Year-ender: Top 10 cultural events from 2025

10. Trendy toys capture young consumers' hearts

Designer toys emerged as a cultural phenomenon in 2025. Labubu, known for its "ugly-cute" aesthetic, became a global sensation, with its parent company Pop Mart reporting over 4.8 billion yuan in sales in the first half of the year.

Toys are no longer just for children. According to the 2025 Gen Z Emotional Consumption Report, 56.3 percent of consumers spend for emotional value and personal interest. Designer toys blending traditional culture — such as the Dazu Rock Carvings "Traveler" blind box and the Sanxingdui-inspired plush toys — offered young people both emotional comfort and a renewed connection to cultural heritage.