Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days is China's premier trade fair dedicated to functional textiles and accessories.
Scheduled for November 18-19, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, this event serves as a pivotal platform for industry professionals to explore the latest innovations and trends in functional fabrics.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days takes place on November 18-19, 2026, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is a key platform for functional textiles, attracting over 200 exhibitors from various sectors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Tengda Exhibition, known for its expertise in textile exhibitions.
- 4Buyer Authority: Key industry visitors include leading brands in sportswear, outdoor, and athleisure sectors.
- 5Entry: Free admission for verified trade visitors with online registration.
Why visit
Visitors will gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in functional textiles, network with key industry players, and explore a wide range of products and solutions tailored for the functional textile market. The event also offers complimentary expert talks and workshops to enhance the visitor experience.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Functional Textiles Shanghai provides unparalleled access to a targeted audience of industry professionals, potential buyers, and decision-makers. Exhibitors can showcase their latest innovations, engage in meaningful discussions, and strengthen existing partnerships while benefiting from promotional activities and visibility in the textile sector.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Textile manufacturers and suppliers
Fashion designers and product developers
Purchasing managers from sportswear brands
Research and development professionals in textiles
Sourcing specialists from outdoor apparel companies
Retail buyers focused on functional fabrics
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of functional textiles
Suppliers of technical fabrics
Designers of outdoor and sports apparel
Companies specializing in sustainable textiles
Accessory manufacturers for functional clothing
Innovators in textile technology
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Functional fabrics for sportswear
Technical textiles for outdoor applications
Sustainable textile solutions
Accessories for functional clothing
Innovative yarns and finishes
Performance-driven materials for apparel
Location & Facilities
Venue
Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
No. 850, Bo Cheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Facilities
Parking
Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center in Shanghai typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Tengda Exhibition
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Exhibitors
22
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Shanghai, China
Why it matters
Visitors will gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in functional textiles, network with key industry players, and explore a wide range of products and solutions tailored for the functional textile market. The event also offers complimentary expert talks and workshops to enhance the visitor experience.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Market news
Latest updates from across the market.
Read all Latest Textiles Industrial News in china- Fibre2Fashion
ReadChina Textile Leader
ReadChina Textiles Newswire - EIN Presswire
ReadThe Rise of Functional and High-Performance Materials in China's ...
ReadChina Textile Industry Outlook 2026 - xofabric.com
ReadChina Functional Textile Market (2026-2032) | Trends, Outlook & Forecast
ReadPlan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CNY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Main international gateway for Shanghai. The Maglev connects to Longyang Road, where metro Line 7 continues toward the Expo area; confirm current fares and last-train times
Approx. 45-55 km by road
to venue
50-75 min by taxi; 60-80 min by Maglev and metro
by car
Closer to central Shanghai and useful for domestic and some regional flights. Metro Line 10 or Line 2 connects toward the city, with a transfer for the Expo area; confirm terminal and operating hours
Approx. 18-25 km by road
to venue
30-50 min by taxi; 40-60 min by metro with a transfer
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Changfeng Park
midscale
Changfeng Park / PutuoIHG property with breakfast and Wi-Fi; estimate for 17-20 November 2026. Not at the venue - allow 30-45 min by metro or taxi to the Expo area.
Hualuxe Shanghai Changfeng Park, an IHG Hotel
upscale
Changfeng Park / PutuoUpscale IHG hotel with spa and cancellation options; estimate for the show dates. Confirm the commute to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center before booking.
Hilton Garden Inn Shanghai Caohejing Hi-Tech Park
midscale
Caohejing Hi-Tech Park / XuhuiBusiness-oriented Hilton property near the hi-tech park; estimate for 17-20 November 2026. Use metro or Didi to reach the Expo venue.
