Labubu, the quirky, sharp-toothed figurine from Pop Mart, has ignited a global frenzy. With resale prices soaring dozens of times above retail, and midnight queues forming across continents, this once-niche collectible is now a household name in the world of designer toys.
Yet behind the buzz lies a quieter force powering this phenomenon: Dongguan.
Known as the Capital of ArtToy in China, Dongguan supplies over 70% of Pop Mart's production capacity. Its factories, artisans, and supply chains are the unsung heroes behind Labubu's global stardom. Even as Labubu's popularity surges abroad, despite a 30% price hike in the U.S. due to tariffs, production remains anchored in this manufacturing powerhouse.
Dongguan's relationship with Pop Mart goes deep. As early as 2020, more than 30 local factories were working with the company, helping it hit 2.5 billion RMB in sales. In 2023, Pop Mart opened its Innovation Materials Center in Dongguan to inspire artists with new materials and techniques, further embedding design into the city's DNA.
With over 4,000 toy manufacturers and 1,500 supporting enterprises, Dongguan produces 85% of China's arttoys and one-quarter of global anime merchandise. It's no coincidence that behind nearly every viral toy drop in recent years, from Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and Crybaby, to event mascots like La'eeb (Qatar World Cup), Bing Dwen Dwen (Beijing Winter Olympics), and Nezha, customers will find a Dongguan-based manufacturer.
With over 4,000 toy manufacturers and 1,500 supporting enterprises, Dongguan produces 85% of China's arttoys and one-quarter of global anime merchandise. It's no coincidence that behind nearly every viral toy drop in recent years, from Molly, Skullpanda, Dimoo, and Crybaby, to event mascots like La'eeb (Qatar World Cup), Bing Dwen Dwen (Beijing Winter Olympics), and Nezha, customers will find a Dongguan-based manufacturer.
Backed by supportive policies and a complete industrial ecosystem, Dongguan is quickly growing up from a manufacturing hub to a creative powerhouse.In 2023, original IPs accounted for over 53% of the local toy industry's output. In the first four months of 2025 alone, the city exported 5.9 billion RMB in toys to more than 100 countries and regions.
