What Is CIIF? The China International Industry Fair in Shanghai

The China International Industry Fair (CIIF) is an annual industrial exhibition in Shanghai, China. In a manufacturing context, CIIF is the name of the fair as a whole, not the name of one robotics show, automation conference or technology supplier. The 26th edition is scheduled for October 12–16, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

The event behind the initials

CIIF began in 1999 and has been held in Shanghai across more than two decades. The fair connects industrial exhibitors with manufacturing enterprises, professional visitors and organizations that support industrial development. Its four established functions are exhibition, trade, awards and forums. Exhibits and business meetings sit alongside industry discussions and the awards program.

The official history of CIIF records the first edition in 1999. The event has changed in scale and scope since then, but its identity remains the China International Industry Fair. “CIIF 2026” refers to the 2026 edition of that continuing event.

China International Industry Fair is the event’s official English name; CIIF is its abbreviation. The 26th CIIF refers to the edition scheduled for 2026 in Shanghai. Earlier editions share the same fair name, but their dates, exhibitors and programs differ.

One fair with specialist theme shows

The 2026 edition brings ten planned theme shows into one event. Industrial Automation Show (IAS) covers automation technologies and systems; Robotics Show (RS) covers robot technologies and applications. Advanced Intelligent Manufacturing Show (AIMS) brings intelligent production into the program. Each has its own technical emphasis and appears within the wider CIIF exhibition.

The full 2026 theme-show offering is Metalworking and CNC Machine Tool Show (MWCS), Industrial Automation Show (IAS), Robotics Show (RS), Energy Show (ES), Advanced Intelligent Manufacturing Show (AIMS), Future Transportation Industry Show (FTIS), Green Low-Carbon Show (GLCS), New Material Industry Show (NMIS), Scientific & Technological Innovation Show (STIS) and IC Ecosystem Show (ICES). ICES covers the integrated-circuit ecosystem within CIIF’s wider industrial program.

CIIF 2025 had nine theme shows. The planned addition of ICES brings the 2026 program to ten. The current edition’s exhibition materials provide the relevant theme-show list for visitors and exhibitors.

How the CIIF names relate

Forums are scheduled activities within the CIIF program, while the CIIF Awards recognize industrial achievements. Their calendars and access arrangements may differ from those of the exhibition halls. Visitors interested in either can consult the published program alongside the theme-show and exhibitor information.

What happens at CIIF

On the exhibition floor, companies present industrial products, technologies and solutions across the theme shows. The trade function supports meetings between technology providers and manufacturing customers. Forums provide room for industry and technical discussion, while the awards program recognizes industrial achievements. Together, these functions give the fair a wider role than a product display alone.

A visitor can begin with a relevant theme show and use the current program to locate exhibitors, forums and related activities. An exhibitor participates through a specialist area while appearing within the larger CIIF event. Access arrangements for particular forums and award activities are published separately, so their event pages should be checked before attending.

CIIF 2026 is planned for October 12–16 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Exhibitor listings, hall assignments and session schedules are specific to this edition and may be updated as the opening approaches.

Where to check current CIIF information

Use the official English CIIF homepage for the 2026 dates and venue. The 2026 theme-show and hall overview shows how the specialist sections fit within CIIF. The English downloads page provides the published exhibitor list and exhibition materials, and the forums calendar lists program activities.

The exhibitor list, hall overview and forums calendar provide more detail as the October opening approaches. Exhibitor participation, locations and session schedules may change, so the current listings are the appropriate references for arranging meetings or planning time at the venue.

Frequently asked questions

What is CIIF?

CIIF is the China International Industry Fair, an annual industrial exhibition held in Shanghai. Its 26th edition is scheduled for October 12–16, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai).

What does CIIF stand for?

CIIF stands for China International Industry Fair, the industrial exhibition held in Shanghai. CIIF 2026 refers to its 26th edition.

Is CIIF a trade show or a conference?

CIIF is an industrial fair. Exhibition, trade, awards and forums are its four established functions; individual conferences and technical sessions form part of the wider event program.

Are IAS and RS part of CIIF?

Yes. Industrial Automation Show (IAS) and Robotics Show (RS) are specialist theme shows within the China International Industry Fair. They are not separate events competing with the CIIF umbrella.

When and where is CIIF 2026?

The 26th China International Industry Fair is scheduled for October 12–16, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), China.

Explore CIIF 2026

For the reasons to attend and the connections between robotics, automation and smart manufacturing, read Why Visit CIIF 2026. For current event arrangements, return to the official English CIIF homepage.