lighting the next era

The world's lighting leaders converge at GILE to explore how illumination can shape culture, sustainability, and urban life.

- Text by CKPhotography by Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition

In early June, Guangzhou was once again bathed in a different kind of light that didn't simply illuminate, but inspired, provoked, and connected. The 30th Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE), held from 9 to 12 June 2025 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, marked three decades as Asia's most influential lighting platform. This year's edition, themed "Light for Life", brought together over 211,000 visitors from 151 countries and regions, who came to explore a world where lighting has moved beyond utility into the realms of wellness, sustainability, and design-led experience.

Running alongside Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT), the tradeshow became a living map of the lighting world — from human-centric innovations and AI-driven retail solutions to high-impact architectural installations.