International buyers attending the 25th Shantou Chenghai International Toys & Gifts Fair said AI toys, faster delivery and direct factory sourcing are among their top priorities, as the event opened on October 29.
Shantou, located in eastern Guangdong, boasts a toy industry in its Chenghai District with an annual output value exceeding 50 billion yuan. The district is home to 68,000 toy enterprises, and its products are sold to more than 170 countries and regions. It ranks first in China in the number of toy brands owned, IP licenses and patent grants.
The fair covers an exhibition area of 100,000 square meters and brings together more than 2,500 exhibiting brands, attracting buyers from 55 countries and regions.
Hannan Abdul, founder of Sumim Trading Company, said AI toys are gaining traction in the global market. What caught his eye at the fair was a toy car equipped with a speaker and an app that lets users control it with a phone.
Abdul said he came to Shantou because it is known as a toy capital and because the exhibition center brings together many manufacturers. "So if I need a toy, I can purchase from the factory."
Hossain Md Shakil, founder of Linxia Global Trade, said he has been in the toy business for many years and views Chenghai as a key production base. "I came here for sourcing new trendy products, especially AI items."
Shakil also highlighted logistics advantages. "Shantou is very close to Guangzhou and Shenzhen. So if you buy goods from Shantou by air or by sea, you can export to your country in a very fast way," he said.
Ahmed Farouk, founder of Farouk Trading Ltd., said Shantou is a must-visit for toy buyers. "If you are looking for toys, you must come here," he said. His company exports many toys, including Christmas gifts and gifts for other occasions, from the factories in Shantou's Chenghai District.
Farouk said he has built strong relationships with many factories in Shantou. "They have all now become my friends. We became a family, actually," he said. "They are very honest. They're honest about the delivery, about the price. Even when they face any trouble here or face anything, they are so transparent with me."
He said the relationship has helped his business grow. "We are achieving more. We look forward to purchasing larger quantities in the future."
Reporter & Photos | Chen Jinxia
Video | Chen Junpeng