Holiday Inn Shanghai Minhang Center by IHG
midscale
MinhangIHG hotel with pool and cancellation options; estimate for the show dates. Minhang is farther from the venue, so allow extra travel time.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
metro
Estimated costCNY 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forShanghai Metro Line 8 toward China Art Museum or Line 7 toward Yaohua Road for the Expo venue district
Use Alipay or WeChat transit QR codes or buy a single ticket. Avoid peak commuter hours if you are carrying sample cases.
maglev
Estimated costApprox. CNY 50 one-way for Maglev; metro connection approx. CNY 3-6 extra
Best forPVG Airport to Longyang Road, then metro or taxi to the Expo area
Fastest rail option from PVG. Check operating hours and luggage space before relying on a late arrival.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CNY 160-220 by taxi or Didi; confirm meter and surcharges
Best forPVG Airport to Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Use the official taxi queue or the Didi app. Allow 50-75 minutes in traffic and keep the venue name in Chinese for the driver.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CNY 90-130 by taxi or Didi; confirm meter and surcharges
Best forSHA Hongqiao Airport to Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Closer than PVG. Metro Line 10 or 2 with a transfer is cheaper but slower with luggage.
airport_bus
Estimated costApprox. CNY 20-30 per person; confirm route and stop
Best forPVG Airport to city and Expo-area bus stops
Slower than metro or taxi. Useful for budget travellers with light luggage; check the stop nearest your hotel.
ride_hail
Estimated costApprox. CNY 30-70 per trip depending on origin; confirm in the app
Best forCity hotels to the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Didi through Alipay or WeChat is common. Set the pickup and drop-off points at the designated venue zones to avoid circling.
parking
Estimated costApprox. CNY 40-80 per day; confirm the venue tariff
Best forShanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center car park
Parking is likely available but capacity is limited during large shows. Arrive early and allow 10-15 minutes to walk to the hall.
taxi
Estimated costCNY 120-250 taxi or Didi ride to the venue district
Best forShanghai Pudong (PVG) to Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
50-75 min by taxi; 60-80 min by Maglev and metro; Main international gateway for Shanghai. The Maglev connects to Longyang Road, where metro Line 7 continues toward the Expo area; confirm current fares and last-train times.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
November in Shanghai is late autumn: mild, mostly dry, and noticeably cooler after sunset. Expect daytime highs around 15-20 C and nights around 8-12 C, with a moderate chance of rain. Halls can be cool in the morning and warm when crowded, so bring layers, a light jacket, and a compact umbrella. Confirm the forecast 7 days before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
China uses 220V at 50Hz with type A, C, and I plugs; bring a universal adapter. Mobile networks are fast in Shanghai, but many Western apps and Google services are blocked - install a reputable VPN before arrival and keep an offline map. A local eSIM or SIM is useful for Didi, Alipay, and WeChat Pay; set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you fly and link an international card. Venue and hotel Wi-Fi may require a Chinese mobile number or passport verification; confirm at check-in.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business cards
Bring plenty of business cards and offer or receive them with both hands; have an English side and, if possible, a Chinese translation of your name and company. At the fair, a card exchange often precedes a fabric meeting.
Greetings and language
A handshake is common in business settings; Mandarin is the official language and Shanghainese is local. English is widely used in international textile trading, but a translation app helps for mill visits, Chinese standards, and technical specifications.
Queues and personal space
Expect crowds at popular fabric booths; queue politely and avoid blocking aisles with sample rolls. Security checks at the venue may require passport or badge checks, so keep identification accessible.
Dining and tipping
Tipping is not customary in mainland China; service charges may appear at hotels. Business meals often involve shared dishes, tea, and a host who orders; confirm dietary needs in advance.
WeChat and payments
WeChat is the default business chat and payment tool; set up an account before travel if possible. Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted at most venues, taxis, and convenience stores.
Samples and quotations
At trade fairs, prices and sample requests are usually handled by formal quotation, not street-market bargaining. Ask for test reports, minimum order quantities, and lead times in writing.
