China Tech Ecosystem · Learning Expedition 2027

See where the future is being built.

Six days inside China's robotics and AI ecosystem across Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chengdu, built around automatica Shanghai 2027. Meet the founders, investors and factory teams turning technology into products at scale.

Reserve with a €100 deposit → See the itinerary

Dates: 7–13 Mar 2027
Route: SHA → HGH → CTU
Anchor event: automatica Shanghai
Early-bird closes in: 31 Dec 2026

6days in the core programme, plus an optional seventh

3cities linked by high-speed rail and air

11proposed company and ecosystem hosts

1full day at automatica Shanghai 2027

€6,999early-bird rate until 31 Dec 2026

Why this expedition

The fastest way to understand China's technology sector is to stand on its factory floors.

You will see how innovation is commercialised, manufactured, financed and deployed at scale: humanoid robots on the production line, EVs leaving the factory, eVTOL aircraft preparing for urban skies.

Every day pairs curated company access with local context, bilingual coordination and time to compare notes with the people around you.

A participant tries on AR glasses during a company showroom visit — Hands-on demos

Robotic welding line in an automotive factory — Factory floors

A participant studies rocket models in an aerospace exhibition hall — Frontier tech

The route

Three cities on the 30th parallel.

Shanghai, Hangzhou and Chengdu all sit close to 30°N, yet each runs a different playbook. One high-speed rail hop and one flight take you from China's commercial capital to its digital-platform heartland and on to the rising industrial hub of the west.

High-speed railDomestic flightDotted line: the 30th parallel

Humanoid robots performing on the AGIBOT showroom stage

DAYS 1–3SUN 7 – TUE 9 MARSHA

AI and robotics capital

A full day at automatica Shanghai, then embodied-intelligence leaders, Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, local incubators and a China–Europe M&A briefing.

automatica Shanghai
AGIBOT
KEENON Robotics
Caohejing Hi-Tech Park
NordicMatch

Key highlights

Four ecosystems in one week.

Trade show

automatica Shanghai 2027

Industrial, collaborative and service robots, machine vision, industrial software and smart-factory systems, all on one exhibition floor.

Rows of humanoid robots being trained in a data-collection lab

Shanghai

AI and robotics ecosystem

AGIBOT, KEENON Robotics and Caohejing Hi-Tech Park, plus incubators and startups building embodied AI.

Visitors view a wall of humanoid robot models

Hangzhou

Digital and mobility leaders

Alibaba, Unitree and Geely, with a showcase of DeepSeek, Game Science, BrainCo, Qunhe Technology and Deep Robotics.

Participants in a futuristic company control room

Chengdu

Advanced technology and industry

Siemens smart manufacturing, Geely Aerofugia eVTOL aircraft and Laizhou Distillery's premium spirits.

Proposed itinerary

Your boarding passes, day by day.

An indicative programme. Visits and speakers are confirmed closer to departure.

01Sun 7 MarSHANGHAI · SHA

Arrival and welcome

Landing in China's innovation capital

Airport arrival and hotel transfer
Check-in at a selected 3–4-star hotel
Welcome briefing: China's technology and innovation landscape
Welcome dinner with the group

Group attends a welcome briefing in front of a large screen

02Mon 8 MarSHANGHAI · SHA

Robotics and smart automation

A full day at automatica Shanghai 2027

Industrial, collaborative and service robotics
Mobile robots and intelligent logistics
Machine vision, sensors, industrial software and AI
Guided floor exploration, selected exhibitor meetings and an evening debrief on commercial opportunities

Shanghai New International Expo Centre

03Tue 9 MarSHANGHAI · SHA

Corporate visits and incubators

Shanghai's AI ecosystem up close

AGIBOT: embodied intelligence and humanoid robotics
KEENON Robotics: service and delivery robots in commercial use
Caohejing Hi-Tech Park: Shanghai's innovation infrastructure
Founders, investors and incubators, then NordicMatch on China–Europe investment and M&A

