Blowing up in China: Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle. Hidden editions now trade for 16 times their original price, making this soft-eyed figure the hottest collectible on Taobao and Xiaohongshu. Fans stand in line, unbox and trade as if it’s a treasure hunt beneath neon skies. The pastel sheen, dreamy faces of the characters and rapid appreciation in price have turned it into the talk of China’s toy world.
The mania has a genius behind it, Pop Mart combining art, emotion and storytelling with mere toy. AdvertisementTwinkle Twinkle is more than just cute; it’s an example of how contemporary collectibles combine design, fandom and retail strategies. In this article, we’ll explore what has fueled the hype, how prices have so dramatically increased and where you can still find real deals. It’s a sort of art lesson, shopping guide and insider map all in one for anyone tracking down their first — or next — Twinkle.
Pop Mart’s Starry Sweetheart: From Fairy-Tale Sketch to Collector Favorite
Sweet Dream Weather Station
The Story of Twinkle Twinkle—Born from Dream Planet
It wasn’t until later that the story of Twinkle Twinkle came to be known as a hit. Back in 2020, the two illustrators from the mainland Da Xin and A Li created it for picture book Dream Island. With silver hair and a cumbersome smile, the "Star Person" coming from some place in the sky. There, every star has Story, and which carries a dream is Stardust. It is like a "Star Messenger " transmitting thoughts from dreams to Wakefulness between men and women.
Pop Mart caught the warmth it exuded at the Shanghai Toy Show in 2023, and in 2024 a contract was signed. This little character made entirely of stars, however, is not only about brightness. Its intrinsic belief says, "Stars cannot shine without darkness!" It displays courage in facing the chaos and tenderness associated with some remorse A simple "It's okay" from it can dissolve one's real-world exhaustion instantly-unlike Space Molly's bold above-Bobo's chaotic variations, it is a silent emotional anchor in life.
A Universe in a Box—How Pop Mart Shapes Its Magic
Pop Mart transformed this cosmic love story into surprise blind boxes. Twinkle Twinkle blind boxes always mix fairy-tale style and careful detail. The 2024 first work We Are Twinkle Twinkle uses a soft round line with a blend of PVC-ABS parts for a soft light. Dirty and crying models that mirror life are also present in these sets.
The later series pushed this level of creativity even higher. The Arcade Series lets you mix parts to make your own looks, and each part has an anti-swapping hole. In Sweet Dream Weather Station of 2025 there’s good weather bad feelings, and on rainy days figures with a miserable slope to their ears; evening ones will wear gradient fabrics. The cloud-like soft pendants, in light-up ether series are carried with you Twinkle’s designs are not fixed quirky grins as with Labubu. They are a response to the emotions enticed by each occasion.
Loved Twinkle Twinkle and want to meet its equal? Explore Where to Find Labubu in China: 2025 Fan Travel Guide
The Collectible Appeal—Why Everyone’s Chasing the Stars
Twinkle Twinkle’s popularity isn’t just about rare pieces. Collectors love its emotional value most. Some fall for 123! Twinkle Twinkle’s vintage charm; others hunt "Mix & Match" hidden editions . Many mix parts to make their own star stories. Pop Mart says it helps people "shine their own light"—a softer draw than Space Molly’s high-fashion collabs.
Scarcity makes for excitement too. Each hidden edition in the normal series is 1/12, while for soft toys this is only 1/72. The potential resale price has reached 16 times what it was originally, and its first six month sales had the figure of 389 million yuan attached. However, fans are not in love with Twinkle for money-it is to give peace in a noisy world that people love their own one. "Folk fan" is spread on the Wilber, and through it global fans can understand China’s "cute economy."
Where Can You Find the Magic — Prices, Rarity, and Hunt Guide
Twinkle Twinkle Offline Store
The Market Boom — The 16x Price Phenomenon & Rarity Breakdown
Twinkle Twinkle’s status as a Pop Mart hot item is clear in its price and rarity. What began as a cute collectible has grown into a thriving collector’s market, driven by limited editions, rare hidden figures, and social media buzz — pushing some prices to 16 times their original value.
Key Series Pricing & Rarity of Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle(2025):
| Series Name | Type | Original Price (RMB) | Rarity / Special Editions | Current Market Price (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Create Your Mood | Blind Box | 39 per box | 24 figures (2 ultra-rare) | Up to 300+ for rare editions | Most popular core series |
| We Are Twinkle Twinkle | Plush Keychains | ~129 each | No hidden editions | Around retail price | High demand for specific designs |
| Lucky Star | Jewelry Collection | 1000+ | Limited production | 1200–1800 | Premium collector range |
| Delicious Moments | Blind Box | 59 per box | Hidden editions | 929 per rare, 1499 per set | Based on Taobao/Weibo data |
Why Prices Surge
It’s not just speculation — the price tag ties to rarity, design, and emotional connection. Hidden editions (e.g., “Delicious Moments” rare figures) and limited runs turn small vinyl toys into serious collectibles, with fans valuing both scarcity and the IP’s “calming charm.”
