Musk's son sparks boom in traditional Chinese goods

A viral moment featuring Elon Musk's young son has highlighted a booming market for traditional Chinese crafts. In May, six-year-old Little X accompanied his father and US President Donald Trump on a state visit to Beijing, wearing a Chinese-style silk jacket and carrying a tiger-head bag. The images spread quickly online, drawing attention to China's intangible cultural heritage products. Industry data shows that sales of such goods have surged, reaching an annual transaction value of 100 billion yuan (US$14.8 billion) across e-commerce platforms. The tiger-head bag, a traditional handicraft believed to bring good luck, became especially popular after the photos. The trend reflects a broader consumer shift toward heritage goods, driven by younger buyers who value cultural identity and craftsmanship. E-commerce platforms have made these products more accessible, allowing artisans to reach global audiences. Experts say the growth is sustainable, as government policies also support the preservation and commercialization of heritage crafts. However, they caution that mass production should not compromise quality or authenticity. The incident with Musk's son is just one example of how celebrity influence can boost niche markets, but the underlying demand for cultural products has been steadily rising for years.