This summer, Guangzhou has transformed into a paradise for anime, gaming, and pop culture fans. The city is hosting a wave of national and regional debut exhibitions, pop-up stores, and flagship openings. Whether you're a hardcore collector or just a casual visitor, here's your essential English guide to the must-see events.
1. First-ever IP exhibitions
(For classic anime lovers and kawaii culture fans)
- Minions & Monsters
Where: Beijing Road Teemall (Yuexiu District) (北京路天河城)
When: Until Aug. 1
Highlights: Seven immersive movie-set replicas (giant Minions), plus an exclusive pop-up store with national-first merchandise.
- Sanrio characters island party
Where: Guangzhou Teemall (Tianhe District) (广州天河城) & Panyu Teemall (Panyu District) (番禺天河城)
When: Until Aug. 31
Highlights: Hello Kitty, Kuromi, Pompompurin, and five other characters in a tropical coconut beach setup, perfect for vacation-style photos.
- JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Pop-up
Where: Grandview Mall (4F Atrium) (正佳广场四楼中庭)
When: Until July 26
Highlights: Stained-glass plaza, gallery, life-sized figures, and more than 300 offline-exclusive items (not sold online). Freebies with purchases (bookmarks, stickers, etc.).
- Ori-Princess 15th Anniversary Exhibition
Where: Yongqing Fang (永庆坊)
When: Until July 31
Highlights: Life-sized replicas of the four main characters' rooms, a nostalgic trip for 2000s cartoon fans.
2. Designer toy & mystery box premieres
(For collectors and trend hunters)
- AYOR TOYS "Fantasy Forest"
Where: Grandview Mall (1F Central Atrium) (正佳广场一楼中央中庭)
When: Until July 31
Highlights: First offline launch of seven city-exclusive plush keychains. Limited to two of each design per person—quick sellouts expected.
- World Tamagotchi Tour
Where: OneLink Walk (万菱汇)
When: Until July 26
Highlights: New 30th-anniversary mystery box pendants, plushie figurines, and a 45 cm giant plush, a must-have for virtual-pet nostalgia.
3. Crossover & cultural heritage exhibitions
(For fans of Chinese comics and art-meets-culture)
- The Outcast 10th anniversary original art exhibition
Where: Guangzhou Fashion Tianhe (Y22, Trendy District) (时尚天河)
When: Until Aug. 25
Highlights: Newly unveiled original manuscripts, eight character stamping points, a Guangzhou-exclusive mystery stamp, and cosplayer giveaways (for Zhang Chulan costumes).
- Here to Everywhere pop-up
Where: Poly Plaza (1F Atrium) (保利广场)
When: Until July 19
Highlights: A fusion of the game Here to Everywhere and national-level Chaozhou embroidery, featuring rare embroidered artworks displayed alongside themed merchandise.
- Ye You Shang Qiu solo art exhibition
Where: Guangzhou K11 (K11)
When: Until Aug. 30
Highlights: A gentle, introspective showcase centered on emotion and self-healing, offering a more artistic, laid-back experience than other events.
4. Global flagship store
- PICOCICI
Where: Yongqing Fang (Fushang Lane 2 & 4) (永庆坊)
Highlights: A one-stop shop for Sanrio, Disney, Chiikawa, and more, featuring mini cameras, phone charms, desk decor, and constant new arrivals. A perfect "cure for daily boredom."
Quick Tips for Visitors
- All events are free to enter (merchandise purchases are optional).
- Most events run daily from July to August 2026.
- Popular items at AYOR and JoJo's are subject to purchase limits.
- Venues are scattered across downtown—plan your route using the Metro (lines 1, 3, 6, etc.).
Don't miss out! Guangzhou is hosting its biggest anime and pop-culture summer yet. Gather your fellow fans and dive into the 2D world!
Author | Jiang Chang
Photo | WeChat account of Guangzhou Municipal Commerce Bureau
