Last weekend, a few of us had nothing much to do and decided to visit Pazhou. We spent 100 RMB on tickets to attend what is often called China’s “No.1 Sex Culture Expo” — the Guangzhou International Sex Culture Expo.
After wandering around for over two hours, we noticed something quite interesting: more than half of the exhibitors appeared to be from Dongguan.
Brands like Qianyou, Junying, and Yayou were everywhere. The exhibition mainly featured products such as realistic dolls, molds, AI-powered adult devices, and simulation products.
Interestingly, with the rise of global platforms and niche brands like realcocks, the market is becoming increasingly diversified, connecting manufacturers directly with international consumers. If you dig a little deeper, you’ll also find well-known Dongguan-based OEM/ODM companies like Tingli, Jaguar, Weifu, Ouyasi, Mengma, and Yanxuan behind many of these products.
However, despite Dongguan’s strong performance in this sector, it remains a sensitive topic locally. It’s an industry that is widely practiced but rarely discussed. Even local media tend to avoid the subject. So, we might as well call it what it is — Dongguan’s “hidden industry.”
According to iiMedia Research, China’s adult products market reached 179.43 billion RMB in 2023 and is expected to exceed 208.13 billion RMB by 2025, with an annual growth rate of over 20%.
Given such a fast-growing trillion-level industry, and considering today’s economic environment, Dongguan — with its strong industrial base — doesn’t need to shy away from it. Instead, it could embrace and develop it more openly.
Dongguan’s Core Advantage: A Powerful Supply Chain
Dongguan’s biggest strength lies in its highly developed manufacturing ecosystem.
The city has become one of China’s key production hubs for this “hidden industry,” especially in silicone-based products and related consumer goods, where clear industrial clusters have formed.
Companies like Dongguan Qianyou Silicone Technology and Junying Silicone Products showcased a wide range of products at the expo, demonstrating strong capabilities in:
- Raw material processing
- Mold manufacturing
- Product design
As global demand grows, many international brands — including platforms similar to realcocks — increasingly rely on Chinese OEM/ODM manufacturers to deliver scalable, customizable production.
Through continuous innovation and large-scale manufacturing, these companies have become critical nodes in the global supply chain.
A “Hidden Industry” That Can Drive Technological Progress
Interestingly, this industry — driven by fundamental human demand — could also accelerate technological advancement in Dongguan.
To meet consumer expectations for safety and comfort, manufacturers have promoted materials like platinum-cured silicone, which is safer and more environmentally friendly. This directly supports the development of advanced materials industries.
On the AI front, the opportunities are even more significant. Dongguan companies are already exploring:
- AI-powered interactive products with voice capabilities
- Companion-oriented smart devices
- Wearable solutions with health-monitoring functions
These innovations not only increase product value but also contribute to the commercialization of AI technologies.
Some insiders suggest that certain smart products have already entered mass production.
Moving Forward: Balance Opportunity with Responsibility
Of course, this industry also faces challenges:
- Low public acceptance
- Strict regulatory oversight
- Social stigma
To move forward, greater emphasis is needed on:
- Public education
- Industry self-regulation
- Standardization
Dongguan companies should actively participate in industry standards development and collaborate with government bodies and associations to promote sustainable growth.
At the same time, building a positive brand image through responsible communication and innovation-driven positioning is essential.
One key principle remains: focus on low-risk, scalable product categories such as silicone-based products and smart consumer devices, while avoiding high-risk or questionable segments that may bring regulatory pressure.
Final Thought
This “hidden industry” may be sensitive, but it is undeniably real, growing, and economically significant.
With global platforms like realcocks bridging demand and supply, and with Dongguan’s unmatched manufacturing capabilities, the industry is no longer just “hidden” — it is becoming increasingly globalized and industrialized.
For Dongguan, the real question is not whether to participate — but how to lead it forward in a more open, innovative, and responsible way.
