In the lively world of collectible toys, Labubu has become a true star. Born from Pop Mart’s creative team, these one-of-a-kind, cute figures have won over collectors across the globe. And Yiwu—known as the “world’s small commodities capital”—has played a unique part in Labubu’s journey, especially when it comes to buying these popular toys.
What makes Labubu so appealing is its distinct design. With big eyes, a tiny body, and themes ranging from adorable animals to fantasy characters, it’s no wonder Labubu has become a must-have for many. This popularity has driven huge demand, and Yiwu has stepped in to meet it—but the situation here is far from simple.
If you want to buy Labubu in Yiwu, your first stop is usually the Yiwu International Trade City. This massive marketplace is packed with countless stalls, and some used to focus on Labubu products. But things changed drastically with new regulations. In June 2025, Yiwu’s market regulators launched a strict crackdown on fake Labubu items. Making or selling Labubu products without official permission is now banned, and serious violations can even lead to police action. This move has completely reshaped how Labubu is bought and sold in the city.
Before the crackdown, the Labubu market in Yiwu was a mix of good and bad. There were two main types of fake products. First, “high-quality imitations”—these looked almost exactly like real Labubu figures. Some even had fake “anti-counterfeiting labels” and sold for quite a lot: wholesale prices ranged from 300 to 700 yuan per box. Then there were the obvious “low-quality fakes.” These were poorly made, with lopsided features and cheap materials, but they were cheap too—around 20 to 30 yuan each. Netizens even gave these a funny nickname: “Lafufu,” sometimes in a playful way, mocking.
Even though counterfeiting is illegal, demand for fake Labubu was so high that unauthorized factories couldn’t keep up. Some had orders backed up for weeks or months. But after the crackdown, most fake products were pulled from shelves quickly. Many sellers who used to sell fake Labubu have switched to something legal: doll outfits that look like Labubu’s clothes. These include dresses, hats, glasses, and other accessories, and they sell for 1 to 40 yuan each.
For buyers who want real Labubu, there are still options. A few authorized distributors are in Yiwu, though they’re not nearly as common as fake sellers used to be. These real products come with guaranteed quality and authenticity—they’re made with high-grade materials, and every detail matches Pop Mart’s original design. Of course, real Labubu costs more than fakes, since prices follow Pop Mart’s official rates. But for collectors, that extra cost is worth it for the peace of mind of owning a genuine figure.
In short, Yiwu has long been a hub for Labubu-related products, but the crackdown on fakes has changed the buying experience a lot. If you’re looking to buy Labubu here, be careful: make sure the product is legal, and respect intellectual property. Collecting Labubu is supposed to be fun and rewarding—and choosing real products lets you enjoy these beloved figures for what they truly are.