A wheeled humanoid robot stocking shelves in a retail demo

High-speed rail · Shanghai → Hangzhou

04Wed 10 MarHANGZHOU · HGH

Digital platforms

Alibaba and the Six Little Dragons

Campus visit to Alibaba
Technology showcase featuring DeepSeek, Unitree, Game Science, BrainCo, Qunhe Technology and Deep Robotics
Demonstrations of AI, robotics and digital platforms
Cultural dinner at West Lake

05Thu 11 MarHANGZHOU · HGH

Robotics and intelligent mobility

Where robots meet the EV factory

Unitree Robotics: quadruped and humanoid robots and global expansion
Geely EV factory: intelligent manufacturing and automotive supply chains
Discussion on robotics, software and intelligent vehicles converging
Evening flight to Chengdu

Automotive production line with robotic arms

Flight · Hangzhou → Chengdu

06Fri 12 MarCHENGDU · CTU

Industry, eVTOL and whisky

Chengdu's new face of industry

Siemens Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center: industrial digitalisation
Geely Aerofugia: eVTOL aircraft and urban air mobility
Laizhou Distillery, Qionglai: Chinese whisky, brand building and sustainability
Meeting with business chambers, subject to availability

The core programme ends Friday evening.

Expedition group at the Aerofugia eVTOL company

07Sat 13 MarCHENGDU · CTU

Optional extension

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Panda conservation and wildlife research
China's panda diplomacy and international relationships
Cultural exchange in China's global engagement

ADD-ON DAY
FOR PARTICIPANTS
STAYING IN CHENGDU

Proposed hosts and partners

All visits are subject to host availability and final confirmation.

Why Craft Associates

Market intelligence, executive learning and in-market relationships.

Led by an MBA graduate of the Thunderbird School of Global Management, Craft Associates has organised learning expeditions and business immersion programmes for ASU and Thunderbird alumni across technology, automotive, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and regional innovation ecosystems.

Curated access to companies and ecosystem leaders
In-market interpretation before and after visits
Connections with investors, incubators and business chambers
Bilingual programme coordination
A professionally managed itinerary designed around learning objectives

From past expeditions

Alumni group in front of a rocket at an aerospace facility — Aerospace visit

Group at Geely Aerofugia — Geely Aerofugia

Group outside XGIMI headquarters in Chengdu — XGIMI, Chengdu

Executives listen to a host during a site visit — Executive briefing

Participants take a group selfie inside a lab — Behind the scenes

A participant listens during a showroom tour — Showroom tour

Past work

Recent case studies.

The China Pavilion at Web Summit Lisbon, with visitors at company exhibition stands

A speaker at the China Summit stage during Web Summit Lisbon

Case study · China Pavilion

Web Summit Lisbon: China National Delegation

Craft Associates supported the China National Delegation under the China Pavilion at Web Summit Lisbon, leading go-to-market efforts to identify and recruit innovative Chinese technology companies seeking international expansion in Europe, MENA and LatAM. Targeting sectors including AI, robotics, enterprise software, and emerging technologies, Craft helped participating companies maximize their presence through strategic positioning, exhibition planning, media engagement, and business matchmaking. By connecting Chinese innovators with European customers, investors, technology partners, and industry stakeholders, Craft leveraged its cross-border market expertise and international network to turn conference participation into meaningful business development opportunities.

The delegation holding a Thunderbird Alumni Network banner in an Icelandic reception room

A delegate in conversation with a host during the delegation's official meeting in Iceland

Case study · September–October 2026

Chinese Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs Icelandic Delegation

Craft Associates organized a high-level learning expedition to Iceland, bringing together Chinese business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to explore opportunities in international trade, healthcare technology, sustainability, and investment. Leveraging its global network and cross-border business expertise, Craft Associates facilitated an exclusive meeting with Iceland's President Halla Tómasdóttir, alongside engagements with the University of Iceland, Össur, and the Icelandic-Chinese Trade Council. The program combined executive-level institutional access, corporate visits, academic exchanges, and cultural immersion across Southern Iceland. From stakeholder outreach and relationship development to itinerary design and on-the-ground coordination, the delegation demonstrated Craft Associates' capability to deliver tailored international learning expeditions that connect business leaders with influential decision-makers, emerging industries, and new opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

Who should join

Built for people who make decisions about China.

