Core Insights - The mascots "Xi Yang Yang" and "Le Rong Rong" for the 15th National Games have gained significant popularity, leading to a remarkable 163% month-on-month increase in sales of related merchandise as of October 26 [1] - Successful mascot IPs can enhance event visibility and generate substantial economic benefits, as evidenced by the popularity of previous mascots like "Bing Dwen Dwen" from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics [1][7] Product Development and Design - The integration of traditional culture and event characteristics is a key innovation, with designers incorporating local elements such as the Lingnan lion dance into merchandise [2] - Companies like Guangdong Woyang Cultural Development Co., Ltd. have creatively combined well-known IPs like "Journey to the West" with the mascots, enhancing product interactivity and cultural richness [2] - Official merchandise must balance mass appeal and aesthetic considerations, which can limit the pursuit of niche artistic expressions [2] Technological Integration - The incorporation of AI technology into plush toys has enabled voice interaction, expanding the product line to 25 variations that reflect both the event theme and local characteristics [3] - AI enhances emotional value and alters traditional collecting logic, potentially allowing for subscription and personalized services in the future [3] Supply Chain and Manufacturing - The success of the mascot merchandise is supported by a robust supply chain, with over 2,000 products across 20 categories produced by 18 companies [4] - Dongguan is a central hub for the toy industry, producing approximately 25% of global anime derivatives and 85% of national trendy toys, with an industrial output value exceeding 23.8 billion [5] - The city has over 4,000 toy manufacturers and nearly 1,500 supporting enterprises, making it the largest toy export base in China [5] Policy Support and Industry Development - Dongguan's transformation from a manufacturing hub to a center for original IP development is bolstered by supportive policies, including a 120 million yuan fund for the trendy toy and animation industry [6] - The city is developing a comprehensive platform for IP incubation and industry exchange, aiming to become a global service hub for the trendy toy industry [6]