Creative Cultural China
Chinese creative works from sci-fi epics, mobile games and hand-drawn animations are at home in the international mainstream through immersive storytelling, bold aesthetics and a youthful voice.
China's creative cultural products are embraced at home and abroad
Small, toothy and plush, this is not your average toy. To some, the wide-eyed creature with a devilish grin looks downright creepy. To others, it's irresistibly cute.
Meet Labubu, the quirky little troublemaker from Chinese collectibles retailer Pop Mart. Created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, Labubu is part of its "THE MONSTERS" series, first designed by Pop Mart in 2019.
Today, Labubu has transcended its niche status as a collector's item in Asia, and gained a devoted global fan base. It is not only trending on TikTok, but also sparks overnight queues from New York City to Paris, where fans clamor for limited-edition blind boxes.
For some, Labubu is a design object. For others, it's a pocket-sized emotional support gremlin. For many, it's their first introduction to a rising wave of Chinese pop culture (CPOP) that feels fresh, playful… and deeply relatable.
From sci-fi epics to mobile games and hand-drawn animations, Chinese intellectual properties (IPs) are stepping onto the global stage, drawing legions of fans. These creative works are making themselves at home in the international mainstream through immersive storytelling, bold aesthetics and a youthful voice.
Pop culture IPs are reshaping the global narrative and international expression of Chinese culture from the Gen Z perspective, said Gao Anming, Editor in Chief of China International Communications Group (CICG), at the "CPOPwave" Chinese Pop Culture IP Night held in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, on May 28.
The CPOPwave exhibition, running from May 28 to June 10, showcased innovation and innovative ecosystems built around IPs. It spotlighted 20 of China's most influential IPs across novels, films, games, animation and designer toys. Highlights included Labubu, Honkai: Star Rail, blockbuster sci-fi titles like The Wandering Earth and the genre-defining game Black Myth: Wukong.
The exhibition was jointly organized by China Media Group's New Media Center, the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies under CICG and the Publicity Department of Hangzhou.
"These IPs enable the world to decode Chinese culture through new trends, understand Eastern philosophy through empathy, and embrace shared human values through cultural resonance," Gao added.
An international icon
Labubu isn't just cute. U.S. financial services firm JPMorgan recently named her—yes, Labubu is a female—a rising super IP, and positioned Pop Mart, whose global reach has spanned over 90 countries and regions through e-commerce platforms, as a leader in China's rapidly growing licensed merchandise market.
The global craze for Labubu was ignited last April, when Lalisa Manobal (popularly known as just "Lisa"), a member of K-pop girl group Blackpink, posted a photo with the doll on her Instagram. This sparked a worldwide obsession, especially among her Gen Z fans, who quickly embraced the quirky mascot. Since then, Labubu has become a much sought-after accessory, spotted dangling from the handbags of American and European celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, boosting its status as a trendy must-have.
Another key to Labubu's appeal is its blind box packaging, retailing at $21.99 each. "It's a blind box. So you don't know what's inside... It's hard to find all the collectibles, especially the rare 'secret' ones," Lisa explained in an interview with U.S. Vanity Fair magazine published last November. This sense of mystery adds an exciting touch to the collecting game, driving fans to keep buying until their sets are complete.
This year will celebrate Labubu's 10th birthday. The IP from China has become mature enough to connect with audiences around the world by releasing exclusive editions featuring different cultural elements and contemporary trends.
In France, exclusive Louvre-inspired Labubu fridge magnets—featuring reinterpretations of the museum's most famous artworks—are only available at the Pop Mart store near the museum, where tourists frequently buy them in bulk as souvenirs.
Meanwhile, in Singapore, a Merlion-themed Labubu—the Merlion, a mythical creature that combines a lion and a mermaid, being the national emblem—has become a must-buy keepsake, demonstrating how the brand adapts creatively to different cultures while maintaining its unique charm.
"You can't find them at retail anymore as they sell out in seconds. And you have to pay resellers double price," Chen Si, a Chinese fan living in Italy, told Chinese newspaper National Business Daily. She described scenes at a Milan Pop Mart store where fans lined up as early as 3 a.m. to get limited editions. "The locals here are even crazier about it than overseas Chinese," she added. "I even saw a stylish Italian grandmother, fully dressed in couture, queuing up. She tried to buy two dolls but was politely refused."