InvestorsFoundersCorporate executivesInnovation leadersTechnology professionalsBusiness-school participantsPolicymakers

Especially relevant if you are looking for investment opportunities, market intelligence, technology partners, suppliers or competitor insight.

What you'll gain

SEE
Direct exposure to China's robotics, AI, automotive and manufacturing sectors
MAP
A clearer picture of China's industrial and startup ecosystems
MEET
New relationships with companies, founders, investors and academics
SCALE
Practical insight into commercialising technology at scale
DEAL
Exposure to cross-border investment, M&A and market-entry opportunities
ACT
A stronger basis for choosing partners, suppliers and investment targets

Package

One price, everything on the ground handled.

€6,999

per person · standard ~~€7,499~~

Early-bird ends 31 Dec 2026

Included

3–4-star hotel during the core programme
Meals in the scheduled itinerary
All local transport and airport transfers
Shanghai–Hangzhou and Hangzhou–Chengdu travel
automatica Shanghai visitor access
Company visits, meetings and briefings
Bilingual programme coordination
Curated cultural and networking experiences

Not included

International flights to and from China
Visa application fees
Comprehensive travel insurance
Personal expenses
Optional Saturday panda extension
Single-room supplement, if applicable

How to book

Three steps to your seat.

Register your interest
Email us with your name, organisation, role and country of residence.

chinatour@craft.hk
Reserve the early-bird rate
Pay a €100 deposit by 31 December 2026 to secure €6,999, by Stripe checkout or bank transfer. The deposit is deducted from the final cost.
Pay deposit →
Confirm your place
We send booking details, payment terms, hotel information and the latest confirmed schedule. The balance is due one month before departure.

FAQ

Before you pack.

Is a visa required to enter China?

China currently offers visa-free entry for ordinary passport holders from 50 countries, including many European countries, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, for business, tourism or exhibitions of up to 30 days.

Most listed exemptions are currently valid until 31 December 2026, so policies must be reconfirmed before the March 2027 departure. If your nationality, passport type or travel purpose is not covered, apply for the appropriate visa in advance.

Read the official China visa-free entry FAQ ↗

Is automatica Shanghai included?

Yes. Visitor access and programme coordination for the scheduled exhibition day are included, subject to registration availability.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Selected 3–4-star hotels. Final hotels are confirmed closer to departure.

Can I join as an individual?

Yes. Individuals, corporate groups and educational cohorts are all welcome. Email us to request a group proposal.

Are the company visits guaranteed?

All visits, meetings, speakers, trade-show access and programme components depend on host availability, operating conditions and final confirmation closer to the event date.

Reserve your place

Experience China's technology ecosystem from the inside.

Pay a €100 deposit before 31 December 2026 to lock in the €6,999 early-bird rate. It's deducted from your final cost, and the balance is due one month before departure.

chinatour@craft.hk

Booking for a group or company cohort? Email us for a group proposal instead.

Early-bird deposit

Lock in €6,999 per person.

Deposit per traveller€100

Save €500 per person against the €7,499 standard rate. Early-bird ends 31 December 2026. Your deposit is deducted from the final cost.

Pay €100 deposit on Stripe →

Choose the number of travellers and enter payment details on Stripe's secure checkout page.

Prefer bank transfer?

Email us for a bank transfer invoice and payment instructions. Please include the number of travellers. We will confirm your reservation after the deposit arrives.

Request bank transfer details →

If the tour is not confirmed at least 30 days before its 7 March 2027 start date, your deposit is refundable. The balance is due one month before departure. For booking questions, email chinatour@craft.hk.