24 November 2025

A big reveal of nearly 30+ brand collaborations: How to“play”cross-border marketing in China?

Part 1

In 2024, co-branding became one of the hottest buzzwords in marketing in China. From gaming and art to animation, film, and pop culture brands everywhere are teaming up to create collaborations that grab attention and break boundaries.

This article takes a closer look at 30 standout co-branding success stories, revealing how cross-border marketing has evolved into a powerful way to engage audiences, build emotional connections, and create viral moments across platforms.

We’ll explore six key collaboration fields  gaming, art, animation, film, culture & tourism, and brand ambassadors to uncover what makes these partnerships work.

Whether you’re a marketer, creator, or simply a brand enthusiast, this article aims to spark ideas and offer practical insights to help you “play smarter” in the world of cross-border marketing in China.

 

When co-branding became one of the hottest buzzwords in marketing in 2024 in China, it kicked off a wave of creative, cross-industry collaborations that took the market by storm.

          From Luckin Coffee’s epic partnership with “Black Myth: Wukong,” which blended the thrill of gaming with the comfort of coffee, to Heytea’s collaboration with legendary artist Yayoi Kusama, turning her signature polka dots into a bold new fashion statement for tea lovers, these crossovers redefined how brands connect with consumers.

        In 2024 has truly been the year of brand collaborations in China. But which ones stood out and set new benchmarks for success?


        In this feature, Marketing highlights some of the most talked-about co-branding cases across six dynamic fields gaming, art, animation, film & television, cultural tourism, and brand ambassadors offering insights into how cross-border creativity is reshaping modern marketing.

01 When brands meet games: how do you play?


In today’s world where business and entertainment are deeply intertwined, brand game collaborations have become one of the most exciting and powerful marketing trends.

They go far beyond traditional advertising turning brand messages into interactive, story-driven experiences that people actually want to engage with. By blending brand identity with the fun and immersion of gaming, both sides unlock new ways to grow, connect with audiences, and create unforgettable moments.

Luckin Coffee X “Black Myth: Wukong” 丨 Soaring from the clouds, facing destiny

 

Black Myth: Wukong, the undisputed top-grossing domestic game of 2024, launched a collaboration with Luckin Coffee on August 19, 2024, launching the “Black Myth Tengyun Americano.

Heytea X-ray Light and Night Love丨Pure White Vow, Joyful Love

 

On March 13, 2024, Heytea launched a joint event with the game “Light and Night,” themed “Pure White Promise, Joyful Love.” Heytea launched customized drinks based on the personality traits and representative colors of the five male protagonists in the game, such as the Golden Phoenix Tea King for Xiao Yi.

Pizza Hut x Against the Cold: “Pizza Heart, Helping You Win”

 

From August 15 to September 8, 2024, Against the Cold and Pizza Hut launched a nationwide collaboration. Players who purchased the collaboration package received a code to redeem a game gift pack, including exquisite waist ornaments, headwear, fun action figures, and more.

League of Legends X ChaPanda| Forge Hundred Ways, Honor Heroes

 

In December 2024, the joint event between ChaPada and League of Legends was exciting. First, it collaborated with the popular contestant The Shy to launch a limited set meal, including drinks such as strawberry milk jelly.

McDonald’s X Absolute Zero丨Friendship McYear

 

From December 4 to 31, 2024, McDonald’s is collaborating with “Zero Zone.” The “Legendary Rope Master Power-Up Meal” features dishes like spicy street-style braised thin-skinned crispy chicken. Purchases of the meal will receive themed merchandise and a virtual game pack.

Ninebot X Eggy Party, Danzai gets a new car

 

On January 1, 2025, Ninebot and Eggy Party officially announced a strategic partnership. The two parties will launch a co-branded Ninebot Q-series electric vehicle and related peripherals. Cute elements from the game will be incorporated into the Ninebot app. During the Spring Festival, the game will launch exclusive maps and other gameplay features. Multiple offline themed events will also be held throughout 2025.

 

Brand–game collaborations can usually be approached from two main angles:
From the brand side:
Brands can bring game characters or elements into their promotions creating limited-edition merchandise, themed packaging, or even concept stores inspired by popular games. Simple touches like in-store decorations, themed activities, or fun interactions with staff can instantly attract gamers and enhance the shopping experience.

From the game side:
Games often launch limited-time brand events, like Haidilao × Egg Party or KFC × Naraka: Bladepoint, where players can unlock special costumes or in-game items by purchasing branded sets or completing event challenges.

This two-way collaboration allows both sides to connect with audiences in creative ways – driving engagement online and offline while expanding their fan communities.

 

02 When brands meet art : how do you capture the spotlight?

 

As consumers increasingly seek individuality and quality, collaborations between brands and art IPs have become a powerful trend blending creativity, culture, and style.

When a brand’s innovation meets the depth and imagination of an artist, magic happens.

HEYTEA X Yayoi Kusama: Bringing More Pop to the World

 

On November 7, 2024, Heytea teamed up with world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama to launch the “Add a Little Pop to the World” campaign. The collaboration introduced seven flavors of the Bobo Tea series, featuring Kusama’s signature artistic packaging and collectible items like metal charms and mugs.