In today's collector culture, Labubu has become a form of social currency, symbolizing taste, emotional identity and, sometimes, status. Fans customize, dress up and photograph their Labubus, while TikTok and Instagram overflow with unboxing videos, fashion edits and playful storytelling. Some fans resell their dolls at double or triple the original price, turning blind boxes into investment opportunities.
Chen Rui, an associate professor with the School of Journalism at Communication University of China, sees Labubu's success as part of a broader shift in Chinese IP design and fan culture. "It's a combination of market forces and grassroots enthusiasm," Chen told National Business Daily. "Strong business backing meets passionate fan sharing on social media, which keeps the trend alive and growing."
A dazzling film star
Labubu has become a symbol of China's rising IP power, and it is not the only player on the stage.
At the forefront of China's IP surge stands Ne Zha: Demon Child Conquers the Sea, also known as Ne Zha 2, the long-anticipated sequel to the 2019 animated hit Ne Zha. The sequel has stormed global cinemas and made box office history since its Chinese release in January. Drawing from ancient Chinese mythology and reimagined with stunning animation and emotional depth, the film has become the highest-grossing animated movie in global history, having grossed a whopping grand total of over $2 billion at the global box office.
Its international run has also been significant, bolstered by high audience ratings on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. For example, released across 770 theaters in 48 U.S. states and in 10 Canadian provinces, the film shattered two-decade-old records for Chinese-language films in North America, even prompting midnight showings to accommodate demand.
What powers this phenomenal success isn't just visual spectacle, but cultural and emotional depth. Crafted in over five years by a team of 4,000 animators from 138 studios, the film features nearly 12,000 visual and special effects. But beyond technical prowess, it's the soulful storytelling—rooted in traditional values like familial bonds, mentorship and the yearning for equality—that has resonated with audiences everywhere.
Elements of Chinese heritage are seamlessly woven into the film's design and soundscape: from the underwater palaces modeled on classical Chinese architecture to a soundtrack featuring ethnic instruments and UNESCO-listed folk traditions like Dong songs and Mongolian throat singing. These touches offer global viewers an immersive entry into China's rich aesthetic universe.
"The profound nourishment of Chinese culture is what gives Chinese film and television works the confidence to captivate both domestic audiences and international viewers," Zhang Yiwu, a cultural studies professor at Peking University, told Xinhua News Agency.
Gaming without borders
While Ne Zha 2 showcases the power of Chinese mythology on the big screen, another standout example of cultural resonance comes from Shanghai-based game developer miHoYo. Its latest title, Honkai: Star Rail, released for both PC and mobile platforms, has garnered widespread acclaim.
On its pre-download day, April 23, 2023, the sci-fi adventure game topped the free app charts in 113 countries and regions on Apple's App Store. Within two months of its release, it surpassed miHoYo's previous global hit, Genshin Impact, becoming the highest-grossing Chinese game overseas.
"Both games are well-polished and rich in content, but Star Rail feels more lightweight and relaxing," Zhang Peng, a player of both games in Shanghai, told Beijing Review. "Its auto-battle system makes it especially enjoyable for newcomers. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for solid storytelling, quality and cultural creativity."
Set in a space-fantasy universe, Honkai: Star Rail features a layered narrative that blends Chinese cultural motifs with futuristic sci-fi themes. While its settings incorporate elements from numerous global cultures, ranging from architecture to daily life, the heart of the story remains deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy. Concepts like "putting people first" and "sacrificing personal interests for the greater good" echo traditional Chinese philosophies that have shaped the nation's cultural psyche for centuries.
According to An Chengnan, the game's lead producer, the team's aim was never to recreate historical civilizations in a literal way, but to build a rich, imaginative universe informed by different cultural archetypes.
In terms of storytelling, the game aim to present heartfelt, emotionally resonant narratives, while also sprinkling in plenty of references to Chinese pop culture. Chinese players often recognize these references with a smile. It also adapts cultural jokes and references when localizing the game in other countries and regions, replacing Chinese memes with locally relevant ones, so that overseas players can feel the same sense of warmth and connection. "Our goal is to bring joy through storytelling," An said at the CPOPwave event.