Where to Buy in 2025 — Online Channels (Safe & Convenient)
Online shopping offers easy access to Twinkle Twinkle, but prioritize official platforms for authenticity. Here are the top options:
1. Official Platforms (Guaranteed Genuine)
Pop Mart Official Website: Carries all current series, with clear product descriptions and release dates.
Pop Mart Tmall Flagship Store: Stocks new releases and plush editions, often with early-bird discounts (e.g., pre-order bonuses for upcoming series).
2. Trusted Third-Party Sites
Alibaba/Amazon Global: Look for sellers with 4.5+ ratings and “verified authenticity” labels (avoid low-rated sellers to prevent fakes).
Taobao: Reliable for plush keychains and older series, but check if the seller is a Pop Mart authorized partner (look for the official badge).
Where to Buy in 2025 — Offline Channels (Thrill of Discovery)
For visitors to China, offline shopping adds fun to the hunt — with flagship stores, robot vending machines, and authorized shops offering unique experiences.
Offline Shopping Highlights: Where to Hunt Twinkle Twinkle in China:
| Offline Channel | Location | Highlights | Notes |
| Flagship Stores | Beijing (Joy City), Shanghai (Grand Gateway 66) | Full collections, themed interiors | City-exclusive Twinkle figures |
| Robot Vending Machines | Nationwide (1,611 units) | Scan QR + pay via WeChat/Alipay | Restock early mornings |
| Kakushi Box / Boutique Shops | Beijing, Chengdu | Early access to new series | Genuine Pop Mart partners |
| Pop Mart City 乐园 | Shanghai | Exclusive Twinkle merch | Park-only limited editions |
Quick Tips for Hunting — Offline Timing: Visit vending machines on weekdays (9 AM–11 AM) for fresh stock — weekends sell out fast.
Twinkle Twinkle “Delicious Moments” Exhibition — Autumn 2025
Twinkle Twinkle Offline Pop-up Event
From September to November 2025, Pop Mart presents the most whimsical exhibition yet – their “Delicious Moments” Exhibition in SHANGHAI and CHENGDU as part of its Twinkle Twinkle Shine at every corner China tour. These pop-ups have become go-to spots for collectors and travelers alike, blending art, light and sensory play in a manner that feels futuristic (high-tech lighting effects) as well as nostalgic.
Shanghai: L+Mall, Lujiazui Center (September 30 to November 30)
Entering the Shanghai space is like landing on a pink planet. The air is luminous under gossamer pastel light, and at the center stands a 5-meter-tall illuminated Twinkle statue like a friendly sentry. Through 50 meters of the “Twinkle Avenue,” it is a world where visitors lose themselves in candy-floss lighting and soft cosmic music. All six check-in stations are themed for Instagram moments — particularly the dessert-oriented corners, such as Cookie Galaxy Café and Lucky Pudding Station. In some places, there are spinning-wheel games for a chance at badges and mystery prizes, again summoning an element of play rather than passive viewing.
People form long lines; they show up early, and stand outside talking to the person who has their Twinkle box. The line will be abuzz with anticipation and you’ll overhear people preventing others from scoring a hidden edition and posing under our glowing archways. Foreign tourists often freeze midway to shoot a video for Instagram or the Chinese app Xiaohongshu, capturing the glint of light trails in star shapes hanging overhead. Prices range from 39 RMB blind boxes to 1499 RMB full sets, and you’ll likely spend about 500–800 RMB for drinks, snacks, and souvenirs. The whole thing is like an art show crossed with a candy-coated dream.
Chengdu: SKP Mall (September 30 to November 16)
The vibe in Chengdu is more laid back but just as magical. The exhibition overflows onto the Central Grand Stairway and K Avenue, with its glowing Twinkle constellations reflected in glass facades. Residents walk between the pop-up food stands, sipping milk tea and posing beneath the neon stars that float above. Exclusive Chengdu merchandise — Spicy Galaxy Plushies! Milky Moon Keychains! — makes lining up twice worthwhile. Every corner seems tailor-made for photos: pastel backdrops, heart-shaped lights, mirrored walls that extend Twinkle’s glow to the horizon.
Flagship Stores & Global Contrast
For those who can’t make it to the pop-ups, Pop Mart’s flagship stores in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou replicate that immersive magic. Both feel like hybrids of art galleries and playgrounds: ceilings that twinkle, display cases filled with rare high-quality editions, and friendly staff members who banter easily with locals and tourists alike. Paying is a breeze — there’s WeChat Pay, Alipay, and even international credit cards that work perfectly well. Pop Mart’s Chinese stores — bolder and more interactive feeling than global toy boutiques in Tokyo or LA — are closer to this emotion of collecting, more about the emotion of collecting once one already owns many objects.
Plan Your Visit
Booking: Reserve via the Pop Mart Mini Program; limited entry slots fill up fast.
Payment: Use WeChat Pay, Alipay, or linked foreign cards.
Freebies: Complete photo missions for postcards or glow-in-the-dark badges.
Crowds: Arrive early; lines form an hour before opening.
Budget: 500–800 RMB covers merch, themed snacks, and mini-games.
