BEIJING, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) — For Selena, a shopper from Spain, conventional Chinese tradition got here alive in an surprising method: a make-up palette. The compact from Chinese cosmetics model Florasis, intricately engraved with a phoenix, struck her as extra a murals than a beauty.
“I love how traditional craftsmanship is integrated with cosmetics,” she mentioned. “It has deepened my understanding of Chinese culture, and I will buy some for my family and friends.”
Founded in Hangzhou in 2017, Florasis has constructed its id by fusing conventional Chinese artisanal methods, comparable to Miao silverwork and Su embroidery, into modern make-up design. Its distinctive storytelling, beautiful product craftsmanship, and stylish packaging have helped the model stand out amid the a whole lot of cosmetics manufacturers rising annually.
Building on its home success and aesthetic enchantment, Florasis has gained a powerful worldwide following. The model launched its official retailer on Amazon Japan in March 2021, the place a number of merchandise offered out shortly after their debut. It has since expanded to Ulta Beauty, the most important magnificence retailer within the United States.
The story of Florasis just isn’t remoted. From specialty tea drinks to designer toys, a wave of Chinese manufacturers is reshaping world tastes. These firms transcend superficial cultural symbols to showcase the deeper essence of Chinese traditions. They redefine “Made-in-China,” fascinating world customers with craftsmanship, design, and distinctive aesthetics, not decrease costs.
Another instance of this pattern comes from Guangdong Province in South China, the place a steel development toy impressed by historic marriage ceremony customs has gained world recognition. Composed of a whole lot of exactly minimize items, the kits could be assembled into elaborate bridal headdresses harking back to these worn by imperial brides.
Ye Zuwei, deputy normal supervisor of Dongguan Weishi Culture Technology Co., which operates the model, mentioned the corporate’s exports rose 15 p.c 12 months on 12 months final 12 months. “Cultural elements give products a longer life cycle,” he mentioned. “Once completed, these models resemble finely crafted artworks rather than conventional toys, offering consumers both visual pleasure and a sense of accomplishment.”
Data underscores this pattern. Despite mounting world headwinds, exports of merchandise from Chinese homegrown manufacturers elevated by 12.9 p.c 12 months on 12 months in 2025, in line with customs figures. In the primary three quarters of final 12 months, exports of festive items, dolls and animal-themed toys exceeded 50 billion yuan (about 7.18 billion U.S. {dollars}) and reached greater than 200 international locations and areas.
The world recognition of China-chic merchandise displays the affect of conventional Chinese tradition, the creativity of Chinese enterprises, and the power of the nation’s manufacturing base, mentioned Wang Jun, deputy head of the General Administration of Customs.
Echoing the view, Lu Dandan, an affiliate professor on the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts, emphasised the pivotal function of China’s manufacturing ecosystem in translating profound cultural heritage into refined shopper merchandise.
“The rise of Chinese IP is the result of almost a decade of evolution,” Lu mentioned. “It is the country’s manufacturing capacity that has sustained this shift and will continue to shape the trajectory of China-chic.”
The explosive development of China-chic merchandise has been additional accelerated by the worldwide enlargement of China’s web platforms, specialists mentioned. By leveraging social media and cross-border e-commerce, Chinese manufacturers are reaching customers worldwide, integrating Chinese existence into world tradition whereas constructing model consciousness and loyalty.
Policy help has additionally performed a vital function. The authorities launched China Brand Day in 2017 to lift public consciousness of brand name growth and foster a good setting for model constructing. Provinces comparable to Zhejiang and Guangdong have rolled out specialised packages to steer cultural consumption away from short-lived developments towards sustainable development.
Wang Xianqing of Guangdong Baiyun University mentioned Chinese firms aren’t merely promoting merchandise; they’re exporting Eastern cultural experiences, philosophy and aesthetic knowledge. These choices resonate with world customers’ rising want for various civilizations, sustainable existence and significant experiences, he mentioned.
“Accelerating the global expansion of Chinese brands and building a broader portfolio of internationally influential names could help China move up the global value chain, from manufacturing to high-end cultural creation,” he added.