"Players from different cultural backgrounds may engage with those themes differently, so we try to strike a balance. From the beginning, our vision was one of inclusiveness," he continued, adding the game team believes "games have no borders."
CPOP and beyond
Yuan Pengfei, co-founder of animation company China Year, described CPOP as a defining cultural symbol for China's younger generations. "It's deeply rooted in tradition yet thriving through modern, youthful creativity," he said at the CPOPwave exhibition.
"At the heart of IP development, we have two main goals: to create content that resonates with young people and to help the world see the real China, through its technology and culture," Yuan said.
"In today's digital era, cultural content is primarily shared through visuals and videos, emphasizing interaction and participation," Liu Chen, an associate professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Hunan University in central China's Hunan Province, told Xinhua News Agency. "This requires showing traditional Chinese culture in popular modern, digital forms that resonate with broad audiences."
Many of China's most successful cultural exports, whether they be games, online micro dramas or trendy consumer goods, are backed by strong market-oriented operations. Liu suggested cultural players going global create original IPs with Chinese cultural DNA, and convert cultural value into industrial value to build a sustainable cultural export model, balancing social and economic value.
"We aspire to create works that combine deep cultural meaning with commercial viability, but achieving that balance is the hardest part," Ji Fangfang, an associate researcher at the Institute of Journalism and Communication at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told Xinhua.
She emphasized the need for diversity in creative spaces and genres. "Only when there is a large and varied supply of works can we begin to explore the sweet spot between cultural resonance and commercial success." BR
Labubu Dolls
Fashion might be fickle, but in recent years, there's one trend that's proven it has staying power. Collectible toys—once the domain of childhood bedrooms and niche subcultures—are now the unlikely accessories gracing the bookshelves and Birkins of the global style set. I, for one, resisted the pull of Sonny Angels and Monchichis, but when it comes to the latest plush to enter the collectible lexicon — Labubu Dolls — my willpower is not quite as strong. And I'm not alone. In fact, the Labubu doll has quietly become a cultural monolith, making its way into the hands (or clipped to the designer bags) of everyone from Dua Lipa to Rihanna. So what is it about these red-eyed, wide-grinned monsters that has us so captivated? Below, all your questions about the Labubu Doll, answered.
Where can you buy Labubu dolls?
It's no secret that Labubus are near-impossible to get your hands on. Naturally, this level of popularity has its darker side: the resale market is ruthless, with dolls selling for five times their original price, and the blind-box model, while thrilling, breeds compulsive spending.
Similarly, knockoffs are everywhere, making authenticity a constant concern for serious collectors and diluting the original charm of the Labubu with mass imitation. Still, for those who manage to get their hands on one, Labubu is more than just another trend-driven plush. It’s a strangely endearing symbol of what fashion does best—turning the unexpected into the must-have.
What actually is a Labubu Doll?
Labubus were born from the mind of illustrator Kasing Lung back in 2015, and were propelled to global fame by collectible toy giant Pop Mart. The dolls were originally created as part of a series of characters called The Monsters, but Labubus, a small monster-like creature with high, pointed ears and serrated teeth, soared to solo popularity. According to Pop Mart, despite its mischievous looks, “Labubu is very kind-hearted and always wants to help others while accidentally doing bad things.” The brand leans into a kind of chaotic optimism: “No matter what difficulties we encounter, we should grin like Labubu, and naturally we will become happy.” That slightly off-kilter wholesomeness is all part of the appeal.
And why is everyone so obsessed with them?
It helps, we suppose, that they're pretty adorable. But, if you ask us, what really makes the Labubu so covetable is their scarcity. Much like Sonny Angels and Smiski Dolls, Labubu are only available in a blind-box format, meaning you don't know which Labubu you've purchased until you open the packaging. This surprise element is also how, despite Labubu's being relatively affordable, some collectors spend thousands on the dolls, in pursuit of specific colourways and designs.
