Labubu is more than just a toy—it’s a global icon. From K-pop idols’ backpacks in Seoul to themed cafés in Paris, its sharp ears and mischievous grin have captured hearts worldwide.
It all started with a sketch. Artist Kasing Lung never expected his chaotic little forest creature would go from comic pages to art auctions. But once Pop Mart picked up Labubu, everything changed. Kids love the plushies. Adults chase the rare editions. And tourists? They’re just trying to figure out where to start.
This guide doesn’t just explain what Labubu is—it shows you where to find it in China. From pop-up walls to vending machines, street murals to full-blown theme parks, we’ve got you. You’ll even learn how to spot the fakes (yep, Lafufu is real) and where to score legit ones without breaking the bank.
What Is Labubu and Why Everyone’s Obsessed
First Generation Labubu
Pop Mart’s Mischievous Monster: From Comics to Collector Craze
Labubu has grown from a quirky comic sketch into a global pop culture icon. Created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, it first appeared in The Monsters, a graphic novel inspired by Nordic folklore. With sharp ears and a chaotic grin, Labubu stood out—and Pop Mart noticed.
In 2019, Pop Mart launched Labubu into the spotlight. Through its blind box model, what started as a clumsy, loveable forest creature became a collectible craze. The thrill? You never know which version you’ll get, and secret editions (隐藏款, or “hidden edition”, as rare as 1 in 72) keep fans coming back.
Pop Mart’s savvy marketing and social media buzz helped fuel demand. Collaborations with artists and events gave Labubu multiple layers of personality. Now with over 300 official versions, it’s no longer niche—it’s a mainstream obsession featured on everything from backpacks to art auctions.
Why Labubu Looks Weird—and Why That Works
Let’s be real—Labubu looks a little weird. That fixed grin, oversized ears, and sometimes mischievous eyes? They’re not classically cute. But that’s what makes it work. Labubu isn’t trying to be adorable. It’s got personality.
Its offbeat look taps into a trend toward imperfection and individuality in design. Younger collectors, especially Gen Z, find charm in the “ugly-cute” aesthetic. The textured materials, weird-but-funny expressions, and seasonal costume versions give each figure a playful edge.
Whether it’s dressed as a Halloween yeti, a spring bunny, or an angel, Labubu feels like a character with stories—not just a toy. That emotional depth and the joy of the unexpected are what drive fans to keep hunting.
How It Went Global: From K-pop to Art Auctions
Labubu’s global moment hit fast. In 2024, Blackpink’s Lisa was spotted with a Labubu charm on her bag. Fans went wild. TikTok picked it up, Instagram followed, and Pop Mart rode the wave—opening themed cafés and stores from Los Angeles to Seoul.
Then came the auctions. In 2025, a life-size mint-green Labubu sold in Beijing for over ¥1.2 million. Another version hit ¥900,000. Toy collectors, art investors, and lifestyle influencers all jumped on board.
With appearances in high-profile fashion shoots and more collabs on the way, Labubu isn’t just a trend—it’s a collectible phenomenon with staying power. Whether you’re into cute toys or serious design pieces, it’s on everyone’s radar.
Where to See Labubu in Real Life: From Side Streets to Theme Parks
POP MART Park
Pop Mart Playgrounds and City Highlights
Start your hunt in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, where flagship Pop Mart stores offer immersive setups and rotating displays. Expect life-sized statues, themed counters, and photo zones.
In Shanghai’s Xintiandi, you’ll find a stylish café-store hybrid where fans sip lattes surrounded by Labubu displays. Beijing’s Wangfujing flagship features city-exclusive merch and interactive exhibits. These spaces are more than retail—they’re tourist attractions.
Immersive Fan Routes and Art Spaces
Beyond stores, Labubu shows up in the wild. Check murals in trendy art districts like Beijing’s 798 Art Zone or Guangzhou’s K11 Mall. These street installations often tie in with seasonal drops or artist collaborations.
Pop Mart sometimes teams up with museums or local artists for limited-run exhibits. These are immersive, often including AR features, animation zones, or “design your own Labubu” booths. They’re great for both solo travelers and families.
Theme Parks, Installations & Seasonal Pop-Ups
Themed installations at parks like Universal Beijing Resort have featured Labubu mascots during holidays. These aren’t permanent but show up during Lunar New Year or Mid-Autumn campaigns.
Pop-ups like the “Guaiwei Convenience Store” bring seasonal flavor—pink storefronts in summer, cozy themes in winter. Expect merch tied to snacks, traditions, or regional culture. Snap pics, trade with fans, or complete challenges to win prizes.
