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.

Photo: Pop Mart

Yet behind the buzz lies a quieter force powering this phenomenon: Dongguan.

Known as the Capital of Art Toy 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.

Photo: 翟嘉欣

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.

Photos: 小红书

Many fans are surprised to find their Labubu toys, even those bought abroad, are shipped directly from Dongguan, a detail they're quick to share online.

One surprised fan posted, "Can't believe my Labubu from Hong Kong was actually shipped from Dongguan!" A collector in Singapore shared, "Turns out my Merbubu came straight from Dongguan, after weeks of waiting, I finally caught one!" 

With over 4,000 toy manufacturers and 1,500 supporting enterprises, Dongguan produces 85% of China's art toys 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. 

So next time you see a Labubu figurine trending online, remember: chances are, it came from a buzzing factory floor in Dongguan, the global launchpad of pop culture dreams.