In this episode of Meet China, we explore China's booming collectible toy revolution and a regional culinary opportunity. First, we discover how domestic brands are evolving from manufacturing to original design and narrative storytelling, infusing toys with "soul" to captivate broader audiences. Second, we examine how brands like POP MART (with its globally popular Labubu) and Piececool (which is reinventing cultural elements) are conquering international markets through distinct strategies. Finally, we delve into how these toys transcend play, becoming emotional lifestyle companions. We then travel to Zhongshan, Guangdong, where the new Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link is helping transform the unique crispy grass carp industry, leveraging local culinary heritage and aquaculture expertise to reach broader markets.

China's trendy toy revolution: From manufacturing to storytelling

First, we explore how China's booming collectible toy industry is evolving from simply making toys to original design, with brands now infusing their creations with narrative depth to appeal to broader audiences beyond core collectors. In China’s toy-making hub Dongguan, Guangdong Province, we examine how domestic brands are upgrading their strategies to meet growing domestic demand, combining innovative design with storytelling to breathe life and "soul" into their products.

Trendy toys go global: Paths to international success

Second, we examine how Chinese collectible toy brands are conquering global markets through distinct strategies. POP MART dominates with its universally appealing Labubu series, selling out internationally through sleek, contemporary designs. Meanwhile, brands like Piececool take a different approach by reinventing traditional cultural elements for modern audiences. Through interviews with companies and fans, we explore the challenges and successes of these export strategies—from POP MART's "international cool" aesthetic to Piececool's cultural storytelling—revealing how China's toy industry is creatively adapting to diverse overseas markets while maintaining its unique identity.

Emotional collectibles: How trendy toys became lifestyle companions

Finally, we delve into the thriving collectible toy phenomenon where playthings have evolved from shelf decorations to emotional companions. We chat with devoted collectors and toy makers, to explore how these items transcend traditional play value—riding in pockets, starring in selfies, and serving as mood-boosting sidekicks. The investigation uncovers how emotional value, not just plastic craftsmanship, drives the long-term appeal of these cultural artifacts in modern Chinese lifestyles.

Crispy grass carp industry rides new wave with Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link

The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link has ushered in unprecedented opportunities for Zhongshan, a historic city in Guangdong Province renowned for its cultural heritage. Among its distinctive local industries, crispy grass carp farming is emerging as a new economic driver, leveraging improved connectivity to expand into national markets.

We visit local farms to uncover the secrets behind cultivating this unique delicacy—prized for its remarkably crisp texture—while exploring how the city's culinary traditions and aquaculture expertise position it as a must-visit destination for authentic Cantonese cuisine. As transportation infrastructure transforms regional dynamics, Zhongshan's specialty foods offer both a taste of Guangdong's rich gastronomic culture and a case study in industry modernization.