The 2026 World Brand Moganshan Conference is scheduled to take place from May 9 to 12 in Deqing, Zhejiang. Operating under the theme “Brand, making the world better,” the event aims to gather global innovation and brand wisdom to drive further technological and creative growth.
This year’s gathering comes as Chinese brands accelerate a strategic transition from serving as a “global supply chain hub” to becoming a “source of new quality productive forces.” This shift is exemplified by the recent opening of Unitree Robotics’ first direct-sales store in Beijing’s Wangfujing business district, where consumers can interact with G1 humanoid robots and Go2 robot dogs.
Innovation Driving Brand Evolution
Investment in research and development has become a primary driver for Chinese brands seeking new growth. According to the “2025 Top 500 Chinese Enterprises” list, these brands invested a total of 1.73 trillion yuan in R&D.
The data shows a record-high R&D intensity of 1.95%, marking the eighth consecutive year of increase. The total number of effective patents held by these 500 enterprises reached 2.2437 million, a 10.54% increase over the previous year.
Breaking Market Barriers
Industry leaders emphasize that technical innovation is essential for breaking into high-end markets. Wu Zifu, President of Zhejiang Haars Vacuum Utensils Co., Ltd., noted that the company’s focus on the research and sale of stainless steel vacuum containers has enabled its products to reach more than 80 countries, and regions.
To combat previous labels of “cheap” or “low-end” production, Zhejiang has developed more than 3,900 “Zhejiang Manufacturing” standards. Xie Xiaoyun, Party Secretary and Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Administration for Market Regulation, stated these standards benchmark international leaders such as Germany, Japan, and Switzerland.
The 2026 Conference Agenda
Since its inception in 2023, the World Brand Moganshan Conference has hosted over 10,000 representatives from government, business, and academia. The 2026 edition will feature a diverse array of events beyond the main forum and the Grassland Story Meeting for Chinese and foreign entrepreneurs.
New additions to the program include the “China Brand Global Tour” special activity, the China Economic Annual Observation and Xinhua Finance Ecosystem Partner Conference, and the Historic Classic Industry Conference. Other highlights include the World 500 Brand Development Forum, the China Brand Day Gala, and a Cultural Tourism High-Quality Development Conference.
The event will conclude with a large-scale immersive brand show featuring a formation of over 3,000 drones over Fengqi Lake, blending urban identity with digital art.
Future Outlook
As Deqing continues to attract international organizations like the Global Geographic Information Knowledge and Innovation Center, the region may see a further concentration of AI and Internet of Vehicles (IoV) capabilities. This synergy between city development and brand innovation could likely accelerate the “upgrade” of “Made in China” into a more value-driven global identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will the 2026 World Brand Moganshan Conference be held?
The conference will take place from May 9 to 12 in Deqing, Zhejiang.
What are some of the key statistics regarding R&D for the 2025 Top 500 Chinese Enterprises?
These enterprises invested 1.73 trillion yuan in R&D, with an R&D intensity of 1.95% and a total of 2.2437 million effective patents.
What is the “Pin-zi-biao” strategy?
Launched in 2015 by the Zhejiang provincial government, it is a strategy to move the province from being a “manufacturing province” to a “brand-strong province,” resulting in over 5,300 certified enterprises.
How do you think the shift from low-cost manufacturing to high-tech brand innovation will change the way you perceive “Made in China” products?
