According to Hubei Media, swimwear mimicking the Monkey King from a popular animated film has become a summer sensation in China. The suits, retailing between 89 and 120 CNY (12-17 USD), are available on various online platforms.

Swimsuits inspired by the Monkey King. Photo: Sina

However, immediate availability is limited. Only about 10% of orders can be shipped within 48 hours, while most customers face a 15- to 30-day wait. Online vendors report a surge in demand that has overwhelmed production capacity, leading to pre-order systems.

Over the past month, "Monkey King swimwear" has garnered over 500 million views on the social media platform Red Note. Many users praise the playful design and its suitability for the summer season. Some have even suggested creating swimwear sets for the entire pilgrimage from Journey to the West, allowing groups of friends to coordinate their beach attire. Others feel the design is more appropriate for children, expressing concern that adults might feel self-conscious wearing it in public.

The trending swimwear of summer 2025. Video: Red Note

Hung Van Kiet from the Wuhan Institute of Industrial and Commercial Management believes this trend reflects growing consumer interest in products that incorporate traditional Chinese culture. Mythological figures, he notes, have a particular appeal for younger generations.

However, Kiet predicts the craze won't last due to a lack of originality. Many workshops simply copy the same design, he explains.

Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is the central character in Wu Cheng'en's classic novel Journey to the West. The story has been adapted numerous times for film, television, animation, and video games.

Earlier this year, merchandise related to the animated film Ne Zha 2, including bracelets and clothing, also experienced a surge in popularity in China. The director of a jewelry company in Shenzhen revealed that the film's success led to a massive influx of orders. Factories in Shenzhen implemented overtime shifts, with employees at many companies reportedly sleeping only four hours a day.

Nhu Anh (via Hubei Media)