This element of surprise—combined with limited editions, seasonal releases, and ultra-rare designs—has created a high-stakes collector culture. Some Labubus fetch hundreds, even thousands, on resale platforms. The thrill of the hunt has turned casual buyers into full-blown obsessives.
There’s also the matter of emotional resonance. Labubu offers something tactile and weirdly comforting in a world increasingly defined by the digital and impersonal. It’s childhood nostalgia, whimsy, and chaos in one pocket-sized package
How to tell if your Labubu is real
If you did manage to snag a Labubu via a reseller, but can't tell if it's actually a Lafufu (the internet's term for a fake Labubu), there are several key things to look for. First, check the packaging. A real Labubu box comes with a matte finish and muted colours. Lafufus, on the other hand, typically come in brighter, shinier packaging. Also key is the inclusion of a QR code on the inside of the box — a real one will lead you to the PopMart page, while a fake one will either not work, or take you to a fake landing page.
As for the doll itself, the number of teeth can indicate whether it's real or fake, with real Labubus having nine teeth in total. Similarly, the ears should be high and pointed, and the face a pale peach tone, rather than orange.
The Asian Century: Redefining the Global Economy Through Innovation and Culture
The rise of Asia’s industrial and cultural powerhouses marks a turning point in global economics, and those not paying attention are already behind.
By J. Allan
For decades, the global economy has been dominated by Western companies, institutions, and cultural exports. But today, that narrative is being rewritten, not with a bang, but with the relentless rhythm of K-pop, the quiet precision of semiconductors from Taiwan, and the seamless speed of Shein’s AI-powered fashion empire.
The rise of Asia’s industrial and cultural powerhouses marks a turning point in global economics, and those not paying attention are already behind.
The Asia-Pacific region is evolving into a sophisticated economic engine, powered by innovation, cultural magnetism, and a bold willingness to invest where others hesitate. From Shenzhen to Seoul, from Mumbai to Taipei, a new class of global players is emerging, agile, ambitious, and deeply connected to both their heritage and the demands of a rapidly changing world.
Industry by Industry, Asia Leads
Asia is no longer simply a workshop for the world, it’s now the innovation lab, the cultural trendsetter, and the tech backbone. In semiconductors, Taiwan’s TSMC leads the global foundry sector, producing more than 60% of the world’s advanced chips. The U.S. may design many chips, but it’s TSMC that brings them to life with cutting-edge fabrication technology.
In the electric vehicle (EV) space, China accounts for more than half of global EV sales, and BYD has now overtaken Tesla as the world’s largest EV manufacturer in several key markets. Chinese battery makers like CATL also dominate the lithium-ion battery supply chain, crucial to powering EVs worldwide.
In pharmaceuticals, India stands out as the “pharmacy of the world.” Companies like Aurobindo Pharma and Sun Pharma produce massive volumes of generic drugs that supply North America, Europe, and Africa, often at a fraction of the cost of their Western counterparts.
Consumer electronics is another stronghold. South Korea’s Samsung remains a global leader in smartphones, memory chips, and displays, while China’s Xiaomi and Oppo have become household names across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Meanwhile, in solar energy, China owns more than 75% of the global solar panel manufacturing capacity. LONGi Green Energy, valued at $13 billion, exemplifies how scale, vertical integration, and strategic expansion into Southeast Asia help maintain an unbeatable cost advantage.
Even in artificial intelligence, once considered a U.S.-dominated field, China is closing the gap fast. With massive investments in AI startups, smart city infrastructure, and facial recognition technologies, China is setting global standards in surveillance, fintech, and urban automation.
Then there’s fast fashion, where Chinese company Shein has turned the industry upside down. Its ability to use AI for demand forecasting and ultra-fast production cycles has outpaced traditional Western brands like H&M and Zara. Shein’s direct-to-consumer model, supported by low prices and influencer marketing, has made it a favorite among Gen Z consumers worldwide.
Growth Drivers Fueling Asia’s Rise
The rise of Asia’s industrial and cultural dominance is not accidental, it’s propelled by a combination of structural, economic, and technological drivers.
A key force behind this transformation is demographics. Asia is home to over half of the world’s population and boasts a rapidly expanding middle class, particularly in countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
This burgeoning consumer base is creating massive demand for goods, services, and infrastructure, providing fertile ground for domestic industries to grow and for global firms to invest.
