By Yu Huchen and Xu Zhou
Ningbo, an industrial city with a strong manufacturing heritage, is witnessing a remarkable fusion of tradition and modernity. Leveraging the refined application of Chinese cultural elements alongside innovative design, Ningbo enterprises are charting new pathways in global consumer markets for products long known for their functionality, revitalizing the traditional industrial sector.
Classic Toys (Ningbo) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "Classic Toys") is a long-established manufacturer specializing in wooden toys. By ingeniously incorporating Chinese cultural elements, the company has successfully breathed new life into its traditional products in overseas markets. In partnership with The Palace Museum, Classic Toys has launched a series of tradition-inspired toy products, featuring not only bestselling items such as Forbidden City Building Blocks and the Forbidden City Auspicious Cloud Hot Pot, but also innovative offerings including "Forbidden City Afternoon Tea," a retro "Dressing Table," a traditional "Zhuazhou" (a Chinese ritual held at a child's first birthday party where parents place an assortment of articles in front of their child to choose from to determine his or her future inclination and capabilities) Gift Box, and modular classical "Bead Strings." By infusing traditional Chinese aesthetics, cultural heritage motifs, and auspicious symbolism into their designs, these products enable overseas consumers to subtly appreciate the distinctive charm of Chinese traditional culture through hands-on assembly and imaginative play.
"Chinese culture enjoys robust popularity overseas. Our Palace Museum collection allows global families to engage with Eastern wisdom through interactive play, and the products have maintained strong sales momentum since their debut," noted Xiao Xiafen, Head of Classic Toys. The company's 2025 export revenue surpassed 40 million yuan, up 5 percent year-on-year, reflecting steady growth.
Similarly capitalizing on Chinese cultural elements to gain traction in overseas markets is Ningbo Fenyuan Aromatherapy Products Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Fenyuan"). As the new year began, the company has stepped up production of "Chinese Red" aromatherapy gift boxes incorporating Chinese knots and traditional brocade patterns, with multiple batches poised for shipment to overseas markets. According to Zhou Youjun, Manager of Fenyuan, the "Eastern Ancient Charm" series products, inspired by tea fragrance, have garnered strong market response and proved particularly popular overseas. Since the beginning of 2026, Fenyuan has secured new orders totaling 35 million yuan. Leveraging natural plant extract processes, eco-friendly degradable packaging, and personalized customization services, the company's products precisely align with international green standards and diverse consumer needs.
To support enterprises in capturing overseas market opportunities, Ningbo Customs has actively facilitated customs clearance by establishing a "pre-holiday green channel," operating under an efficient model of immediate inspection upon declaration and immediate release upon verification. This has significantly compressed cargo clearance time, maintaining average inspection duration within 24 hours, enabling enterprises to expedite order acquisition and deadline fulfillment. For key enterprises, Ningbo Customs provides company-specific targeted assistance, closely monitoring developments in technical trade measures and promptly issuing early-warning information. "Products rich in Chinese traditional culture carry distinctive Eastern charm and hold significant potential in the international market. To facilitate the successful export of these products, we have established an end-to-end support system spanning research and development, production, and export, providing solid assurance for enterprises in developing international markets," stated an official from Inspection Division II of Yinzhou Customs under Ningbo Customs.
According to statistics from Ningbo Customs, Ningbo's cultural product exports reached 38.48 billion yuan in 2025, representing a 5% year-on-year increase. Local enterprises are continuously enhancing the brand value of "Made in China" in overseas markets through cultural empowerment and quality improvement.
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
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