The 23rd Changchun International Auto Expo opened on July 11 at the Changchun Northeast Asia International Expo Center. With the theme "Moving Forward, Together," the exhibition covers 200,000 square meters, bringing together 53 major domestic and international OEMs and over 100 brands. Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China's first domestically produced vehicle, the expo adopts an innovative four-dimensional model of "main venue + sub-venue, offline exhibition + online cloud exhibition," expecting to attract over 500,000 visitors. BYD, NIO, Geely, and other new energy brands debuted more than 20 new models in the Northeast region for the first time.
Exhibition Overview: 70 Years of Glory, 23rd Grand Event
The 23rd Changchun International Auto Expo runs from July 11 to 20, 2026, at the Changchun Northeast Asia International Expo Center for a 10-day event. July 11 is Media Day, and the opening ceremony along with the 8th Hongqi Carnival takes place on July 12. This year's expo coincides with the 70th anniversary of China's first domestically produced vehicle, carrying the historical legacy of China's auto industry from "zero to hero."
Key exhibition figures:
- Exhibition area: 200,000 square meters covering vehicle halls, future mobility zones, test-drive areas, and commercial vehicle trading zones
- Participating enterprises: 53 major domestic and international OEMs with 1,000+ vehicles on display
- New model debuts: 20+ new models making their Northeast China debut, with 3 all-new brands appearing in Changchun for the first time
- Expected visitors: Over 500,000
- Sub-venue: First-ever Siji Nanhe sub-venue, with activities extending through late July
As one of China's longest-running auto exhibitions, the Changchun Auto Expo is the annual grand event of the "Detroit of the East." This edition is not just an industry showcase but a microcosm of 70 years of Chinese automotive development.
Exhibitor Lineup: Domestic Brands and NEVs Take Center Stage
The biggest highlight of this year's Changchun Auto Expo is the comprehensive rise of domestic brands and the high-profile concentration of new energy vehicles. Key exhibitor highlights include:
- FAW Group full lineup: Hongqi, FAW-Volkswagen, FAW-Audi, FAW-Toyota, FAW-Bestune, and FAW-Volkswagen Jetta
- Major NEV brands: BYD, NIO, Geely, Chery, and Great Wall participating at high standards
- 3 all-new brands making their first appearance at the Changchun Auto Expo
- 20+ new models debuting publicly in Northeast China for the first time
- Low-altitude economy equipment, concept mobility products, and full automotive aftermarket chain displays
Exhibition zone segments:
- Vehicle halls: New models from major domestic and international brands
- Future mobility zone: Low-altitude economy, intelligent driving, and concept mobility
- Smart mobility test-drive zone: Free test drives of multi-brand intelligent vehicles
- Commercial vehicle and special-deal trading zone: Special offers, trade-in subsidies, and limited-time deals
Four-Dimensional Innovation: Breaking Space and Time Boundaries
The most significant innovation of this year's Changchun Auto Expo is the "main venue + sub-venue, offline exhibition + online cloud exhibition" four-dimensional model, enabling an immersive experience of "viewing, experiencing, and purchasing cars anytime, anywhere."
Main venue offline highlights:
- Classic car culture: Classic Hongqi vintage cars forming parade fleets through city landmarks like Renmin Avenue
- World automotive culture street: Showcasing the global heritage of automotive culture
- Automotive celebrity street: Honoring key figures in automotive history
- Outdoor test drives: RVs, pickup trucks, and special-deal vehicles on display
Online "Cloud Auto Expo" mini-program:
- VR panoramic viewing: Browse booths in 360° from anywhere
- Live streaming: Full coverage of new model launches and industry forums
- High-definition photography: HD photos and videos of 1,000+ vehicles
- Universal access: Breaking geographic barriers for universal exhibition reach
| Exhibition Segment | Core Content | Innovation Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle halls | 53 OEMs, 1,000+ vehicles | 20+ new models in Northeast debut |
| Future mobility zone | Low-altitude economy, smart driving | Concept mobility products debut |
| Test-drive zone | Multi-brand intelligent vehicles | Free test drives + purchase deals |
| Siji Nanhe sub-venue | Classic cars, RV camping, trunk markets | Automotive + tourism fusion |
| Online cloud exhibition | VR panoramas + live streaming + HD | Four-dimensional model breaks boundaries |
International Perspective: 15 BRI Countries Build Cooperation Bridges
The Changchun Auto Expo is not only a domestic industry event but also carries distinct international significance. During the exhibition, over 60 business association leaders from 15 Belt and Road countries traveled to Changchun to build cross-border industrial cooperation platforms. The China Automobile Dealers Association CPCA will also release the latest national passenger vehicle market data during the expo, providing authoritative industry analysis.
For Central Asia and the Russian market, the Changchun Auto Expo signals several important trends:
- Accelerated Chinese NEV exports: The scale and caliber of BYD, NIO, and Geely participation reflects the accelerating globalization strategy of Chinese brands
- Deepened industrial chain cooperation: Participation from BRI countries creates new opportunities for cross-border automotive collaboration
- Technology export trend: From vehicle exports to systematic export of technical standards, charging infrastructure, and autonomous driving solutions
- Market penetration potential: Northeast China serves as a natural cold-climate testing laboratory, providing validation scenarios for vehicles exported to cold-zone countries
Industry Direction: From "Manufacturing Power" to "Intelligent Power"
The deeper significance of the Changchun Auto Expo lies in showcasing China's automotive industry transformation from "manufacturing" to "intelligent manufacturing." Key technological directions highlighted at this exhibition include:
- Intelligent driving: Progressive upgrade from L2 assistance to urban NOA
- New energy technology: Solid-state batteries, 800V high-voltage platforms, heat pump systems
- Low-altitude economy: Flying cars, drone logistics, and future mobility concepts
- Vehicle-road collaboration: V2X technology and intelligent transportation infrastructure
Seventy years ago, China's first vehicle — the Jiefang truck — rolled off the production line in Changchun, marking the start of China's auto industry from scratch. Today, at the Changchun Auto Expo, over 60% of the 1,000+ vehicles on display are new energy vehicles, with intelligent configurations becoming standard. This transformation is a vivid portrayal of China's auto industry evolving from "follower" to "leader."