Another powerful engine is digital innovation and infrastructure. Many Asian economies have leapfrogged traditional systems by adopting mobile-first technologies, paving the way for rapid growth in fintech, e-commerce, and digital services. From super apps like Grab and Gojek in Southeast Asia to China’s integrated digital ecosystems via WeChat and Alipay, Asia is not just participating in the digital economy, it’s shaping it.
Government-led industrial policy has also played a central role. China’s “Made in China 2025” strategy, India’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and South Korea’s “Digital New Deal” are channeling massive resources into high-tech sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.
These national efforts are complemented by increasing intra-regional cooperation, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is reducing trade barriers and tightening supply chain links among Asia-Pacific nations.
Moreover, investment in education and research is helping Asia build a world-class talent base. Universities in China, Singapore, and South Korea are climbing global rankings, while rising R&D expenditures are turning countries like Japan, Taiwan, and India into global innovation centers. This talent pool is essential for sustaining leadership in complex fields like artificial intelligence, clean energy, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its rapid ascent, Asia faces significant challenges that could hinder or slow its continued growth. One of the most pressing is geopolitical risk. Tensions between China and the U.S., over trade, technology, and Taiwan, have global ramifications.
These frictions have already led to restrictions on semiconductor exports, realignments in global supply chains, and increased scrutiny of Chinese investments abroad. Regional disputes in the South China Sea and the Korean Peninsula also contribute to instability, creating uncertainty for businesses and investors.
Demographic shifts present another serious challenge. While countries like India and Indonesia enjoy a demographic dividend, aging populations in China, Japan, and South Korea threaten to strain healthcare systems, reduce labor force participation, and place downward pressure on long-term growth. China, in particular, faces a shrinking workforce and rising eldercare costs, which could erode its cost competitiveness.
Asia’s breakneck industrial growth has also come at a high environmental cost. Many Asian cities suffer from severe air and water pollution, and the region is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels, floods, and extreme heat.
The push toward decarbonization, though underway, still lags behind in policy enforcement and energy transitions in countries like India and Indonesia. Balancing growth with sustainability will be a defining challenge for the region in the coming decades.
Additionally, income inequality and uneven development remain sources of potential instability. Urban-rural divides, unequal access to education and healthcare, and large informal labor sectors mean that the benefits of economic growth are not evenly shared.
This disparity could lead to social unrest or populist policy swings, both of which would undermine investor confidence and economic momentum.
Finally, many Asian economies are still heavily export-dependent, making them vulnerable to global slowdowns, trade protectionism, or economic decoupling between major markets like the U.S. and China. As global supply chains become more fragmented, maintaining competitiveness while building domestic resilience will be critical.
The ascent of Asia is not a momentary shift, it is a structural realignment of the global economic order. From technological innovation to cultural influence, Asia is no longer a follower in the global narrative; it is a shaper of the future.
Whether in the form of semiconductors from Taiwan, electric vehicles from China, pharmaceuticals from India, or pop culture from South Korea and Japan, the region has proven it can lead on multiple fronts simultaneously.
At the heart of this transformation lies a potent combination of factors: an immense and rising consumer base, governments that are actively investing in industrial and digital policy, and a bold entrepreneurial culture that blends tradition with disruption.
These drivers are pushing Asia to the forefront of industries that will define the next century, artificial intelligence, clean energy, biotech, and digital finance among them.
However, the path ahead is not without obstacles. Geopolitical tensions, demographic imbalances, environmental degradation, and inequality pose serious risks.
How Asia navigates these challenges will determine not just its own future, but that of the entire global economy. Sustainability, resilience, and inclusive growth must become the pillars of its next phase.
For Western companies and policymakers, the message is clear: adaptation is no longer optional. Competing with Asia’s rising giants requires humility, innovation, and a rethinking of long-held assumptions about global dominance. The world is no longer unipolar. Economic influence is diversifying, and fast.
The Asian Century is not on the horizon; it is unfolding in real time. The question is not whether Asia will lead, but how the rest of the world will respond.