On 29 April 2026, the event “Italian Yachting, Design & Lifestyle” was held at the Luxelakes Yacht Club in Chengdu. The initiative, organised by the Consulate General of Italy in Chongqing and the Italian Cultural Institute of Beijing, in cooperation with the Italian Chamber of Commerce in China, the Chengdu Luxelakes Yacht Club and the Sanhe Classic Car Museum, took place in the framework of the 2026 Made in Italy Day.
The Day—promoted by the Italian Government to celebrate and showcase Italian creativity, innovation and excellence worldwide—is now in its third edition and represents a significant international platform to strengthen Italy’s image as a global hub of quality and innovation, as well as to promote the Made in Italy brand across a wide range of strategic sectors, including advanced manufacturing, design, fashion, furniture, sustainability, technology and research. In line with the theme, the event featured the participation of leading Italian luxury brands such as Sanlorenzo, Lamborghini and Natuzzi.
The event was opened by a video message from the Ambassador of Italy to the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Massimo Ambrosetti, who expressed appreciation for the organisation of the “first event dedicated to Italian yachting in Southwest China”. “Today, in the name of Leonardo da Vinci, whose genius inspires this series,” the Ambassador continued, “we celebrate the power of Italian ingenuity that has characterised our country for centuries”. The Consul General of Italy in Chongqing, Fabio Schina, then took the floor. In his opening remarks, he stated that the sector at the centre of the event embodies a perfect synthesis between technological innovation and artisanal mastery, between creative vision and attention to detail. He also highlighted the leading role of Italian brands in the global high-end consumer market, stressing that they are not only providers of high-quality products, but also carriers of cultural content and values, expressing a distinctive aesthetic and a recognisable lifestyle, thereby contributing to the promotion of Italy’s image worldwide.
A video message from the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute of Beijing, Federico Roberto Antonelli, was then presented. He underlined that the luxury yacht sector represents a synthesis of Made in Italy excellence in its many dimensions, including design, technology, innovation, furniture, lifestyle and contemporary art. He further noted that the Institute had supported from the outset the decision to celebrate Leonardo da Vinci as a global icon of Italian culture, taking the opportunity to introduce to the Chinese public a sector—superyachts—in which Italy holds a leading international position.
The evening was enriched by an exhibition showcasing high-end Italian products, including two Lamborghini models and the Natuzzi Infinito and Wave collections. The event brought together a selected audience of entrepreneurs, design professionals and Made in Italy enthusiasts, confirming itself as an important networking opportunity and fostering new synergies in a key sector of Italy–China relations.
