Core Insights - The article emphasizes the rapid growth of the "Guzi economy," a derivative of the ACG (Animation, Comic, and Game) culture, which is becoming a new engine for economic growth in China, particularly in cities like Zhengzhou [1][2]. Industry Overview - The Guzi economy, which refers to merchandise related to IP (Intellectual Property) from the ACG culture, has seen a significant market expansion, with the market size projected to grow from 120.1 billion yuan in 2023 to 168.9 billion yuan in 2024, and potentially reaching 308.9 billion yuan by 2029 [1]. - The market was historically dominated by Japanese IPs, but the rise of domestic IPs like "Genshin Impact" and "Mo Dao Zu Shi" has shifted the market dynamics, increasing the share of domestic products [6][8]. Market Dynamics - The resurgence of the Guzi economy is linked to the social needs of ACG enthusiasts, leading to the establishment of dedicated stores and commercial spaces that cater to this demographic [3][9]. - The introduction of new product categories and collaborations with well-known brands has diversified the Guzi offerings, making them more integrated into everyday life [10]. Consumer Behavior - The primary consumers of Guzi products are fans of content-driven IPs, who view these products as emotional and social symbols, enhancing their identity and community belonging [9]. - The trend indicates a growing willingness among consumers to purchase practical items that also serve as expressions of their fandom, such as headphones and passport holders [10].

Core Insights - The rise of the "Guzi Economy" is reshaping consumption patterns among young people in China's competitive subculture market, with an expected market size of nearly 600 billion yuan in 2024, of which 28% (approximately 168.9 billion yuan) will be attributed to the Guzi Economy, projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 40% [1][3][6] Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Guzi Economy is driven by the success of domestic IPs like "Genshin Impact" and "Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child," which integrate traditional Chinese cultural elements, fostering a deep emotional connection between consumers and virtual characters, leading them to pay premium prices for related merchandise [3][5] - The business model behind the Guzi Economy is characterized by low production costs and high markups, with items like anime badges costing only 2 to 5 yuan to produce but selling for tens or even thousands of yuan, as they serve as emotional carriers for fans [5][6] - The unique consumption ecosystem within the subculture encourages fans to purchase merchandise as a form of support for their favorite IPs, creating a psychological link where increased spending is equated with greater support [5][6] Group 2: Cultural and Economic Implications - The Guzi Economy reflects a deeper industrial logic, supported by Japan's successful "content-merchandise-tourism" model, exemplified by "Demon Slayer," which has generated over 1 trillion yen in merchandise sales [6][7] - The rise of domestic IPs has led to a resonance between the Guzi Economy and the cultural industry, with works like "Chang'an 30,000 Li" visually expressing traditional culture and expanding consumption scenarios into emerging formats like VR exhibitions and the metaverse [7][9] Group 3: Entrepreneurial Opportunities - Entrepreneurs have opportunities in this billion-yuan market, especially with policy support that encourages the transformation of traditional shopping centers into "subculture landmarks," offering up to 30% rent subsidies [9][10] - In lower-tier cities, where per capita annual spending on Guzi products is significantly lower than in first-tier cities (800 yuan vs. less than 200 yuan), entrepreneurs can tap into this potential by opening small stores near schools or utilizing online platforms for pre-sales [9][10] Group 4: Future Trends - The essence of the Guzi Economy lies in infusing emotional value into products, with future developments potentially including AR interactive figures, NFT digital merchandise, and virtual exhibitions, all aimed at fulfilling the human need for emotional connection [12]

Core Insights - The report highlights the rapid growth of the "Goods Economy" driven by secondary IP derivatives, transitioning from niche markets to mainstream appeal, with a projected market size exceeding 2000 billion yuan by 2025 [1][2][47]. Industry Definition - "Goods" refers to secondary products related to two-dimensional culture, including badges, paper products, and standees, with the term "eating goods" denoting the purchase of these items [7]. Industry Development - The "Goods Economy" in China showcases a blend of cultural consumption and industrial upgrading, with a significant shift from overseas IP derivatives to domestic production, particularly in the last decade [10][11][12]. Product Types - Badges are the most popular product type, accounting for 64% of the second-hand market sales, followed by standees and other merchandise [13][15]. Market Size - The market size for the "Goods Economy" is expected to reach approximately 1689 billion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of over 40% [47]. Industry Outlook - The domestic IP derivative market is currently underdeveloped, with only 10% of film revenues coming from merchandise, indicating significant growth potential compared to mature markets like the US and Japan [22][48]. User Demographics - The core audience for the "Goods Economy" is primarily the Z generation, with a user base projected to reach 5 billion, and a notable increase in female consumers from 67% in 2023 to 78% in early 2025 [23][42]. Industry Chain - The industry chain consists of three main segments: upstream IP development, midstream production and design, and downstream sales channels, which include online platforms and physical stores [26][32][36]. Challenges and Opportunities - The industry faces challenges such as homogenization, weak copyright protection, and dependency on IP, but also benefits from rapid market expansion and the rise of domestic IPs [2][45].

Core Insights - Emotional consumption is emerging as a core growth driver for many brands, with a focus on younger consumers [1] - The "China Online Consumption Brand Index" (CBI) and the "Global Brand China Online 500 Strong List" (CBI500) highlight the rise of new brands that resonate with youth [1][3] Brand Performance - The CBI500 list features brands like Diao Zhi Xin Yi, MiHoYo, Light and Night of Love, and Card Game, which are recognized for their strong emotional appeal and connection with young consumers [1][3] - These brands have low average transaction prices, rapid product launches, and are centered around IP content, fostering high customer loyalty and repeat purchases [3] Market Trends - The introduction of the "newness" metric in the CBI500 evaluation emphasizes sales growth speed, particularly among young consumers, and innovation in products [2] - During the 618 shopping festival, over 2,000 IPs are expected to launch more than 200,000 new products on platforms like Taobao, indicating a significant trend in the toy and collectible market [3] Industry Implications - The success of domestic IP brands like MiHoYo and Diao Zhi Xin Yi demonstrates the potential to break the dominance of foreign IPs in the market [4] - The rise of these brands signifies a shift in the Chinese toy industry from manufacturing to creative development, highlighting the commercial potential of local cultural content and derivative products [4]