“It is adorable and affordable, priced at just 49 yuan (about 6.9 U.S. dollars). It reminds me of kitchen toys during my childhood,“ said Wang Yichen, a college student, who bought three ROMOMO for herself and her friends.

　　Zhang Bo, 26, is the designer of ROMOMO. He has been engaged in 3D printing and art derivatives since graduating from college. Recognizing the burgeoning market for cultural and creative products, he and two partners conceived the idea of designing toys in the shape of Chinese hamburgers a year ago, and later founded Daxiang Culture and Technology Company.

　　“When I traveled during my childhood, I would buy keychains or ornaments as souvenirs with patterns such as miniature landmarks,“ he said. “Today, many youths are weary of generic products. By incorporating traditional culture elements as well as contemporary aesthetics, designers can provide customers with creative and unique products.“

　　China's cultural and creative market is rapidly evolving. According to a report by Zhiyan Consulting, its market size reached 16.38 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, a year-on-year increase of over 13.09 percent. Cultural and creative product planners and operators have been included in a list of new professions by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security this year.

　　More than 200,000 ROMOMO have been sold since the product entered the market in June, with orders from souvenir shops, online platforms, and even clients from New York and Sydney, according to statistics from Daxiang. The product is also being showcased at the seventh China International Import Expo which concluded on Sunday via the booths of Xi'an exhibitors.