Core Insights - The article discusses the rise of the furry community in Beijing, particularly focusing on the "万萬吉" furry convention, which has become a popular social event for younger generations, especially those born in the 2000s and 2010s [2][5][34] - The furry culture, originally a niche subculture, has evolved into a safe social tool for young people to express themselves and connect with others without revealing their identities [5][30] Group 1: Event Overview - The second large furry convention in Beijing, "万萬吉," took place in a five-star hotel during the summer, attracting mostly middle school students and their parents [2][9] - The event featured attendees in heavy furry costumes, creating a unique atmosphere where participants could socialize without showing their faces [2][5] - The furry community has seen a significant increase in participation since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many new conventions emerging across various cities in China [7][34] Group 2: Cultural Shift - The furry culture has transitioned from its original association with soft pornography to a more wholesome social experience, particularly among younger individuals [4][5] - Different artistic styles within the furry community, such as American, Japanese, and realistic designs, cater to diverse preferences, with the Japanese style being the most popular among the youth [6][7] - The community has become a family-friendly environment, with parents actively participating and supporting their children's involvement in furry activities [9][11] Group 3: Economic Aspects - The furry community was previously seen as an expensive hobby, but the entry barriers have lowered significantly due to the emergence of more affordable costume makers and designers [12][20] - Custom character designs, known as "兽设," can range from a few hundred to several thousand yuan, depending on the artist's reputation and the complexity of the design [15][18] - The market for furry merchandise and related products is expanding, with young entrepreneurs creating original brands and selling various furry-themed items [21][23] Group 4: Social Dynamics - The furry community fosters a strong sense of belonging and social interaction, allowing individuals to express their ideal selves through their furry characters [24][28] - Many participants find comfort in the anonymity provided by the costumes, enabling them to engage more freely in social activities [28][30] - The community is characterized by active discussions and interactions, with members sharing personal experiences and forming friendships [29][30]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the furry community in China, particularly among younger generations, highlighting its transformation from a niche subculture to a popular social activity that allows for safe, anonymous interactions [4][8][42]. Group 1: Event Overview - The second large furry convention in Beijing, named "万萬吉," took place in late July, attracting mainly middle school students and their parents, showcasing a shift in demographic participation [5][10]. - The furry community, originally associated with soft pornography, has been redefined by younger individuals as a safe social tool, allowing them to engage in gatherings without revealing their identities [7][8]. Group 2: Cultural Shift - The furry culture has gained popularity post-pandemic, with a notable increase in events and participation, particularly among the post-00s generation [9][10]. - The aesthetic preferences within the community have shifted towards cute Japanese-style furries, which have become the mainstream representation in China [10]. Group 3: Economic Aspects - The entry barriers to the furry community have decreased, with more affordable options for character design and costume creation, making it accessible to a broader audience [17][25]. - Custom character designs, known as "兽设," can range from hundreds to thousands of yuan, while the cost of full costumes has also seen a reduction due to the emergence of more independent creators [20][21][23]. Group 4: Social Dynamics - The furry community serves as a platform for social interaction, allowing individuals to express themselves and connect with others in a non-judgmental environment [32][34]. - Many participants, especially younger ones, prefer to hide their true identities behind furry costumes, using them as a means to explore their self-expression and socialization [38][40]. Group 5: Future Outlook - There is a strong belief among community members that the furry culture will continue to thrive, driven by the appeal of self-expression and the growing acceptance of such subcultures in society [42].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the rise of the furry community in China, particularly among younger generations, highlighting its transformation from a niche subculture to a mainstream social activity that fosters connections and self-expression [3][6][34]. Group 1: Furry Culture and Community - The furry community, originally a niche culture, has evolved into a safe social tool for young people, allowing them to engage in social activities without revealing their identities [6][10]. - The second large furry convention in Beijing, "万萬 吉," attracted a significant number of participants, primarily teenagers and their parents, indicating a shift towards family-friendly events [3][10]. - The popularity of furry conventions has surged since the end of the pandemic, with numerous new events scheduled across various cities in China, reflecting a growing interest in this subculture [8][34]. Group 2: Economic Aspects and Accessibility - Historically, the furry community was perceived as expensive due to the custom nature of furry costumes, which could cost thousands of yuan, creating a high entry barrier [14][20]. - Recent trends show a decrease in costume prices and an increase in the availability of affordable options, making it easier for newcomers to join the community [20][22]. - The furry community is expanding its definition, now including various forms of media and merchandise, allowing more people to identify as part of the furry culture without necessarily owning a costume [22][24]. Group 3: Social Dynamics and Personal Expression - The furry community serves as a platform for social interaction, where individuals can express themselves through their furry personas, often leading to deeper connections and friendships [27][29]. - Participants often feel a sense of safety and freedom when wearing furry costumes, allowing them to explore different aspects of their identities [29][31]. - Events are designed to encourage socialization beyond the costumes, helping participants to find their true selves and build confidence in social settings [33][34].

Core Insights - The rise of furry costumes in the anime community has led to a significant increase in demand, with orders surpassing previous years [1][6] - Custom furry costumes can cost up to nearly 10,000 yuan, reflecting the trend towards personalized and handmade products [2][6] - The furry costume trend is supported by parents, particularly those from the '80s generation, who understand their children's interests in anime and character representation [7][8] Industry Trends - The furry costume market is experiencing a shift from traditional cosplay to more personalized furry outfits, with a focus on custom designs [6][8] - The production process for these costumes is labor-intensive, often taking weeks to complete a single piece, which emphasizes the artisanal nature of the industry [6][8] - The practicality of furry costumes for repeated use in various social settings is contributing to their popularity among children and teenagers [8] Consumer Behavior - Parents are increasingly involved in the furry costume trend, often commissioning custom pieces for their children to enhance bonding experiences [7] - The costumes serve as a means for children to express their identities and connect with peers, indicating a social aspect to the purchasing behavior [7][8] - The demand for furry costumes is primarily coming from regions like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, highlighting geographic trends in consumer interest [8]