If you’ve been anywhere near the cross-border e-commerce world lately, you’ve likely noticed the explosion of Labubu—the quirky, mischievous elf-like character created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and produced by Pop Mart. These collectible figures have become a global sensation, selling out within minutes and commanding massive premiums on resale platforms like StockX and eBay. For savvy e-commerce sellers, the burning question is no longer if you should source Labubu, but where to buy Labubu in China efficiently, safely, and at scale. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every legitimate channel, insider tactic, and logistical hack to help you secure authentic Labubu inventory and build a profitable cross-border business.

Whether you’re a seasoned Amazon seller, a Shopify store owner, or just dipping your toes into the collectibles market, understanding the Chinese sourcing ecosystem is your golden ticket. Let’s dive in.

Why Labubu Has Become a Must-Stock Item for Cross-Border Sellers

Before we unpack the exact channels for where to buy Labubu in China, let’s quickly clarify why this character matters to your bottom line. Labubu isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Since Pop Mart secured the rights in 2019, Labubu blind boxes have generated hundreds of millions in revenue, with some limited-edition pieces appreciating 500–1000% on the secondary market.

  • Insatiable global demand: Collectors from the US, Europe, and Southeast Asia are paying 2–3x retail for rare series like “The Monsters: Space” or “Labubu x Molly” collaborations.
  • Low inventory risk: Unlike generic toys, Labubu releases are structured as “blind boxes,” creating artificial scarcity and repeat purchases.
  • High margins: Selling original Pop Mart Labubu at market price (usually $15–$25 USD per box) can net margins of 30–50% after sourcing costs, especially if you buy in bulk.
  • Social media virality: Unboxing videos on TikTok and Instagram drive organic demand—perfect for Shopify stores with built-in social proof.

Now, armed with that context, let’s get into the actionable part: where to buy Labubu in China without getting scammed or stuck with counterfeits.

Top 5 Legitimate Channels to Source Labubu in China

The biggest mistake new sellers make is assuming that “China” means only Alibaba or Taobao. While those platforms are part of the ecosystem, they are not your only—or necessarily best—options. Here’s a tiered breakdown based on reliability, pricing, and scalability.

1. Official Pop Mart Retail Stores and Flagship Stores (Best for Authenticity)

If you want zero doubt about authenticity and are willing to pay near-retail, the absolute safest answer to where to buy Labubu in China is directly from Pop Mart’s own channels. Pop Mart operates over 300 physical stores in major Chinese cities (Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) plus a massive online presence.

  • Pop Mart Tmall Flagship Store: The official store on Tmall (tmall.com) is the most reliable online source. They release new series and restocks regularly, but you’ll need to act fast—popular series sell out in hours.
  • Pop Mart WeChat Mini Program: This mobile app-in-app is the primary channel for exclusive pre-sales. You’ll need a Chinese WeChat account and payment method, but it’s worth it for early access.
  • Physical retail partners: High-end department stores like Shanghai’s Lujiazui or Beijing’s SKP often carry official Pop Mart vending machines. These machines are perfect for small-batch sourcing.

Pro tip: For bulk purchases (50+ boxes), contact Pop Mart’s corporate sales department via their official site. They offer wholesale pricing at roughly 10–15% below retail, but you’ll need to meet minimum order quantities (MOQs) and provide proof of business registration.

2. 1688.com: The Wholesale Powerhouse (Best for Bulk/Price)

1688.com is Alibaba’s domestic wholesale platform, and it’s the hidden gem for cross-border sellers. Prices here are typically 30–50% lower than Taobao or Tmall because you’re buying directly from distributors and manufacturers—not retailers.

  • Search smart: Use Chinese keywords like “Labubu 盲盒 (Labubu blind box)” or “Labubu 批发 (Labubu wholesale).” Filter by “诚信通” (credibility badge) and check supplier history (verified transactions).
  • Watch for fakes: On 1688, you’ll see both authentic Pop Mart products and unlicensed “mermaid” editions. Only buy from suppliers with visible factory licenses or Pop Mart authorization letters.
  • Sample first: Order 2–3 units at sample cost before committing to a large order. Compare packing quality and serial numbers against known authentic boxes.

Data point: In early 2024, a bulk order of 100 units of Labubu “The Monsters: Fall in Love” series from a verified 1688 supplier cost approximately ¥120 per box (about $17 USD), versus ¥69 retail—resulting in a 40% margin when selling internationally at $30–$35.

3. Taobao and Xianyu (Best for Scarcity/Retired Series)

For older, out-of-print Labubu series (like the original “The Monsters” or limited artist collaborations), Taobao and Xianyu (Alibaba’s secondhand marketplace) are your best bets. These platforms are not for bulk sourcing, but for rare finds that can command premium prices.

  • Taobao search strategy: Look for stores with “Pop Mart 授权” (authorized reseller) tags. Avoid stores selling below ¥59 per box—that’s a red flag for counterfeits.
  • Xianyu (闲鱼): This is the Chinese equivalent of eBay or Mercari. You can find collectors selling entire collections at below-market rates when they need quick cash. Use the search filter “全新” (brand new) and “未拆封” (unopened).
  • Pro tip: Use a Taobao agent service if you don’t have a Chinese bank account. Services like Superbuy or Bhiner will purchase on your behalf for a 5–10% fee.

4. Pop Mart’s Official “Mega Space” and “Pop Mart Robo Shop” Vending Machines

A less-known but highly effective channel for where to buy Labubu in China is Pop Mart’s network of smart vending machines, called “Pop Mart Robo Shop.” These machines are placed in shopping malls, subway stations, and office buildings across tier-1 cities. They restock multiple times daily and often have exclusives not available online.

  • How to use for e-commerce: You can hire local freelancers (via platforms like ZBJ.com) to purchase from these machines and ship to your warehouse. Cost per unit is exactly retail (¥69–¥89), but you can scalp limited editions.
  • Location intel: Use the Pop Mart mobile app to find the nearest machine with real-time stock data. Shanghai’s Lujiazui Financial Tower machines are notorious for restocking rare series first.

5. Distributors and Wholesalers via Alibaba International (Best for Non-Chinese Speakers)

If you’re not comfortable navigating Chinese-language platforms or don’t have a taobao account, Alibaba.com offers a more international-friendly solution. Look for “Labubu blind box” or “Pop Mart Labubu wholesale” and filter by “Verified Supplier.”

  • Caution: Prices here are higher than 1688 because these suppliers cater to foreign buyers. Expect a 20–30% premium, but you get English communication and often free shipping to freight forwarders.
  • Red flag checklist: Avoid suppliers who can’t show recent photos of inventory, who demand full payment via wire transfer, or who offer “unlimited stock” of sold-out series.

Step-by-Step: How to Successfully Buy Labubu in China as a Foreign Seller