Labubu Complete Guide: Where to Buy Labubu In China
What Is a Labubu
Origin of Labubu
Labubu is a Chinese pop toy with nine-pointed teeth and an askew expression. It originated from the fantastical imagination of Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung, who was born in Hong Kong and grew up in the Netherlands. He was deeply influenced by the Nordic folklore and mythology during his childhood. Hence, he added these ancient and mysterious elements into his works, crafting The Monsters story series, with Labubu as its core character.
Labubu Family and Names of Core Characters
Labubu is a member of The Monsters, leading a carefree life in the forest. Each member of the Labubu family has a unique characteristic. For instance, Zimomo, with brown color, serves as the great chief of the Labubu tribe. While Tycoco, a skeleton-like monster who is a devout vegetarian, is Labubu's boyfriend. Other characters are also impressive, such as the sweet Mokoko, the helpful Vos, the energetic Yaya, the alcohol-loving Pippo, the imaginative and creative Pato, and so forth.Labubu and Pop Mart
In 2016, Pop Mart signed a licensing agreement with Kasing Lung, obtaining the rights to the The Monsters series IP. Later in 2019, Pop Mart began to launch the Labubu series of collectible toys in blind box form, officially introducing this character to the market. As one of the many IPs under Pop Mart, Labubu received a lukewarm market response at the beginning. However, in 2024, Lisa from the K-pop group Blackpink shared China's Labubu on social media, which created a global sensation.Labubu Versions and Series
Currently, Labubu from China mainly comes in three versions, including the "Exciting Macaron" series, the "Have a Seat" series, and the "Big into Energy" series. The Labubu V3 Big into Energy is a new Labubu series, which was released on April 25, 2025, consisting of six regular designs and one hidden design by adopting a unique random tie-dyeing technique. The regular designs are available in red, purple, green, orange, pink, and blue, representing love, luck, serenity, happiness, loyalty, and hope, respectively.
Why Labubu Became Popular Globally
In addition to the celebrity effect and the blind box craze, Labubu has also gained global popularity with its distinct personality and ever-changing outfits. Particularly, in an era where people seek individualism and creativity, Labubu stands out, just like Nezha or Monkey King, who have gained international attention through Chinese movies like Nezha Movie 2 and video games like Black Myth: Wukong. As Chinese culture spreads worldwide, so do its symbols—and China’s Labubu is now one of its cutest and most recognizable ambassadors.How Much Is a Labubu in China
In China, Labubu prices vary widely depending on the design, series, and rarity. Typically, a Labubu blind box costs 99 yuan for a single figure, and it's more economical to purchase a whole box of 6, which is priced at 594 yuan. Series like Big into Energy, Have a Seat, and Exciting Macaron all follow this pricing structure. Limited editions and collaborative versions fetch much higher prices. For instance, the Labubu x Vans collaborative figure was sold for 599 yuan at launch, and the 79cm tall Labubu with freckles, which is said to be a celebrity favorite, was sold for 9,957 yuan. But in general, purchasing Labubu in China is much cheaper compared to other countries, regardless of price gouging in the second-hand market.Where to Buy Labubu in China
Nowadays, Labubu is definitely among the top things to buy in China. If you wonder where to buy Labubu in China, you can head to Pop Mart retail stores, pop-up stores, and vending machines placed in shopping malls or subway stations. Major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, own the most Pop Mart flagship stores and vending machines across the country. Hence, they are the best places to buy Labubu.Buy Labubu in Beijing
Wangfujing APM
Wangfujing APM is a famous shopping mall that houses the largest Pop Mart store in Beijing, offering a comprehensive range of products. Hence, it should be an optimal option for purchasing Labubu in China. It also periodically launches Labubu pop-up stores and quirky convenience stores, with plenty of Labubu waiting for your visit during your Beijing tour.
Taikoo Li Sanlitun
The Taikoo Li Sanlitun in Beijing is also a frequent destination for Labubu collectors. If you prefer limited edition Labubu dolls, be sure to keep an eye on this store as many new releases debut here.
>> Recommended 3-Day Beijing Shopping Tour
Buy Labubu in Shanghai Pop Mart Global Flagship Store
Located on Nanjing Road, one of the top 10 shopping streets in China, this is a paradise for blind box enthusiasts and an ideal place to buy Labubu in China during your Shanghai tour. As the world's first flagship store, it has two floors with a space of over 500 square meters, featuring a super futuristic design. It offers limited editions and newly launched products, many of which have not yet been released in China but can be found here first.>> Recommended 20-Day China Odyssey Tour with Shopping in ShanghaiBuy Labubu in Guangzhou Parc Central
Parc Central owns the first Pop Mart store in Guangzhou, and it’s one of the best destinations to buy a Labubu in China. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter exhibitions of Labubu held here, where the entire exhibition area is filled with Labubu's playful elements and interactive installations for an immersive experience.
Buy Labubu in Chengdu IFS
The IFS (International Finance Square) mall has a spacious Pop Mart store often packed with the latest Labubu series, including various limited editions and collaborations. Additionally, during your Chengdu tour, you can also purchase Labubu from the blind box machines on the first floor of the mall.When Does Pop Mart Restock Labubu
The restocking time for Labubu at Pop Mart stores in China is flexible and may be adjusted according to inventory and sales demand. But here is still a way to keep you updated. You can just enter the Pop Mart WeChat mini program and add a restock reminder. Additionally, you are allowed to make purchase appointments on the mini-program and pick up in-store.Labubu Outfits
Many enthusiasts eagerly dress their Labubus with clothes, shoes, hats, and accessories, enabling them to transform into different "skins" suited for various occasions. In China, traditional Chinese clothing, notably Hanfu, holds great esteem among Labubu collectors. Despite their size, these garments are beautiful and intricate, with basic models priced between 20 and 30 yuan.
High-end variations incorporate embroidery, beadwork, and other meticulous craftsmanship, costing above 200 yuan, thus appealing to seasoned collectors. These Labubu outfits include themes like festivals, seasons, and anime collaborations, ranging from daily Labubu shirts to reindeer costumes for Christmas, and from collaborative designs to original Chinese-style dresses.
How to Distinguish a Real Labubu from a Fake
Due to the high demand and limited supply of authentic Labubu in China and the world, pirated Labubu have flooded both domestic and international markets. These fake Labubu figures have been nicknamed Lafufu by collectors. Here are some methods for identification.1.Facial Features and Details. The face of a real Labubu is round and full, with symmetrical pointy ears. It reveals nine-pointed teeth, and the edges of the eyes have smooth lines. While a fake one may be askew with uneven eyes, missing or misaligned teeth, and ears that are too widely spaced or flat.
2.Material. Real Labubu in China utilizes high-grade resin material, providing a warm and smooth touch without any burrs. But a fake one may have sharp edges and sparse, coarse, and harsh fur.
3.Sole Steel Stamp. An authentic Labubu only has the "POP MART ©Kasing" logo on its right sole, while a fake Labubu may have no steel stamp on the sole or have stamps on both soles.4.Purchase Channels. To avoid fakes, you can buy a Labubu in China from Pop Mart’s official flagship stores. Additionally, if the price of a Labubu is notably lower than the market rate, it could very well be a fake.
