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IP-powered ACG economy continues to grow in Chinese market

Lu Wei, Chen Qingxuan

 , Updated 15:46, 28-Jun-2025
"Guzi economy" continues to grow in Chinese market

"Guzi economy" continues to grow in Chinese market

A person dressed in
A person dressed in "Guzi" costume

A person dressed in "Guzi" costume

People dressed in
People dressed in "Guzi" costume

People dressed in "Guzi" costume

Anime figures
Anime figures

Anime figures

Anime figures
Anime figures

Anime figures

Anime figures
Anime figures

Anime figures

"Guzi" display

"Guzi" display

Consumers queue up for favorite
Consumers queue up for favorite "guzi" at a shopping mall in east China's Shanghai

Consumers queue up for favorite "guzi" at a shopping mall in east China's Shanghai

A 25-meter-high EVA Unit-01 statue in east China's Shanghai
A 25-meter-high EVA Unit-01 statue in east China's Shanghai

A 25-meter-high EVA Unit-01 statue in east China's Shanghai

In east China's Shanghai, the youth-driven "guzi" economy, a consumer phenomenon rooted in anime, comics and game (ACG) culture, is becoming part of everyday life.  

The term "guzi," a homonym for the English word "goods," refers to badges, acrylic figure stands, cards and other IP-related merchandise and collectibles.

This new consumption trend has brought fresh opportunities for creators and brands, as well as traditional shopping malls.  

A report by data analysis provider iiMedia Research indicates China's "guzi economy" market reached 168.9 billion yuan (approximately $23.5 billion) in 2024, marking a 40.63 percent increase year on year. It is projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029. 

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