ChaGee X “Meeting Van Gogh”, a journey into the world of oil paintings

 

On November 29, 2024, Bawang Chaji collaborated with the “Meet Van Gogh” exhibition. Inspired by Van Gogh’s masterpiece “The Harvest in Provence,” we’ve launched the new winter product “Sunny Mountain Valley” and new Van Gogh wheat field-themed packaging, including paper cups and paper bags. We also offer art frames, refrigerator magnets, themed postcards, and other accessories.

Molly Tea x Her Art Exhibition | Seeing the Power of “Her”

 

From November 9th to 13th, 2024, Jasmine Milk White partnered with the “From Women – Her Art Exhibition” to launch a limited-edition collaboration series.  The campaign introduced two new drinks Peach Old Tie and Yikou Old Tie  with refreshed packaging. It also launched three “New Interpretations of the Character 女” amulets, reimagining the Chinese characters for “woman,” “mother,” and “婙” to celebrate modern femininity and the positive power of wome

Molly Tea X “The Intimate Audrey Hepburn”

 

On December 31, 2024, Jasmine Milk White and the “Intimate Audrey Hepburn” exhibition jointly launched the “Dear Holiday” New Year’s Eve event. Inspired by “Roman Holiday”, a co-branded package was launched, including a package containing drinks, acrylic ticket stubs, pearl sachets, etc., as well as a peripheral ticket package.

03 Brands entering the ACG world must choose the right IP.

 

As the pan-entertainment industry thrives, collaborations between brands and animation IPs are opening new business frontiers. With rich creativity, memorable characters, and loyal fanbases, animation has become a key force for brands to expand their reach.

MINISO X Chiikawa丨Little cuties unlock new looks

 

On April 8, 2024, MINISO and Chiikawa launched a joint promotion. They launched peripheral products such as plush dolls, pendants, bags, and daily necessities, and also held themed flash events. For example, the first event at Shanghai Jing’an Joy City generated sales of 2.68 million yuan in just 10 hours.

Naixue and Cardcaptor Sakura: Sharing the Christmas Season

 

The joint event between Nayuki’s Tea and Cardcaptor Sakura was launched simultaneously in all stores in mainland China on December 19, 2024. It launched a series of domineering red apple cherry drinks and baked products such as Sakura & Tomoyo cherry cakes, cherry magic wands, and Star Baby.

Gu Ming x Tian Guan Ci Fu | Blessings and New Year’s Greetings

 

For the 2024 Lunar New Year, Gu Ming and Tian Guan Ci Fu launched a collaboration. The event featured limited-edition Light Milk Tea drinks, such as Qianli Mushanhong. Purchases also included customized co-branded merchandise, including stickers, transparent cards, badges, and card holders.

KFC X Jujutsu Kaisen: Best Friends Meet KFC Again

 

On December 6, 2024, KFC launched a joint promotion with “Jujutsu Kaisen.” They offered combo packs like the “Jujutsu Kaisen Friends Reunion Bucket” and the “Jujutsu Kaisen Delicious Expansion Bucket.” Purchases of these combos included a fluorescent laser collector’s card, a collector’s card holder, a Prison Gate grating card, laser stickers, a shaker, and other perks.

       Today, Anime IPs have become powerful drivers for brands, as seen in the booming merchandise and tea beverage markets. Collaborating with anime allows brands to use character imagery on packaging like Naixue x Hatsune Miku to instantly capture fan attention, boost brand appeal, and drive sales.

      Frequent anime collaborations also make brands appear more youthful and trendy. Beyond products, offline engagement is another key channel in the two-dimensional economy from co-branded merchandise to themed pop-up stores at comic exhibitions.

     For example, KFC teamed up with Genshin Impact to create themed restaurants, where fans could enjoy game-inspired decor and exclusive items with their meals. Online discussions and raffles on platforms like Weibo and Xiaohongshu amplified the campaign’s reach, merging online buzz with offline experiences.

Thank you for exploring our content. We aim to provide valuable insights into the Chinese market to aid your decision-making and support your business at every step.

Our blog is your resource for Chinese marketing tips and Chinese market guidance. Contact us with questions or for more service details below.

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About MMG Thailand:

MMG Thailand is the first and only Chinese-owned Chinese marketing company in Thailand that aims to connect Sino-Thai cultures and power partners’ success. 

We:

  • are from mainland China, based in Thailand
  • provide real-time Chinese market information
  • represent the highest standards of industry professionals
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We’re committed to providing deep insights into the rapidly changing Chinese market and leveraging our rich experience to facilitate your growth in this dynamic environment.

A big reveal of nearly 30+ brand collaborations: How to“play”cross-border marketing in China?

In Part 1, we unpacked why co-branding became one of the hottest plays in China’s marketing landscape. especially insight 04, “In the era of fragmented small screens, blockbuster films and TV series remain key cultural forces” this second part shifts from “what happened” to “how to play”, breaking down concrete strategies, platform tactics, and real cases to help brands navigate cross-border collaborations more confidently and effectively in the Chinese market.

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