Public behaviour
Smoking is restricted indoors; follow venue signage. Keep voices low in meeting areas and ask before photographing another company's booth or samples.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PVG
Book flights to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) for the widest choice of international carriers and the fastest rail link to the city; compare Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) if you are arriving from another Chinese city or a regional hub. For the 18-19 November 2026 show, aim to land by 17 November to allow for visa checks, jet lag, and badge collection. Fares are usually lower 6-10 weeks before departure; confirm baggage allowances for fabric samples and keep a digital copy of your itinerary for the visa application.
Visa
Most foreign business visitors require a Chinese visa before travel; the M (business) visa covers trade fair attendance and commercial meetings. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free entry or visa-free transit - verify with the closest Chinese embassy or consulate.
Estimated cost: Varies by nationality and entry count; confirm current fees with your local Chinese embassy or visa centre.
Processing: Typically 4-10 working days; allow extra time for appointments and document checks.
Use the official China Online Visa Application (COVA) system and the visa centre covering your jurisdiction. Carry fair invitation documentation if requested.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Shanghai Pudong (PVG): 50-75 min by taxi; 60-80 min by Maglev and metro; Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA): 30-50 min by taxi; 40-60 min by metro with a transfer. Allow road or rail time to Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center: Changfeng Park / Putuo: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Changfeng Park; Changfeng Park / Putuo: Hualuxe Shanghai Changfeng Park, an IHG Hotel; Caohejing Hi-Tech Park / Xuhui: Hilton Garden Inn Shanghai Caohejing Hi-Tech Park.
Ride-hail: Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app in Shanghai; international visitors can use it through the Didi app, Alipay, or WeChat mini-programs. Add your pickup and drop-off in Chinese characters or use the venue's official name to avoid confusion. Expect surge pricing during rush hour and rain, so allow extra time. Confirm the car plate and driver name before getting in, and use the designated pickup zone at the Expo venue.
Public transit: Shanghai's metro is fast, cheap, and air-conditioned; single journeys within the city typically cost around CNY 3-6, with the Maglev from PVG priced separately. For the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the usual approaches are metro Line 8 toward China Art Museum or Line 7 toward Yaohua Road, followed by a 10-20 minute walk or short taxi. Buy a single ticket at the machine or use Alipay or WeChat transit QR; avoid peak commuter hours if you are carrying sample cases. Confirm the closest exit and venue gate before you travel.
Parking: On-site parking is available at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, but capacity is limited during large trade fairs. Expect approximately CNY 40-80 per day, with rates set by the venue; confirm the current tariff and exhibitor pass rules with the organiser. Arrive early, follow marshals, and allow 10-15 minutes to walk from the car park to the hall. Taxi and Didi drop-off is usually smoother than self-driving during show hours.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Approx. 12-20 C by day; 8-14 C at night; confirm the forecast 7 days before travel.
Seasonality: Late autumn is one of Shanghai's drier, more comfortable periods, with lower humidity than summer and a moderate chance of rain. November can bring clear, sunny days and cool evenings; occasional drizzle or a passing front is possible. This is not typhoon season, but carry a compact umbrella and check the forecast before packing.
Packing: Pack layers for mild days and cool evenings: a light jacket or coat, business-casual attire for buyer meetings, comfortable shoes for concrete hall floors, a compact umbrella, and a universal power adapter for China's 220V type A, C, or I sockets. If you are exhibiting, bring a small lint roller, steamer, and extra swatch labels; Shanghai's late-autumn air can be dry indoors.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
14 days before: Confirm the 18-19 November 2026 dates, venue, and hall opening hours on functionaltextilesshanghai.com.
T-2
13 days before: Register for a trade visitor badge; save the confirmation QR code and check whether your company needs a letter of invitation.
T-3
12 days before: Build a shortlist of functional fabric mills, membrane suppliers, and finish houses; map each supplier to a product line or season.
T-4
11 days before: Request meetings with 5-8 priority suppliers and ask for test reports on wicking, UPF, FR, abrasion, or waterproofing as relevant.
T-5
10 days before: Book flights to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA); aim to land by 17 November to allow a buffer for visa checks and badge collection.
