BOLOGNAFIERE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN CHINA - A NEW CHAPTER IN SINO-ITALIAN ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL COOPERATION

The year 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of BolognaFiere Group’s presence in China, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy. To commemorate this milestone, the Group’s wholly-owned subsidiary in China — BolognaFiere China Ltd. — proudly hosted two flagship events held concurrently in Shanghai: The China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) and the Shanghai Children’s Health & Wellness Fair (CHWF). The two exhibitions, taking place side by side, showcased the Group’s long-standing commitment and continued investment in the Chinese market.

As one of Italy’s most representative international exhibition organisers, BolognaFiere Group and its Chinese subsidiary have consistently sought to foster in-depth exchanges between China and Italy across cultural, industrial, and economic spheres through their exhibition platforms. Over the past two decades, the Group has worked hand in hand with Chinese partners, advancing the internationalisation of the exhibition industry while continuously injecting new momentum into industrial innovation and bilateral collaboration.

Two Decades of Growth: Cooperation and Innovation in Tandem

Since entering China in 2005, BolognaFiere Group has adhered to the principles of professionalism, international vision, and industry leadership, continually strengthening cultural, creative, and industrial connectivity between China and Italy. Leveraging its extensive global network and expertise, the Group has established in China a diverse portfolio of exhibitions spanning cultural publishing, healthy living, and innovative design.

The past twenty years in China have been a journey from exploration to deep-rooted development. Through a series of internationally influential projects, BolognaFiere China Ltd. has promoted professional exchange and market innovation within its industries, while witnessing an increasing number of Chinese enterprises step confidently onto the global stage. With its local insight and international perspective, the company has become an essential bridge fostering trade, culture, and mutual understanding between China and Italy.

Looking Ahead: Rooted in China, Connected with the World

Looking to the future, BolognaFiere Group and BolognaFiere China Ltd. will continue to deepen their presence in the Chinese market while expanding their cooperation within the cultural and creative industries. The Group’s latest initiative — the Shanghai Illustration & Pop Show (SIPS) — is set to debut at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre from 29 to 31 May 2026. Centred on illustration art, and integrating elements of pop culture, original design, and IP licensing, the event represents a further extension of the Group’s commitment to cultural innovation in China.

On the occasion of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Italy, BolognaFiere Group remains dedicated to its vision of being “Rooted in China, Connected with the World.” In close collaboration with Chinese partners, the Group will continue to bring more high-quality international exhibitions to China, injecting new vitality into the cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations.

BolognaFiere Group

BolognaFiere Group - with more than 100 years of history - is one of the world's leading organisers of trade fairs. As one of Italy’s most historic and influential exhibition organisers, the Group has set a benchmark in the international exhibition sector through its exceptional professional services and extensive industry expertise. With operations across more than ten countries and regions in Europe, the Americas and China, the Group boasts an annual exhibition portfolio of over 100 events in Italy and abroad.

BolognaFiere China Ltd.

BolognaFiere China Ltd. (BFC), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the BolognaFiere Group in China, was formally established in Shanghai in 2007, following the opening of the Group’s representative office in 2005. It is responsible for overseeing the Group’s operations and business development throughout the Greater China region, uniting top professionals and core talents from the country’s exhibition industry.