Beijing launches global design competition for city gifts

The 2025 Beijing Gifts Global Cultural and Creative Competition kicked off on Wednesday at the Friendship Hotel, marking the first time the event has been open to submissions from around the world.

Beijing Gifts is currently the only tourism product brand in China registered under a city name. 

The competition features two main tracks, namely, design and physical products. It spans six categories, including impressions of ancient Beijing, sci-tech integration, fashion trends, gifts for international visitors.

Submissions are open until Aug. 31, while the winning entries will be unveiled in late September. 

Winners will have their works adopted as part of the Beijing Gifts product line and will be eligible to apply for a cultural and tourism consumption grant of up to 1 million yuan (US$139,559). They may also gain exposure through major international exchange events and an international tourism consumption expo.

At the launch ceremony, the Beijing Gifts 2025 summer collection was unveiled, featuring 12 new products. Highlights include fridge magnets inspired by Ming dynasty phoenix crowns, Peking Opera-themed jewelry, and a scented pen set. 

Five new Beijing Gifts stores were announced at the event, bringing the total number to 25.