At this year's CPOPwave exhibition in Hangzhou, Kayou Cards emerged as an unexpected bridge between China's storied past and modern pop culture. The company's intricately designed trading cards, featuring legendary figures from the Three Kingdoms period, have sparked a collecting frenzy on platforms like eBay, with international buyers paying premiums for rare editions.
"We wanted to make history tactile for a new generation," a Kayou representative explained during the event. The cards combine traditional Chinese ink painting techniques with augmented reality features, allowing collectors to animate battle scenes through a mobile app. This fusion has resonated particularly with young audiences in Southeast Asia and North America, where sales have tripled since 2022.
Analysts note the trend reflects growing global interest in China's cultural exports. The Three Kingdoms series alone accounts for 40% of Kayou's overseas revenue, with limited-edition foil cards trading for over $500 in secondary markets. As the company prepares to launch a new collection based on Silk Road mythology, industry watchers predict continued growth in this niche market blending education with entertainment.
