Chasing Labubu in China: The Toy Craze I Didn’t See Coming

Where I Found Labubu Hiding in Plain Sight

I didn’t go to China looking for Labubu. In fact, before I landed in Shanghai, I thought Labubu was just another toy locals were into—like a regional Pikachu or something. Then I walked into Jing’an Kerry Centre and saw a crowd huddled around what looked like a vending machine, with squeals, trading cards, and... was that a person in a Labubu costume?

Turns out, I had stumbled into a Pop Mart vending zone, one of dozens spread across China’s malls, stations, and airports. And Labubu? That chaotic little forest creature with the mischievous grin was everywhere—from keychains on backpacks to murals in trendy art alleys. I bought my first blind box out of curiosity. Got the Spring Bunny edition. That was it. Hooked.

The crazy part? Once I started seeing Labubu, I couldn’t unsee it. From themed cafes in Beijing to pop-up walls in Guangzhou, it felt like I’d unlocked a whole subculture I hadn’t known existed. It wasn’t just kids or teens. I met a middle-aged banker waiting in line for the rare Hidden Edition. He'd flown in just for that drop.

How I Ended Up in a Pop-Up I Didn’t Plan For

I hadn’t planned to time my trip with any big events. But fate—or maybe the algorithm—had other ideas. While scrolling Xiaohongshu (China’s Instagram-meets-Yelp), I saw a post about a Labubu pop-up in Chengdu’s ICD Mall. I was heading there anyway. One detour later, I found myself in a queue of teens, fashion influencers, and one very confused German couple.

The pop-up wasn’t massive, but it was intense: life-size statues, themed zones, selfie challenges. And exclusive merch, of course. I managed to grab a regional plush and a postcard set after completing three “missions” (which included snapping pics with different backdrops). It was part theme park, part flash mob.

One guy next to me had taken a train from Chongqing just for the event. He showed me how to use Pop Mart’s mini-program to book time slots and track drops. Honestly, I had no idea collecting toys could feel like this much of a community. That pop-up alone gave me enough stories to bore my friends for weeks.

Want to plan your own Labubu detour? Here's where to start.

Blind Boxes, Big Prices, and My First Labubu Trade

Here’s where things got serious—and a little out of hand. I started visiting every Pop Mart machine I passed. I told myself I was just collecting a “set,” but deep down, I knew I was spiraling. The thrill of tearing open a blind box is weirdly addictive. Like Pokémon cards, but cuter. And more expensive.

After striking out on a limited edition in Guangzhou, I found myself in a swap group outside the mall. These weren’t casual fans. People had suitcases of duplicates. I ended up trading my extra Spring Bunny for a Halloween-themed Labubu that still sits on my shelf. That trade? My proudest travel moment. Don’t judge.

What I Wish I Knew Before Starting My Labubu Hunt

First, don’t underestimate how popular Labubu is. Pop Mart drops sell out in minutes. If you want anything exclusive, set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip. Many machines accept international cards now, but some don’t—and missing a drop over a payment issue is soul-crushing. Trust me.

Second, bring a decent carry case. I had to wrap my Labubus in socks and bubble tea napkins until I found a hard-shell case in Beijing. Also, prepare to wait in line. Weekends are chaos. If you can, visit weekday mornings when crowds are thinner and staff are less stressed.

And finally, keep it fun. I met fans who tracked every drop like stock traders. But for me, Labubu became a travel companion. A weird, toothy one, sure—but one that led me through streets and stories I’d never have found otherwise. That’s the magic, right?