How to Buy Labubu: From Blind Boxes to Rare Editions
POP MART Offline Store
Plushies, Blind Boxes & Keychains
Start simple. Plushies, blind boxes, and bag charms are Labubu staples. You’ll find these in Pop Mart’s official stores, vending machines, or online via Pop Mart’s global site.
Blind boxes typically cost ¥59–¥89 and contain one random figure. Keychains and plushies range from ¥49–¥199, depending on size and exclusivity. Keep an eye out for seasonal editions—they’re time-limited and can become collector gold.
How to Shop Smart & Spot Fakes
Want the real deal? Stick with official stores and avoid listings without verification. Online, Pop Mart’s global site is safest. Some authorized resellers on Amazon also work—but watch out for inflated prices.
Fakes (aka “Lafufu”) are common in street markets or knockoff e-shops. Signs of a fake: mismatched colors, low-quality packaging, poor paint jobs. Real Labubus have sharp printing, fine textures, and clean stamps.
Price Ranges & Rare Collectibles
Basic figures are affordable, but rare ones skyrocket. Limited edition pieces (限定款) from collabs or artist-signed runs can hit ¥500–¥3000. The rarest, like hidden editions (隐藏款, or “hidden edition”) or auctioned 1:1 models, go for over ¥1 million.
Want to score big? Follow WeChat groups or Xiaohongshu for restock alerts and fan trades. Some fans camp overnight during release weeks, especially for big events or exclusive drops.
Use Pop Mart’s mini-program to reserve special releases, often priced at ¥69–¥129. Remember: no returns on blind boxes, but trading is big in fan circles.
Hunt Labubu in the Wild: Vending Machines & Pop-Ups
Labubu Pop-up Event
Pop Mart Vending Machines & Mystery Capsules
Scattered across airports, train stations, and malls, Pop Mart’s vending machines are a Labubu fan’s best friend. Swipe, scan, and grab—a blind box could be waiting. Most machines stock recent series, and you’ll often find city-exclusive sets.
In high-traffic zones like Beijing Capital Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Station, machines are restocked frequently. Payment is easy: scan QR codes with WeChat Pay or Alipay. Even tourists can use international cards if linked to their travel accounts.
Fast-Moving Pop-Ups in Summer 2025
From June to September 2025, China is hosting a wave of Labubu pop-up events across four cities:
- Beijing: APM Mall, Wangfujing (June 13 – August 17)
- Shanghai: Jing’an Kerry Centre (June 13 – July 30)
- Guangzhou: Tianhui Square (June 13 – August 31)
- Chengdu: ICD Mall, Dongda Road (June 13 – September 7)
Each pop-up features region-exclusive merchandise—from snack-themed plushies to Guaiwei Convenience Store collectibles. Some require 0.01 RMB advance booking via the Pop Mart Mini Program.
Arrive early. Entry is limited to 15 people per slot, and daily caps apply (e.g., 360 visitors/day in Beijing). Don’t forget to complete photo missions for small freebies like postcards or scent sachets.
What to Expect at Events: Lines, Fans & Giveaways
Pop Mart events are more than just shopping—they’re experiences. Expect long queues, especially on weekends. But once inside, it’s worth it. Exclusive photo ops, giant Labubu statues, DIY zones, and artist signings are common.
Fans come in groups, wear themed outfits, and trade figures on the spot. It’s a full-on culture. If you’re a tourist, don’t worry—staff usually speak basic English and signage includes QR codes for easy translation.
Flash sales or “spin-the-wheel” challenges offer random prizes. Just bring a phone with payment apps and your passport for ID. Missed a slot? You can still snap pics outside and visit nearby Pop Mart stores.
Plan Your Labubu Tour in China
Labubu previously held an exhibition in Shanghai
Best Cities for Superfans
If you’re serious about Labubu, base yourself in cities with flagship Pop Mart stores: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. These hubs offer the widest range of merchandise, frequent restocks, and seasonal exclusives. They’re also where major pop-up events, art installations, and fan meetups happen first.
Beijing boasts the most immersive setups, including the Wangfujing flagship with city-limited editions. Shanghai leans trendy, with hybrid cafés and collab zones in Jing’an. Guangzhou’s Tianhui Square location is a fan-favorite for its display density. Chengdu stands out for having the longest pop-up duration in summer 2025.
If you’re planning a multi-city trip, consider timing it around release events or new theme drops. Many superfans even design their whole China route based on Pop Mart activations.
Where to Stay Near the Action
To make the most of your Labubu hunt, pick hotels close to key malls:
Beijing: Wangfujing APM, close to central attractions and the flagship Pop Mart.
Shanghai: Jing’an Kerry Centre, with direct access to themed Pop Mart stores and seasonal events.
Guangzhou: Tianhui Square, home to the summer 2025 pop-up and multiple vending machines.
