Robot Shows and Recycled Crafts at Shanghai's Green Expo

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: Visitors browse Yuyuan Inc.'s booth at the ESG Global Leaders Conference last year.

Visitors can pedal a bicycle to charge their phones, make accessories from recycled plastic and watch robots perform at the 2026 Sustainability Global Leaders Conference in Shanghai.

Taking place in Huangpu District's World Expo area from October 20-22, the event pairs its conference program with a green industry and sustainable consumption expo and a public lifestyle festival.

The festival puts hands-on activities at the center. Visitors can sign up to assemble desktop organizers from wheat-straw board or try batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique, on leftover fabric. Other activities include making key rings and beaded accessories from recycled plastic.

Dozens of craft and design brands and nearly 15 food vendors will join the market. A small stage will host improvised comedy about environmental issues, while a photography exhibition will feature publicly submitted images of nature, urban change and greener living.

Credit: Ti Gong

Caption: A digital dashboard and seed products are displayed at Longping High-Tech's booth at the ESG Global Leaders Conference last year.

At the expo, more than 30 companies will present products and demonstrations, including robot performances and jewelry displays exploring the reuse of precious metals.

Meituan's booth will let visitors use pedal power to charge a phone. At Moutai's booth, a robotic arm will mix cocktails using baijiu, the Chinese spirit. Visitors can also collect stamps by completing tasks around the venue; six stamps qualify them for a prize draw.

For those who prefer to get moving outdoors, a 3.3-kilometer morning run will follow the Huangpu riverfront greenway to the conference venue, passing riverside gardens and the historic Dongjiadu ferry landing.

The conference itself is expected to bring together more than 300 guests, including representatives of United Nations agencies, scientists and business leaders. Its 22 forums will cover subjects ranging from climate and energy to artificial intelligence.