{
  "id": 9673513,
  "title": "So ugly, it sells: China’s growing appetite for the weird and imperfect",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/so-ugly-it-sells-chinas-growing-appetite-for-the-weird-and-imperfect",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T01:55:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Channel News Asia",
    "slug": "channel-news-asia",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-ugly-quirky-products-taobao-growing-appetite-young-consumers-emotional-economy-6407821"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ugly objects are capturing the attention of Chinese consumers in a growing market for unconventional and imperfect products. At the Treasured Uglies Art Exhibition in Hangzhou, over 1,200 square meters of space showcased more than 500 items for sale on e-commerce platform Taobao. Young millennials and Gen Z visitors flocked to the event, drawn to the novelty and humor of the strange and imperfect items. Experts believe the trend represents a pushback against the pressure to conform to rigid beauty standards, offering a sense of individuality, chance, and self-expression. The popularity of these \"ugly\" products may also be fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence, which can produce perfect visuals that feel manufactured. As a result, the rough edges and oddities that once looked like flaws are becoming increasingly appealing to Chinese consumers seeking something unique and different.",
  "summary": "Ugly is having its moment in China. Behold the bizarre objects taking Chinese consumers by storm – and surprise.",
  "key_points": [
    "Chinese consumers flock to Treasured Uglies Art Exhibition in Hangzhou",
    "Over 500 unconventional, imperfect items on sale via Taobao",
    "Trend reflects pushback against rigid beauty standards and desire for individuality"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}