Chinese cultural brands and entertainment intellectual properties (IPs) are attracting growing audiences across Europe, with designer toys, animated films, and video games helping introduce Chinese culture to younger generations.

A leading example is the rising popularity of Pop Mart, whose collectible blind-box toys, especially the viral Labubu character, have become a hit among European consumers. The company’s first store in Germany has drawn strong customer interest, fueled largely by social media trends and growing demand for collectible products.

The Chinese entertainment is also making significant inroads. The animated blockbuster Ne Zha 2 became the world’s highest-grossing animated film in 2025, earning praise from European audiences for its visual quality and storytelling. Meanwhile, Chinese video games such as Black Myth: Wukong have gained international recognition, sparking increased interest in Chinese mythology and classical literature.

Industry experts attribute the success of Chinese cultural IPs to innovative design, strong storytelling, advanced production capabilities, and effective global marketing. Supported by a mature creative industry and a large domestic market, China is increasingly emerging as a major global source of original cultural and entertainment content, strengthening cultural exchanges with audiences worldwide.

Source: People’s Daily