China to subsidize vocational training for over 10 million people in 2026

China will subsidize vocational training for more than 10 million people this year and build a skills-training system that runs through people's entire careers, an official said Saturday.

Wang Xiaoping, Minister of Human Resources and Social Security, outlined the country's vocational training plan at a press conference on the sidelines of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

"At present, technological changes are advancing at an unprecedented pace, and skill renewal is accelerating. Learning has become an inevitable requirement of this era. We will build a lifelong vocational skills training system that covers the entire career process, tailored to the individualized needs of workers at different stages, striving to create a condition where everyone can study anywhere and anytime. We will carry out preparatory training and general skills training for newly emerging labor forces, apprenticeship training and on-the-job training for enterprise employees, and new skills training and entrepreneurship training for employees in job transfers," Wang said.

"This year, we will carry out large-scale vocational skills improvement training in depth, providing subsidized training for over 10 million people. It will focus on organizing specialized training for the low-altitude economy, new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence technology, and health care services, to better align with industries and serve employment," the minister said.

The 48th WorldSkills Competition is scheduled to be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27 this year.

Noting that the WorldSkills Competition is the world's largest and most influential skills event, the minister said it has set the direction and trend for vocational skills development and played a significant role in promoting economic growth, technological progress, and talent cultivation since its inception in 1950.

"We will earnestly implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping to ‘present a WorldSkills Competition that is innovative and widely influential to the world’. With the theme of ‘Skills Change the World and Illuminate the Future’, we will present a splendid and successful event with high standards and quality. At the same time, taking the opportunity of holding the competition, we will pay more attention to investing in people and inspire more young people to illuminate their bright future with their skills," Wang said.

China to subsidize vocational training for over 10 million people in 2026

Fueled by expanded visa waiver policies and improved visitor services, Shanghai's inbound tourism is surging this summer.

Beyond shopping, growing numbers of international visitors are embracing the "China Chic" trend, exploring revitalized historic landmarks and time-honored brands to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and modern evolution.

Along Nanjing Road, the century-old eyewear brand Wu Liangcai Optical has partnered with the Shanghai Museum’s summer exhibition, Ancient Civilizations of the Americas.

Its nearly 1,000-square-meter flagship store has been transformed into a vibrant cultural destination, blending retail with art to attract overseas visitors.

"So I think the idea is very nice, like to put the whole kind of traditional Maya into merchandise, it's very interesting. And I think the design is very nice as well. I think it's the first time I ever taste corn ice cream, and it's very nice, delicate, not too sweet, very good. See the culture, the food, the people, I think that's the most interesting thing. So, I think I would expect in China, in a city like Shanghai to see all the cultures, to see all the things," said James, a visitor from Britain.

Nearby, a historic building on the Bund is hosting an immersive Song Dynasty (960-1279) exhibition, combining classical paintings, life-sized sets, and dynamic light installations to offer international visitors a deeper appreciation of China's cultural heritage.

"The most I like was the Sun Wukong, because it's one of the most famous in the international places. Yeah, I really like how the Chinese they can put all the products, they can make art with the culture, and then they can spread in the world. Also, the foreigners they can enjoy about the books, the stories about China, and I really like it so much," said Torres, a Chilean visitor.

These innovative cultural attractions are encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore the city more extensively.

In the first half of 2026, Shanghai received over 5 million inbound overnight visitors, marking a 31 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Fresh cultural experiences boost Shanghai's inbound tourism