Now, the pink-lit corridors of Lujiazui to the whimsical stairways of Chengdu are here as stages for an area that turns Pop Mart’s limited edition world into a living thing: it is titled “Delicious Moments” exhibition. It’s not just about buying toys — it’s also about feeling you’re part of a story written in starlight, one photo at a time.
Ready to Shine? Smart Tips for Twinkle Twinkle Collectors
Catch Up on New and Limited Releases
If you want to be ahead of the rest of collectors, subscribe to pop mart official channels. New Twinkle Twinkle, limited editions and etc. are first uploaded onto the official website/mobile apps/verified social media accounts (e.g.“Delicious Moments” is updated every 2 months).
Being alerted to this gives you a chance to plan your purchases ahead of time, before stock runs dry. Members of the Pop Mart Membership Program also receive exclusive perks — they can get early access to new drops, participate in lotteries for limited editions and earn points toward discounts. If you are traveling in China, sign up with your passport and just a phone number; it takes only a few minutes.
Smart Shopping and Refund Tips
Popular Pop Mart series are usually sale-limited to guarantee fairness. At times, you can buy only two boxes a person, a full case if allowed. Before you get in line, check the in-store policy to prevent surprises at the register.
For overseas tourists, those who make a purchase that meets the criteria for VAT refunding (for example more than 5000 RMB at the store designated to be able to offer tax refunds), you may apply for a refund by showing your passport. Refund desks can often be found by the mall exits, so keep your receipts ready. Shopping on a weekday or during the lunch hour means you can avoid the long lines and have a more peaceful shopping experience.
Want to know how to claim your VAT refund easily? Check China Tax Refund 2025: How Travelers Can Claim VAT on Drones and Other Products
Extra Advice for Serious Collectors
For the staff, ask about promotional posters or collectible shopping bags before you pay. Decorative packaging for limited editions can be lovely to keep around as tchotchkes or photo props. Please purchase from authorized Pop Mart stores, official vending machines, or other verified online platforms to prevent any potential counterfeit products. This is now known as a blockchain-based authenticity QR code included in each blindbox — scan it to see your figure’s whole logistics chain.
Finally, know your limits when flying home: carrying too many unopened boxes of goods for resale could create customs problems. Unreported commercial goods in excess of 50,000 RMB may be considered smuggling under China’s Customs Law. But buy what you love, pack it carefully, and have fun bringing a piece of Pop Mart’s magic home safely.
FAQ About Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle Collecting in China
Q: What makes Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle stand out among Pop Mart series?
A: Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle is known for its starry, dreamlike concept that connects emotion and art. The figures have unique color palettes, soft pastel tones, and celestial themes that distinguish them from other Pop Mart lines. Many collectors say Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle feels more poetic and meaningful rather than purely collectible. If you love designs that tell a story, this one will likely stay with you.
Q: How can I improve my chances of finding rare Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle figures?
A: Joining the Pop Mart Membership gives early access to Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle launches and lottery draws. Visiting smaller stores or airports during quiet hours increases luck. Collectors often join exchange groups online to trade duplicates or hunt rare editions. The thrill of finding a hidden Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle is half the fun. Persistence usually pays off in the collector community.
Q: What should tourists know before buying Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle in China?
A: Tourists should know that most Pop Mart stores accept only WeChat Pay or Alipay. Staff rarely speak English, but gestures work fine. Always buy from official Pop Mart stores to avoid counterfeits. Ask for the shopping bag — Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle packaging is collectible and looks great in photos. Don’t be shy about taking pictures; it’s part of the experience.
Q: Can Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle be refunded or exchanged?
A: Usually, Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle blind boxes are non-refundable once opened. However, if there’s a clear manufacturing defect, stores might offer an exchange. Keep the box and receipt safe. Online orders may have different rules, so always read the terms before checkout. A polite chat with store staff can sometimes help resolve minor issues.
Q: Are Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle pop-up events worth attending?
A: Definitely. Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle pop-ups include exclusive merchandise, photo spots, and themed installations. Some even host artist signings or mini games. Arrive early to skip long queues. Many fans say these events capture the whimsical heart of the brand. If you love atmosphere and fandom energy, don’t miss it.
Q: How can I connect with other Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle collectors?
A: You can meet other Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle fans on Xiaohongshu, Discord, or Reddit. These communities share trade offers, drop alerts, and collection displays. It’s a great way to learn, make friends, and find missing pieces from your favorite Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle series. Many friendships start from one simple trade.
Q: What should I know when flying with Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle boxes?
A: Keep Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle figures in their boxes to prevent scratches. Pack them in your carry-on if they’re rare or fragile. Avoid bringing excessive unopened boxes to prevent customs issues. Labeling limited editions separately can help avoid inspection delays. Taking a photo of your collection before flying can also help in case of loss.
Q: What’s next for Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle in 2025?
A: Pop Mart Twinkle Twinkle is expected to release collaborations with lifestyle brands and digital artists in 2025. Teasers often appear first on Weibo or the Pop Mart app. Fans anticipate more interactive designs that mix art, emotion, and storytelling — making the next series highly awaited. Keep an eye on official updates so you don’t miss the next surprise.
