The organisers of the 27th Shanghai Auto Show have announced the dates for the event: 23 April to 2 May 2027. The exhibition, to be held at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre, will cover around 400 000 square metres, exceeding the size of the 2026 Beijing Auto Show (380 000 sq. m). A key feature of the upcoming event will be a dedicated zone for ‘embodied artificial intelligence’ (embodied AI).
Broader scope and a new AI zone
The new zone will showcase applications of physical AI technologies and advanced chips, highlighting the growing integration of automotive technology with artificial intelligence. The organisers aim to show how automotive innovations can be applied to a wider range of smart equipment. In addition, the auto show is intended to help international companies enter the Chinese market and Chinese manufacturers expand onto the global stage through new model presentations, technology debuts, conferences and demonstrations of practical applications.
The decision to create an ‘embodied AI’ zone reflects the convergence of the automotive industry and the field of artificial intelligence, with cars becoming increasingly integrated with intelligent systems.
Changes to the auto show schedule
The announcement of the Shanghai Auto Show dates followed confirmation that Beijing and Shanghai would continue to take turns hosting major comprehensive auto shows. According to a statement dated 7 September 2026, comprehensive exhibitions will take place in Beijing in even-numbered years (in April) and in Shanghai in odd-numbered years (also in April). The Beijing Auto Show in March 2027 will have the status of a specialised thematic exhibition. This decision clarified earlier rumours about a possible switch to an annual format for the Beijing Auto Show and established a clear distinction between the roles of the exhibitions held in the two cities in the same year.
The Shanghai and Beijing auto shows have been held since 1985 and 1990 respectively. Since 2003, they have alternated between even- and odd-numbered years. The comprehensive Shanghai Auto Show is scheduled for 2027 and will also coincide with May Day celebrations. The organisers intend to integrate the event with the city’s cultural, tourism and commercial activities to attract a broad audience and international visitors.
Source: CnEVPost
