Discover Modern Chinese Brands: From Pop Mart to Heytea
When we think of China, tech giants like Huawei or Alibaba often come to mind. But China is also home to a vibrant and innovative brand landscape, from fashion to food to technology. At M for Mandarin, we love connecting language learning with culture, and exploring Chinese brands is a fun and practical way to do that.
Here are seven Chinese brands that are making waves both domestically and internationally:
1. Feiyue (飞跃, Fēiyuè)
Feiyue is a classic Chinese footwear brand established in Shanghai in 1958. Originally designed for martial arts (武术, wǔshù), Feiyue shoes are lightweight, flexible, and durable. Today, the brand is popular in streetwear fashion, blending retro aesthetics with modern trends.
Vocabulary Tip:
鞋子 (xiézi) – shoes
武术 (wǔshù) – martial arts
街头文化 (jiētóu wénhuà) – street culture
经典 (jīngdiǎn) – classic
2. Pop Mart (泡泡玛特, Pàopào Mǎtè)
Pop Mart is a leading toy company in China, famous for its collectible (收藏, shōucáng) “blind box” figurines like Labubu dolls. These character-driven toys have become a cultural phenomenon (文化现象, wénhuà xiànxiàng), appealing to both children and adults. With a market value surpassing $46 billion, Pop Mart is expanding internationally.
Vocabulary Tip:
收藏 (shōucáng) – to collect
盲盒 (mánghé) – blind box
文化现象 (wénhuà xiànxiàng) – cultural phenomenon
3. BYD (比亚迪, Bǐyàdí)
BYD is a pioneer in China’s electric vehicle (电动汽车, diàndòng qìchē) industry. In the first half of 2024, BYD led domestic EV sales with over 1.6 million units sold, surpassing global competitors like Tesla. The company is known for its innovation (创新, chuàngxīn) and commitment to sustainability (可持续发展, kěchíxù fāzhǎn).
Vocabulary Tip:
电动汽车 (diàndòng qìchē) – electric vehicle
创新 (chuàngxīn) – innovation
可持续发展 (kěchíxù fāzhǎn) – sustainable development
4. Heytea (喜茶, Xǐchá)
Heytea transformed China’s tea culture by inventing cheese tea (芝士奶盖茶, zhīshì nǎigài chá), a creamy, frothy topping that has become a nationwide trend. Their modern stores (店铺, diànpù) and innovative drinks appeal especially to young consumers, and the brand continues to grow both online and offline.
Vocabulary Tip:
奶盖茶 (nǎigài chá) – milk foam tea
创新饮品 (chuàngxīn yǐnpǐn) – innovative drinks
店铺 (diànpù) – store/shop
5. Laopu (老铺, Lǎopù)
Laopu is a rising luxury jewelry (珠宝, zhūbǎo) brand, often called the “Cartier of China.” It blends traditional Chinese motifs (传统元素, chuántǒng yuánsù) with modern design, attracting young, affluent consumers. Its popularity among professionals has grown significantly in recent years.
Vocabulary Tip:
珠宝 (zhūbǎo) – jewelry
传统元素 (chuántǒng yuánsù) – traditional elements
奢侈品 (shēchǐpǐn) – luxury goods
6. Peacebird (太平鸟, Tàipíng Niǎo)
Peacebird is a trendy Chinese fashion brand popular among young adults. It focuses on modern, streetwear-inspired clothing and is known for its stylish, affordable, and youthful designs. The brand has a strong presence in major Chinese cities and frequently participates in fashion events.
Vocabulary Tip:
时尚 (shíshàng) – fashionable
青年 (qīngnián) – youth / young adult
国潮 (guócháo) – “Chinese trend” / domestic fashion trend
7. Tencent (腾讯, Téngxùn)
Tencent is one of China’s most valuable brands, with a brand value exceeding $129 billion. Its portfolio includes social media platforms like WeChat (微信, Wēixìn), gaming (游戏, yóuxì), and entertainment services (娱乐服务, yúlè fúwù). Tencent continues to shape both Chinese digital life and global tech trends.
Vocabulary Tip:
游戏 (yóuxì) – games
娱乐服务 (yúlè fúwù) – entertainment services
社交平台 (shèjiāo píngtái) – social media platform
Want to Learn More About China and Its Culture?
Exploring Chinese brands is just one way to connect with China’s vibrant culture. At M for Mandarin, we offer lessons for learners of all ages, helping you improve your Mandarin skills while diving into real-life topics like food, fashion, travel, and more.