Dream Garden, a leading manufacturer of playground equipment, has shared insights into how toymakers in China are reshaping the industry by investing in design, safety, intellectual property (IP), and customer experience.
China, the world’s largest toy manufacturing hub, is responsible for nearly 80% of global toy production. Historically, “toymaker in China” referred primarily to OEM suppliers—factories that produced toys for Western brands on a large scale. However, this definition has since evolved, says Dream Garden.
A new era for toymakers in China
Chinese companies are innovating by developing IP-based toys and turnkey playground solutions, moving from “factory for others” to “global brand creators.”
Chinese toy manufacturing is globally notable, especially in Chenghai District, Shantou, known as the world’s toy capital for building blocks and plastic toys.
Over time, Chinese toymakers expanded their range from affordable toys to educational items and indoor playground equipment.
OEM and ODM services are prevalent, allowing international brands to partner with Chinese factories for manufacturing and design, reinforcing China’s role as a preferred production base. Its strengths include efficient supply chains, skilled workforce, and competitive costs, attracting global buyers.
Recently, Chinese companies have achieved notable technological progress. They are shifting from manufacturers producing for others to global brand creators by developing toys based on their own intellectual property and offering turnkey playground solutions.
Dream Garden leads the way
Industry examples include Pop Mart, which specialises in collectable figurines and blind-box toys; Alpha Group, a multinational Chinese toy conglomerate with a global presence; CaDA Bricks, focused on STEM/STEAM educational building blocks; and Dream Garden, a manufacturer of customised indoor and outdoor playgrounds with turnkey services.
Dream Garden has successfully expanded its projects across 17 countries this year.
The company has delivered comprehensive playground solutions—covering design, manufacturing, and installation—over the last ten years for shopping malls, schools, and family entertainment centres across Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
“Our mission is to bring happiness and creativity to every child through safe and imaginative play spaces,” says Stefan Zhang, export manager at Dream Garden. “In 2025, we are focusing on interactive experiences, themed playgrounds, and smart play technologies that combine education with fun.”
Dream Garden’s products are certified to SGS, TUV, and CE standards, guaranteeing safety and durability. Led by an in-house design team with over 15 years of experience, the company remains a leader in the indoor playground industry from Wenzhou, China, delivering fun and innovative solutions worldwide.
