Guide to Guangzhou's explosive anime & pop culture events (Summer 2026)

‍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

Source：South南方国际传播中心