Events

Decode China: Hefei Model

China Green and Tech Expedition is an exclusive immersion designed for global founders, corporate leaders, and investors. The Decoding Hefei Model expedition goes beyond a standard tour. Held in conjunction with the 9th World Manufacturing Convention (20–23 September 2026), it leverages the event’s focus on AI-driven manufacturing, digital convergence, and global innovation, offering privileged access to the “Chain Bosses” (the core of the Hefei Model) that are powering China’s tech & green economy. From the gigafactories of NIO and Gotion and the solar labs of Sungrow to the quantum computing facilities optimizing next-generation materials and a world leader in voice processing, AI, and robotics, you will witness firsthand the ecosystem that is reshaping global tech, energy, and mobility. The program culminates in a strategic retreat at Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), providing a unique setting for high-level dialogue and partnership building.

An unlikely tech cluster exemplifies China’s economic vision. But the “Hefei model” will not be easy to emulate.

- The Economist

This Expedition is designed for corporate leaders, institutional investors, and global founders seeking meaningful engagement with China’s most dynamic innovation ecosystem. It offers privileged access to the WMC Expo Hall, direct interaction with the architects of the Hefei Model, and an unrivalled perspective on the forces shaping global technology, energy, and mobility.

Programme Overview

⬝ 18 September: Enabling Technologies – AI, Quantum, and Talent
⬝ 19 September: Renewables and Energy Storage
⬝ 20 September: WMC Opening and Visit to the Exhibition Hall
⬝ 21 September: Future of Mobility and Low-Altitude Economy
⬝ 22 September: Decoding the Hefei Model and Scaling in China
⬝ 23 September: Visit to UNESCO World Heritage Site Huangshan

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Why Hefei

​Hefei has emerged as one of China’s most strategic industrialization case studies and a top-tier global science city. The city’s success is often attributed to the Hefei Model, a unique combination of local government investment and private enterprise, described as the state capitalism at its best. Positioned within a 500km radius that covers 500 million people and 50% of China’s GDP, Hefei ranks 12th in the 2025 Nature Index and hosts China’s 2nd comprehensive national science and technology cluster. This unique convergence of market access and scientific excellence has transformed a once-inland city into a global innovation powerhouse.

Hefei now leads across multiple frontier domains, including quantum technologies, AI-driven voice recognition, nuclear fusion, electric vehicle manufacturing, robotics, semiconductors (with CXMT's recent listing representing a milestone as the most valuable A-share company in China), and autonomous aerial vehicles, etc.

The World Manufacturing Convention

The 9th World Manufacturing Convention (WMC) will be held in Hefei from 20- 23 September 2026, the Convention approved by the State Council, is the most important annual advanced Manufacturing Expo in China since September 2018. The Convention spans an expansive 80,000 m² exhibition space showcasing China’s advanced manufacturing achievements, features over 60 major events, including the opening ceremony, industrial trade and investment forums, and project matchmaking opportunities, etc. ​

More about WMC, please visit https://www.wmconvention.com for more information.

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