China's Hotpot and Bubble Tea Brands Go Global in 2026

Published: 22 April 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The global perception of “Made in China” is undergoing a radical transformation as a new wave of consumer-facing brands moves beyond mass-produced electronics to dominate the worlds of culinary arts, beverages, and athletic apparel. From the bubbling vats of Sichuan-style hotpot to the intricate milk tea concoctions of Shenzhen and the high-performance sneakers of Jinjiang, Chinese lifestyle exports are increasingly becoming the new standard for urban consumers worldwide. This cultural surge, often referred to as the global expansion of guochao (national trend), marks a strategic pivot for the world’s second-largest economy as it seeks to export not just products, but the very fabric of its modern middle-class identity.

The spearhead of this movement is the rapid proliferation of “new-style” tea brands that are currently outperforming established Western coffee chains in several key international markets. Companies like Heytea and Mixue have moved aggressively into the United States and Europe, with Mixue recently opening a flagship store in New York’s Times Square that draws daily queues reminiscent of a major tech launch. These brands have successfully gamified the beverage experience, combining high-quality traditional tea bases with innovative ingredients like cheese foam and fresh fruit. Industry analysts note that these chains are not just selling drinks; they are selling a social media-ready aesthetic that resonates deeply with Gen Z consumers, effectively redefining the “coffee break” for a new generation.

In the dining sector, the theatrical and service-heavy experience of Chinese hotpot has become a significant cultural export. Haidilao, the industry’s undisputed heavyweight, has expanded its international footprint to over 100 outlets across 15 countries, including major hubs in London, Singapore, and Dubai. Known for its idiosyncratic customer service—ranging from free manicures for waiting guests to elaborate “noodle dances” performed tableside—Haidilao has successfully exported a uniquely Chinese model of hospitality. This “service-first” approach is proving highly effective in Western markets, where diners are increasingly seeking experiential value over mere caloric intake, turning a traditional communal meal into a global luxury phenomenon.

Simultaneously, the global sportswear market is witnessing a seismic shift as Chinese giants like Anta and Li-Ning challenge the long-standing hegemony of Nike and Adidas. In 2025, the middle-market segment for athletic footwear saw a significant migration of spending power toward Chinese “category specialists.” These brands have moved beyond their domestic borders by securing high-profile NBA endorsements and acquiring heritage global brands, such as Wilson and Salomon, through the Amer Sports group. By blending high-tech functional credibility with designs that incorporate traditional Chinese motifs, these companies are capturing a “sideways” movement in consumer taste—where pragmatic, outdoor-ready performance is prized over brand name alone.

This expansion is more than a commercial victory; it is a manifestation of China’s burgeoning “soft power” as it pivots from being the world’s factory to its primary lifestyle curator. As technology facilitates the rapid exchange of tastes, the success of these brands in cities like London and New York suggests that the creative center of gravity is moving eastward. While high-tech exports like semiconductors and electric vehicles continue to lead in value, it is the hotpot, the bubble tea, and the sportswear that are doing the subtler work of integrating Chinese culture into the daily routines of the global public, creating a richer and more multipolar landscape of global consumption.

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