment hubs. The guide serves not only as a curated itinerary for design professionals and enthusiasts, but also as a platform for developers, designers, architects, and creatives to highlight exemplary work in real-world contexts. Through this initiative, Design Shenzhen aims to catalyse original thinking, foster meaningful dialogue, and transform the city into a multi-dimensional celebration of design.

 

Sponsorship Enquiry

 

City Design Guide·Shenzhen

The inaugural City Design Guide · Shenzhen is now open for submissions from developers and designers. If you are a project owner or designer with a design-led development in Shenzhen that has been open within the past three years, we invite you to apply for selection in City Design Guide · Shenzhen. Eligible project categories include mixed-use developments, retail, dining, hospitality, lifestyle, arts, and entertainment.

We are also appointing a panel of local industry tastemakers to serve as City Design Ambassadors. Projects nominated by our ambassadors will be granted direct entry into the final round of judging. The first group of ambassadors will be announced soon — and if you are interested in becoming one, we welcome self-nominations.

 

Discover 100 Outstanding Design Destinations in Shenzhen

 

City Design Guide · Shenzhen will spotlight 100 of the city’s most design-forward destinations across a wide range of categories — including mixed-use developments, retail, dining, hospitality, lifestyle, arts, and entertainment.

The initiative aims to provide designers and design enthusiasts with a curated guide to Shenzhen’s most inspiring places, while offering developers, architects, designers, and creatives a high-profile platform to showcase exemplary design in real-world settings.

 

What Makes It Special?

 

  • Discovering Hidden Design Gems: City Design Guide · Shenzhen goes beyond iconic architectural statements — it uncovers the subtle yet brilliant moments of design woven into the fabric of the city. A vintage armchair in the corner of a café, a rooftop terrace that catches the sunset over the sea, or a building’s contours that echo the curves of a banyan tree — these are the quiet details that reflect a designer’s lens on the charm of Shenzhen.

 

  • Celebrating Design in All Its Dimensions: Shortlisted projects will be featured in the City Design Guide, offering curated visibility to a targeted audience. In addition, an awards ceremony will be held during Design Shenzhen, creating a platform for winning designers to connect, exchange insights, and celebrate creative excellence together.

 

Why Take Part?

 

  • Integrated Exposure: Gain promotional visibility through joint campaigns with Design Shenzhen 2025.
  • Complimentary Access: Enjoy free admission to Design Shenzhen 2025 and immerse yourself in cutting-edge design experiences.
  • Targeted Visibility: Be featured in a dedicated section of the City Design Guide.
  • Official Recognition: Receive an official certificate and the right to permanently use the award mark.
  • Global Promotion: Access opportunities for international exposure across global design and media platforms.
  • Industry Networking: Attend the official awards ceremony and connect with leading voices in design and creativity.
  • Permanent Archive: Winning projects will be permanently archived on the official awards website.

 

Evaluation Criteria and Key Dates

 

Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be assessed based on their originality, relevance, and contribution within their category. The jury will pay particular attention to projects that demonstrate a strong commitment to creative exploration and originality. Consideration will also be given to how the design engages with its cultural or environmental context, the quality of user experience it offers, and its approach to responsibility and multi-dimensional sustainability.

 

Key Dates

  • Application Period: 14 – 26 July 2025
  • Design Guide Shortlist Announcement: 5 September 2025
  • Awards Ceremony: 19 September 2025

 

Design Shenzhen Previous Design Events

COCO UNIVERSE by ORIA 

COCO UNIVERSE by ORIA 

15 by EVA ARCHITECTS 

15 by EVA ARCHITECTS 

Design Shanghai Previous Design Events