SIOF 2026 show report

The 24th China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair (SIOF) returned to the Shanghai New International Expo Centre from March 2 to 4, gathering the global optical industry for one of Asia’s most influential trade events.

This year’s edition covered 100,000 square meters and hosted more than 800 exhibitors across six themed zones. Under the theme “i Start a New Vision,” the fair focused on international collaboration, design development, and technological innovation.

Over the course of three days, the show recorded 125,000 visits from professionals across 97 countries and regions, underlining Shanghai’s growing importance as a meeting point for the global eyewear market.

Shanghai International Optics Fair 2026 Expands Global Participation

International participation continues to expand at the Shanghai International Optics Fair 2026. The 2026 edition welcomed 160 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, representing 285 international brands.

Global industry groups such as Marchon, Marcolin, Safilo, Stepper, and Silhouette presented their latest collections, while newcomers including BREVNO, EVONIK, A.KJÆRBED, SIIYN, and Itok Lens added fresh perspectives to the exhibition floor.

One of the fair’s most practical additions was the N1 Business Matching Zone, where procurement delegations from Southeast Asia, Africa, Russia, and Belt & Road markets met exhibitors in targeted one-on-one meetings designed to stimulate international trade.

Innovation at the China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair

Innovation played a visible role throughout the China (Shanghai) International Optics Fair. A newly introduced 15,000 square meter Independent Brand Hall brought together dedicated pavilions from companies including ZEISS, Schneider Kreuznach, Huiding, Lipo, and Design Fun.

Meanwhile, the newly launched Smart Eyewear Zone presented developments in AR glasses and smart audio eyewear, reflecting the growing intersection between optics and consumer technology.

The show also included a cultural dimension, with rare historical pieces from the Tianjin Standard Eyewear Museum and the Wuhan Jingyi Eyewear Museum, offering visitors a look at eyewear’s heritage alongside its technological future.

Designer Creativity at the Shanghai International Optics Fair

Creativity remained a strong element of the fair through the VOS International Designer Zone. The curated space brought together 40 designer brands from China, Japan, France, and other countries, showcasing the increasingly creative direction of contemporary eyewear design.

Set within a boutique environment combining industrial transparency and natural wood elements, the area highlighted eyewear’s role not only as an optical device but also as a fashion and cultural object.

Conclusion of the SIOF 2026 Show Report

With its mix of international brands, technological innovation, and designer creativity, the SIOF 2026 show report illustrates how the Shanghai event continues to grow as a key platform for the global eyewear industry.

The next major Chinese optical event will be CIOF 2026 in Beijing from September 8 to 10, followed by the 25th edition of SIOF in Shanghai, scheduled for February 23 to 25, 2027, marking the start of the industry’s spring buying season once again.