China
2025.06.28 12:03 GMT+8

IP-powered ACG economy continues to grow in Chinese market

Updated 2025.06.28 15:46 GMT+8
Lu Wei, Chen Qingxuan

"Guzi economy" continues to grow in Chinese market

A person dressed in "Guzi" costume

People dressed in "Guzi" costume

Anime figures

Anime figures

Anime figures

"Guzi" display

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

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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