POP MART, a name synonymous with collectible toys and immersive experiences, is no stranger to transforming public spaces. From the bustling metropolis of Beijing, where “POPLAND” in Chaoyang Park offers a vibrant, character-filled theme park featuring beloved figures like Labubu and Molly, to temporary exhibitions that pop up across cities, POP MART consistently pushes the boundaries of art and retail. Now, they’ve ventured into a dramatically different landscape, taking their art to a place where time has seemingly stood still: the abandoned fishing village of Hou Tou Wan.
Nestled on Shengshan Island off the coast of Zhejiang, Hou Tou Wan holds a rich, if now faded, history. Once a thriving hub in the 1970s and 80s, its narrow streets and stone houses teemed with life, supported by a prosperous fishing industry. Locals fondly recall community festivals and a vibrant maritime culture that earned it the affectionate nickname “Little Taiwan.” However, by 2002, dwindling fish stocks, limited educational opportunities, and challenging transportation led residents to seek new lives on the mainland, leaving the village to be slowly but steadily reclaimed by nature’s embrace.
It is into this hauntingly beautiful, ivy-clad ghost town that POP MART and Ctrip Travel have introduced Hirono through a public art exhibition titled “After Time.” Hirono, a character born from the artistic vision of Lang, is known for his quiet contemplation and exploration of inner emotional landscapes. Unlike many characters with defined heroic arcs, Hirono’s narrative unfolds through various blind box series, each delving into themes of solitude, self-discovery, and the unspoken emotions we often carry.
His subtle expressions and introspective nature make him a profoundly fitting presence in Hou Tou Wan. Here, amidst the echoes of a lost community and the persistent whispers of nature, Hirono’s world of healing and quiet introspection finds a poignant new stage, inviting visitors to reflect on the passage of time, the resilience of nature, and the narratives we leave behind.
All images via Xiaohongshu.
