CPOPwave Exhibition Unveils China’s Pop Culture Phenomenon
The first-ever CPOPwave exhibition is taking place from May 28 to June 10 at the Dongchao Art Park in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Bringing together 20 of China’s most influential intellectual properties (IPs) from novels, films, games, animations, and designer toys, the event offers an immersive dive into the heart of Chinese pop culture.
CPOP, or Chinese pop culture, represents more than just a buzzword. It encapsulates the explosive growth of China’s creative content in recent years. From epic science fiction films like The Wandering Earth to genre-defining games such as Honor of Kings and Black Myth: Wukong, Chinese IPs are not only making waves at home but also captivating global audiences.
The selection of IPs at CPOPwave showcases China’s most influential cultural exports from 2023 and 2024, based on data from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Google Search. Visitors can explore how Chinese creators are crafting content that resonates worldwide.
The exhibition transforms the industrial red-brick backdrops and colorful shipping containers of Dongchao Art Park into movie-level set pieces. Attendees can expect interactive storytelling, displays of rare props, and even AI-powered installations.
Some highlights include a showcase of The Wandering Earth 2, featuring real props flown in directly from the film set of the upcoming The Wandering Earth 3. The exhibition also fuses elements of anime, gaming, and fandom culture into stunning, interactive displays. Additionally, visitors can spot a Unitree robot dressed as Wu Zhu from the popular series Joy of Life in a locally inspired cosplay.
CPOPwave offers a unique opportunity to experience the dynamic world of Chinese pop culture and witness firsthand how it continues to influence and inspire audiences around the globe.
