GUANGZHOU, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- China is one of the world's largest markets and production bases for trendy toys. "Trendy toys," ranging from blind boxes to IP-themed merchandise, have emerged as a niche but fast-growing segment, reflecting the rise of emotion-driven consumption in the country.

No longer just a manufacturing hub, China is also emerging as a source of original cultural exports, and designed-in-China trendy toys are gaining international popularity.

Since 2024, a series of Chinese cultural and creative products have become breakout hits and trending topics online. Some well-known IPs, such as Labubu, Nezha, and Wukong, have raised waves of consumption craze through films, games, and various cultural derivatives.

The country's designer toy market, valued at roughly 60 billion yuan (about 8.52 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, is projected to reach 110.1 billion yuan by 2026, with an annual growth rate exceeding 20 percent.