The Guangzhou Design Week (GZDW) stands as a pinnacle event in Asia’s design calendar, and the 2025 edition is poised to be a transformative experience. Under the poignant theme “Dear,” this year’s event promises to shift perspectives and foster deeper connections within the design community. This theme is more than just a slogan; it’s a declaration of intent, advocating for designers and brands to cultivate genuine, empathetic relationships with their clients and audiences by creating work that is truly understanding and caring

For anyone in the design industry, from architects and interior designers to product developers and brand strategists, attending GZDW is crucial. It offers an unparalleled overview of emerging trends, a platform for networking, and a source of profound inspiration. This article will guide you through the essence of the GZDW Dear theme and provide actionable, insider tips to maximize your visit, including a unique opportunity to see design concepts become reality at the Kanod factory.

Unveiling the “Dear” Design Movement at Guangzhou Design Week

The Dear design movement represents a significant evolution in design philosophy. In an era where the younger generation values genuine care and deep understanding, the “Dear” theme encourages a move beyond superficial aesthetics. It calls for designs that are not only beautiful but also thoughtful, human-centric, and emotionally resonant.

• From Concept to Practice: The “Dear” ethos will be woven into the very fabric of the event. Exhibitions and forums will explore how to apply this thinking to various domains, including “Dear Living,” “Dear Dining,” and “Dear Tourism”. This demonstrates a holistic approach to integrating empathy into private residences, commercial spaces, and public environments.
• A Response to the Times: This theme is a strategic response to contemporary needs. It reflects a broader industry shift towards sustainability, meaningful connection, and designs that care for both the user and the environment. It’s about creating spaces and products that people can form lasting, “dear” relationships with.

2025 Guangzhou Design Week

Your Essential Guide to Navigating the 2025 Guangzhou Design Week

Core Event Information

Before diving into strategies, it’s vital to have the fundamental details at your fingertips.

• Dates: December 5-8, 2025.
• Venues: The event spans three main locations, creating a “design triangle” in Guangzhou: the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Expo Center (Poly Hall), the Guangzhou International Procurement Center (IPC/National Collection Hall), and the Haizhu International Convention and Exhibition Center (Haizhu Hall).
• Ticket Registration: Professional visitors are advised to register online in advance through the official Guangzhou Design Week website or authorized ticketing platforms.

Strategic Visit Plan for Maximum ROI

With over 150,000 square meters of exhibition space and more than 1,000 brands, a strategic plan is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Here’s a battle-tested schedule to ensure you cover all bases.

• Day 1: The Grand Overview. Start at the top floor of the massive Poly Hall and work your way down to avoid the largest morning crowds. Use this day for a quick scan of all three venues. Flag booths and exhibits that warrant a second, deeper look. In the afternoon, attend one or two industry forums to grasp the year’s hot topics.
• Day 2: The Deep Dive. Revisit the flagged booths from Day 1 with prepared, specific questions. This is the day for meaningful conversations with exhibitors. Attend professional forums with your business cards ready. The most valuable networking often happens in spontaneous meetings at cafés between halls.
• Day 3: Filling the Gaps & Business Matching. Cover any important areas you might have missed. The afternoons often host serious business matching sessions, which are ideal for forging new collaborations.
• Day 4: Synthesis and Trend-Spotting. Do a final walkthrough to catch anything you might have overlooked. Attend closing forums where organizers and experts often preview trends for the coming year. Use the evening to organize all the materials and contacts you’ve collected while everything is still fresh in your mind.

Beyond the Show Floor: Pro Tips and Kanod Factory Access

Insider’s Playbook for Working the Event

Anyone can collect brochures; professionals work the event differently.

• Comfort is King: You will be walking for miles. Prioritize comfortable shoes over style—your feet will thank you by 2 PM.
• Ask Better Questions: Move beyond “What’s new?” and ask more strategic questions like, “What are your European clients asking for now?” or “What’s the realistic lead time for a 20-unit order?” These questions yield far more valuable information and separate professionals from casual visitors.
• The Reverse Route: While most crowds start at Poly Hall, try beginning your day at the more tranquil Haizhu Hall. Hit IPC as it gets busy, and tackle Poly after lunch when the morning engineering crowds have thinned out.

From Design to Production: The Kanod Factory Experience

While many brands showcase their finished products at the design week, the journey from concept to product is equally crucial. Although Kanod is not exhibiting directly at the 2025 Guangzhou Design Week, its manufacturing facility offers an incredible opportunity for serious visitors.

The Kanod factory is located just an hour away from the main venues. For design professionals and potential partners, a factory tour provides an invaluable perspective that you can’t get on the show floor. It allows you to witness firsthand the craftsmanship, quality control, and advanced manufacturing processes that bring high-quality designs to life.

• Why Visit? Seeing the production lines helps you understand the true capabilities, material quality, and attention to detail that go into the final product. It’s an essential step for anyone considering serious collaborations or procurement.
• How to Arrange a Tour: It’s recommended to contact Kanod directly, ideally on the afternoon of the second day of the event when many visitors are in forums. This increases your chances of securing a booking for a personalized tour -3. This experience perfectly complements the theoretical and curated inspiration found at the GZDW, grounding the “Dear” theme in the reality of masterful production.

2025 Guangzhou Design Week

Navigating the Three Kingdoms of GZDW: A Venue Breakdown

Understanding the distinct focus of each venue is key to efficient navigation.

• Poly Hall: The Hardware of Design. This venue is the heart of structural innovation. You’ll find everything for high-end customization, smart home systems, architectural materials, and full-home solutions. The conversations here are technical and detail-oriented. If your project involves the core structure and function of a space, this is your starting point.
• International Procurement Center (IPC): The Soul of Spaces. IPC is the domain of soft furnishings and lifestyle aesthetics. Here, you’ll discover furniture, lighting, fabrics, decor, and everything that gives a space its personality and warmth. It’s a hub for tactile inspiration and understanding the softer side of the Dear design movement.
• Haizhu Hall: The Realm of Luxury and Outdoor Living. This venue focuses on outdoor landscaping, high-end craftsmanship, art pieces, and luxury lifestyle services . It moves at a more relaxed pace and is essential for those working on luxury residential or boutique hospitality projects, looking for those signature pieces that make a space unforgettable.

The 2025 Guangzhou Design Week, under the banner of “Dear,” is more than just a trade show; it’s a glimpse into the future of empathetic and human-centric design. By planning your visit strategically, engaging deeply with exhibitors, and extending your journey to include a real-world manufacturing perspective at Kanod, you can transform this event from a simple tour into a powerful catalyst for professional growth and inspiration.