Chengdu: ICD Mall, the only West China stop for this year’s Labubu activation.
Well-known chains like Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Ibis are commonly found nearby and are more likely to accept foreign guests. Be sure to confirm they accept non-Chinese IDs—check reviews or use filters on Ctrip, Trip.com, or Booking.com to verify.
Avoid unregistered homestays unless you’re sure they can handle foreign passport check-ins. China has strict ID rules, and not all Airbnbs are legally licensed for overseas guests.
Travel Tips for Toy Hunters
Make tech your best friend. Download WeChat and Alipay before arriving—you’ll need them for vending machines, event bookings, and in-store payments. Both now accept international cards via TourCard or Visa/Mastercard binding, but setup may take time.
Use the Pop Mart mini-program within WeChat to reserve time slots at events, locate vending machines, and check in-store stock levels. New drops often require early online booking—even for free events—so get familiar with the interface.
Avoid weekends or holidays if you want shorter lines and better chances at rare editions. Carry a sturdy bag or hard-shell case if you plan to bring back boxed figures—some packaging is fragile. Also, watch Xiaohongshu for fan trading spots, restock tips, and merch reviews.
And finally, don’t stress if you miss one event—Pop Mart runs seasonal campaigns year-round. Just pace it right, and your Labubu tour will be as fun as it is collectible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the average price for a Labubu blind box?
A: Standard blind boxes cost around ¥69–¥89 depending on the series. However, rare finds—like hidden editions or limited collabs—can go for ¥500–¥2000 on resale platforms like Xiaohongshu or Dewu. Prices tend to spike right after a new release, so if you’re on a budget, try trading with local fans instead.
Q: How can tourists buy Labubu without speaking Chinese?
A: The Pop Mart mini-program has a user-friendly visual interface, and many stores display bilingual signs. Most flagship locations also have staff who speak some English. It also helps to use Google Translate or Pleco for scanning labels. Locals are usually friendly—don’t hesitate to ask a fellow fan for help if you’re stuck.
Q: Are the vending machines available at airports?
A: Yes! Major hubs like Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Chengdu Tianfu airports all have Pop Mart vending machines. Some machines offer airport-exclusive editions or travel-themed Labubus. They’re often located in retail areas near the departure gates, and are a great last-minute gift option if you’re flying out.
Q: What should I bring to a Pop Mart event?
A: Bring a reusable tote, your passport, and a charged phone with payment apps like WeChat or Alipay. Some fans also bring cooling fans or snacks to help with long waits. If you’re into trading, pack any duplicate figures too—many fans swap items while queuing. And don’t forget: keep your reservation QR code handy for fast check-in.
Q: Is it possible to buy Labubu online outside of China?
A: Definitely. Pop Mart’s global site ships internationally and offers seasonal collections. Just be aware of shipping fees and customs delays. If you’re browsing Amazon or eBay, only buy from verified sellers—there’s a lot of counterfeit merch floating around. When in doubt, check the packaging photos and buyer reviews.
Q: How do I tell if a Labubu is fake?
A: Look for blurry packaging, sloppy paint, or off-color accessories. Fakes—nicknamed “Lafufu” by fans—often skip fine detailing and use cheaper materials. Check the back for Pop Mart logos and product stamps. If the price feels suspiciously low, it’s probably a bootleg. That said, some fans collect fakes just for fun or to customize them into memes.
Q: Are the giant Labubu figures for sale?
A: Occasionally, yes. While most oversized figures are for display only, some show up in auctions or gallery events. In 2025, one life-size Labubu sold for ¥1.2 million in Beijing. Smaller “deluxe” versions may appear at flagship stores or during art fair tie-ins. Even if you’re not buying, they make excellent photo ops.
Q: Can I trade Labubu figures with others?
A: Yes! Many cities host swap events, and online platforms like Xiaohongshu or WeChat groups have active trading scenes. Pop Mart staff often encourage fans to trade extras right outside the venue. Just be respectful about condition and packaging. Bonus tip: bring a few soft sleeves to keep your figures protected during trades.
Q: What if I miss a pop-up event?
A: Don’t worry—new ones pop up every 2–3 months, usually themed around holidays or regional festivals. Pop Mart also restocks popular lines in flagship stores and vending machines. To stay updated, follow their WeChat official account or check their global site. And remember, every season brings something new—even if you missed the last one.
Q: What’s the best time of year to shop for new Labubu releases in China?
A: The biggest Labubu releases usually align with Chinese holidays like Lunar New Year (January/February), Children’s Day (June), and Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October). Pop Mart often drops special themed editions and limited merchandise during these times. If you’re planning a trip, try to visit just before or during these holidays. You’ll catch fresh stock, new blind box series, and themed pop-ups—just expect larger crowds and faster sell-outs.