T-6
9 days before: Reserve a hotel with metro or taxi access to the Expo area; confirm cancellation terms and the commute time.
T-7
8 days before: Apply for a China M visa if required; prepare the invitation letter, hotel booking, flight itinerary, and passport photos.
T-8
7 days before: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay, a Chinese eSIM or roaming plan, and a VPN before departure.
T-9
6 days before: Prepare a sampling kit with spec sheets, confidentiality forms, colour standards, and business cards in English and Chinese if possible.
T-10
5 days before: Download the venue map and plan a hall route by fabric family so you do not cross the fairground repeatedly.
T-11
4 days before: Book an airport transfer or note the metro route; check luggage rules for sample rolls and fabric books.
T-12
3 days before: Pack layers for 12-20 C days and cooler evenings, business-casual attire, and comfortable shoes for concrete floors.
T-13
2 days before: Reconfirm supplier meetings and keep offline copies of your passport, visa, hotel booking, and registration QR code.
T-14
1 day before: Arrive in Shanghai, test payment and transit apps, and confirm the hall entrance and badge collection point.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days registration concourse
Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCN¥190.00
- Per diem × 2CN¥150.00
Estimated totalCN¥340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Functional fabrics for sportswear and Technical textiles for outdoor application solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days in Shanghai.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Functional fabrics for sportswear and Technical textiles for outdoor application products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Shanghai show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Functional textile
- A textile engineered to deliver a specific performance property beyond appearance, such as moisture management, breathability, flame resistance, UV protection, or antimicrobial control.
- Performance fabric
- A fabric designed for active, outdoor, workwear, or medical use where stretch, abrasion resistance, moisture transport, or weather protection matters.
- Technical textile
- A textile whose primary value comes from technical performance rather than decorative appeal, including industrial, medical, protective, and transport applications.
- Moisture management
- The ability of a fabric to move perspiration away from skin and spread it for evaporation, often tested by wicking rate and drying time.
- Breathable membrane
- A thin film or coating that blocks liquid water while allowing water vapour to pass, used in waterproof shells, footwear, and protective garments.
- DWR (durable water repellent)
- A surface finish that makes water bead and roll off fabric; PFC-free DWR options are a major sourcing question for outdoor brands.
- UPF (ultraviolet protection factor)
- A rating of how much UV radiation a fabric blocks, relevant to summer apparel, workwear, and childrenswear.
- Flame-retardant (FR) textile
- A textile treated or inherently constructed to resist ignition and slow flame spread, used in protective workwear and transport interiors.
- Antimicrobial finish
- A treatment that inhibits odour-causing bacteria or mildew on textiles; claims must be checked against the target market's rules.
- Recycled polyester (rPET)
- Polyester made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste, commonly used in performance knits and wovens.
- Bio-based fibre
- A fibre derived from renewable biological sources such as plants or agricultural waste, rather than fossil feedstocks.
- Circular textile
- A textile designed, collected, or processed to keep materials in use through recycling, take-back, or remanufacturing.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100
- An independent certification that a textile article has been tested for harmful substances at defined limits.
- Global Recycled Standard (GRS)
- A voluntary certification for recycled content, chain of custody, and social and environmental criteria in textile supply chains.
- bluesign system
- A supply-chain system that assesses chemicals, processes, and materials for resource efficiency and safety.
- Bonded or laminated fabric
- Two or more fabric layers joined with adhesive, foam, or membrane to create a composite with specific stretch, waterproofing, or insulation.
- Colourfastness
- A fabric's resistance to colour change or transfer during washing, light exposure, rubbing, or perspiration.
- PFC-free finish
- A water- and stain-repellent finish made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, responding to tightening chemical regulations.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Functional Textiles Shanghai by Performance Days 2026
- Functional Textiles Shanghai 2026
- Performance Days Shanghai 2026
- Shanghai China
- Textiles & Fabrics Shanghai 2026
- Textile Manufacturing
- Textiles & Fabrics Trade Show Shanghai
- Functional fabrics for sportswear
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.