The Rise of the Chinese Pokémon TCG – A New Chapter for Collectors
The Rise of the Chinese Pokémon TCG – A New Chapter for Collectors
The Chinese Pokémon TCG has quickly become one of the most talked-about developments in the collecting world. While China lacked official Pokémon cards for years, the country has now become a full-fledged player in the global market.
Since the launch of the first official Chinese sets in 2021, growth has been impressive. What began as a regional introduction has blossomed into a thriving community of collectors, players, and investors.
A long-awaited market
For years, Pokémon was only available in China via imported Japanese or English cards. That changed when The Pokémon Company officially greenlit Chinese printing and distribution in 2021. Early sets, such as萌力觉醒 (Awakening Power) and幻梦奇遇 (Dream Encounter) , immediately attracted attention—not only in China, but worldwide.
The success came as no surprise. China has a huge gaming and anime culture, and a rapidly growing middle class eager to invest in collectible hobbies. The Pokémon TCG fit this perfectly: colorful, competitive, and culturally relatable.
Unique style and quality
What sets the Chinese Pokémon TCG apart from other versions is its unique balance between Japanese precision and local creativity . The print quality is high, the colors are vibrant, and the text is entirely in simplified Chinese—creating a new, recognizable visual identity.
Moreover, promotional cards and exclusive product lines, available only in China, are regularly released. These limited editions make the Chinese TCG particularly interesting for international collectors looking for something special.
A growing international interest
In Europe and America, curiosity about Chinese maps is growing rapidly. They are considered the "third pillar" alongside the Japanese and English versions.
The combination of rarity, artistic quality and small editions means that collectors are increasingly shifting their focus to Asia.
At CN Cards, we see this every day. Demand for Chinese Pokémon products increases every quarter, and more and more collectors are adding Chinese exclusives to their collections—not just for their value, but also for their unique charm.
The future of Chinese TCG
Everything points to the Chinese Pokémon TCG only just beginning its international breakthrough. New sets are appearing at increasingly shorter intervals, and the community surrounding Chinese cards is growing rapidly.
For collectors, this means one thing: it pays to get in early. The Chinese market combines innovation with tradition, revitalizing a hobby that has connected millions of people for 25 years.
