CIFF Guangzhou 2025 delivered some great surprises

CIFF Guangzhou 2025 demonstrated how the Chinese design scene is evolving beyond mere manufacturing power into a space of genuine creative innovation.

A fair that keeps growing is now showing clear signs of design maturity – especially in outdoor furniture. Guangzhou, a stunning city on the edge of the Pearl River, became a global design hotspot in March as it hosted CIFF Guangzhou 2025, one of the most important furniture fairs in the world. Originally launched in Shanghai, this event has grown tremendously, with an impressive lineup of brands demonstrating serious design prowess.

What stood out this year wasn’t just the presence of renowned names we expect great things from, but also the unexpected gems – brands and designers with an international vision, pushing beyond mere commercial success to establish their own design philosophies. Here’s a selection of products that caught our attention.

CIFF Guangzhou 2025 – 7 great spots:

Essential Edition by Dex Kong & Yan-Ya Xu for DaAz

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

DaAz showcased an impressive ability to work across a wide range of materials, proving itself as a brand every designer would love to collaborate with. Mastering complex shapes in wood, metal, and fabric, their latest collection blends traditional craftsmanship with unexpected, contemporary forms. Daaz is also expanding beyond furniture, incorporating home fragrances into its portfolio—moving steadily toward becoming a comprehensive lifestyle brand.

Cuddle Sofa by Frank Chou for H28

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

H28 has already gained international recognition thanks to its high-profile collaborations with designers worldwide. This was evident at their booth, where I stumbled upon a design talk introducing their latest collections.

One of the standout pieces was the Cuddle Sofa by Frank Chou, inspired by oversized puffy down jackets and crafted using a meticulous, piece-by-piece sewing technique. Designed for ultimate comfort, this sofa wraps around you like a warm embrace – both visually and physically.

Vine Chair by Charlos Chen for Insteel

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

One of the first surprises of the fair came from Insteel, a newly launched brand from the owners of Lightspace, a well-known office furniture company. Insteel, however, specializes in outdoor furniture, and their collection reflects a fresh, global design sensibility, blending Chinese and European influences. This brand signals how Chinese manufacturers are becoming increasingly attuned to international design aesthetics and the evolving tastes of the younger generation.

Tail Trolley & Noon Mirror by JianZe

As I explored the fair, it was impossible to miss JianZe, a brand that exudes youthful energy—just like the team behind it. Covering everything from furniture and upholstery to accessories, their accessory collection particularly stood out.

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

Noon Mirror (design Chen Min Office): A bold and playful design, with influences from Northern European aesthetics and movements like Memphis.

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

Tail Trolley: A smart balance of proportions between sleek trays and a satin-finished, sculptural structure, making it both functional and visually striking.

Anabel Sofa by Mano

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

Another piece that impressed me in both craftsmanship and design was the Anabel Sofa by Mano. Despite having a modest booth, Mano made a big impact with its focus on quality and originality.
Everything is designed and manufactured in China by their in-house team, which continuously develops new collections. The woven structure of the sofa—big, soft, and inviting—creates a striking contrast against the aluminum frame, offering both visual and tactile comfort.

Buup Series by Chen Liang for Mingdu Objects

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

Mingdu Objects stood out for its distinctively artistic approach—more of a designer’s playground than a traditional furniture company. Founded in 2021 by Chen Liang, who also runs Mingdu Studio in Hamburg, the brand embraces a unique blend of visual experimentation, minimalism, and playful use of color.

Polka Collection by Ed Van Engelen for S48

©CIFF Guangzhou 2025

This is where high-end craftsmanship meets bold design. The Polka Collection, designed by Ed Van Engelen for S48, features perforated seats that seamlessly merge with a fluid aluminum frame.
Beyond aesthetics, the collection highlights exceptional attention to detail, a reflection of the company’s leadership. Though based in China, S48 is driven by an Italian entrepreneur who understands that precision and refinement are key to global success.

CIFF Guangzhou 2025 demonstrated how the Chinese design scene is evolving beyond mere manufacturing power into a space of genuine creative innovation. Whether through refined craftsmanship, material exploration, or new conceptual approaches, these brands are shaping a new era for international design.