China topped the gold medal tally at the 48th WorldSkills Competition as the event concluded in Shanghai on Sunday night, marking the fifth consecutive edition in which the country has taken the top spot.

The Chinese delegation won 41 gold medals, 11 silver medals, four bronze medals and six Medals for Excellence across all 64 skills, ranking first in the gold medal tally, overall medal tally and total group points standings. The result marked China's best-ever performance at the WorldSkills Competition.

This was the third time China had competed in all 64 skills at the event, with 71 competitors representing the country across six sectors: transportation and logistics, construction and building technology, manufacturing and engineering technology, information and communication technology, creative arts and fashion, and social and personal services.

China's Computer Numeric Control (CNC) Milling team secured its sixth consecutive championship, while the Bricklaying and Fashion Technology teams both won their fifth consecutive championship. The teams of Electrical Installations, Electronics and Autonomous Mobile Robotics claimed their fourth consecutive title.

In the Rail Vehicle Technology competition, China's He Xiaoman won the prestigious Albert Vidal Award, WorldSkills' highest honor, marking the third time that China has received the award.

"I'm very excited and honored. I never expected that I could win the highest award," said He, adding that she hoped her achievement can inspire more young people to join the rail transit sector, which is a pillar industry in China.

The WorldSkills Competition, held every two years, is widely regarded as the world's leading vocational skills competition. This year's event, held from September 22 to 27, attracted 1,385 participants from 68 countries and regions.

Seven skills made their debut, including Rail Vehicle Technology, Unmanned Aerial Systems and Software Testing, reflecting emerging industry trends and evolving demands for vocational talent.

At the closing ceremony, the WorldSkills flag was officially handed over to Japan's Aichi Prefecture, which will host the 49th edition of the competition in 2028.

The WorldSkills Conference 2026 and WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 Expo were held alongside the competition.

(With input from Xinhua)