FAQ
Visiting Shantou for the first, or even the fifth time, exploring a new sourcing model, or preparing your content around the trip, whatever brings you here, chances are you have questions. About the program, about ON TOP, about what to expect on the ground. This page answers the ones we hear most, from buyers, media, and KOLs alike.
We update this page on a regular basis, latest update: 4/6/2026
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out directly to Mirte van Wetten at mirte@ontoptoys.eu or +31 (0)6 16 19 92 56.
The Trip To Shantou (buyers)
What is the Shantou business trip?
It’s an exclusive, invitation-only business visit to Shantou, China — the world’s toy manufacturing capital — taking place from 1–4 September 2026. Organised and sponsored by Beehub, ON TOP’s strategic partner for international business operations, the trip brings together a carefully selected group of toy buyers, industry professionals, journalists, and KOLs. Participants will visit ON TOP’s newly opened 80,000m² showroom, meet verified manufacturers, and explore sourcing opportunities firsthand.
Access is limited to a selected group of toy buyers.
Who is invited?
The trip is curated for professional toy buyers working at retailers, e-commerce businesses, and distributors. In addition, a select group of industry journalists and key opinion leaders (KOLs) will join to cover the visit and share their experience with the toy industry. Attendance is by invitation only, and registration does not guarantee a spot.
Why should I join this trip?
It’s one of the fastest ways to get direct, unfiltered access to the source of toy manufacturing. You’ll meet verified suppliers face-to-face, discover new products and trends early, explore OEM and ODM options, and see factories behind the products, with Beehub’s European support team available before, during, and after your visit.
What will I see and do during the trip?
The program includes a visit to ON TOP’s 80,000m² showroom, guided tours by category, one-on-one supplier meetings, and dedicated time to explore products and place orders onsite. You’ll also get early access to new launches and exclusive product previews. The full program will be shared with confirmed participants ahead of the trip.
Can I arrange meetings with specific suppliers in advance?
Yes. Dedicated one-on-one meetings can be pre-booked before arrival. Interpreters will be on hand to support matchmaking and sourcing conversations during the visit.
Will I be able to place orders during the trip?
Yes. Attendees will have dedicated time to explore the showroom, connect with manufacturers, and place orders directly onsite via Beehub.
How do I prepare for the showroom visit?
Before the trip, participants receive access to the ON TOP platform to explore products, categories, and manufacturers in advance. During the visit, dedicated showroom guides help you navigate the space, connect with the right suppliers, and make the most of your time on the floor.
What costs are covered?
Beehub covers economy flights, hotel accommodation, meals and drinks during the official program, and all local transportation. Visa costs (if applicable), personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional upgrades are not included.
Do I need a visa to travel to China?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. China currently offers visa-free entry for citizens of several countries for short stays. Participants are responsible for checking their own travel documentation and entry requirements before the trip.
Will products meet international safety and compliance standards?
ON TOP works with suppliers offering products designed for international markets. If you require independent testing or certification, you are free to use your own preferred testing partner for product compliance verification.
Will there be WiFi and internet access during the trip?
WiFi will be available at the hotel and key program locations. At the ON TOP showroom, participants will have access to an unrestricted internet connection, allowing full use of platforms and services outside of China’s standard network restrictions. No VPN required on site.
Will translation support be available?
Yes. English-speaking guides and interpreter support will be available during key presentations, factory visits, and manufacturer meetings throughout the program.
The Trip to Shantou (media)
Why is Beehub organizing this trip to Shantou?
This trip is a direct expression of the strategic partnership between Beehub and ON TOP. Together, they have built an integrated sourcing model that connects international buyers directly to Chinese manufacturers, combining ON TOP’s on-the-ground presence and 80,000m² showroom in Shantou with Beehub’s commercial and operational support in Europe. The trip opens that model up to buyers, media, and KOLs who want to see it firsthand: the people, the products, and the manufacturing behind it. For Beehub and ON TOP, it’s an investment in long-term relationships with the international toy industry.
Who is this trip for, journalists and KOLs specifically?
We invite a select group of industry journalists and key opinion leaders to join the trip alongside toy buyers. Whether you cover the toy industry editorially, run a retail-focused channel, or influence purchasing decisions through content, if your audience is relevant to toy sourcing, retail, or product discovery, and you want to tell them an inspiring story, this trip is worth your time.
What makes this trip newsworthy?
The trip gives you exclusive access to the largest B2B toy showrooms (80.000m2!!!) in the world, two factory visits, product innovations and previews, direct trend insights from manufacturers, and behind-the-scenes access to toy production at scale. On-the-record access to ON TOP leadership adds editorial depth.
Will there be separate programming for media?
Yes. Media participants follow a dedicated track focused on trends, innovation, storytelling, and content opportunities, separate from the buyer program where relevant, with shared moments designed for cross-pollination between buyers and media. If you want specific access to manufacturers or locations for your story, please let us know in advance.
Am I free to film during the visit?
Yes. All locations on the program, the showroom, factories, and other venues, are selected with content creation in mind. There are no filming restrictions on the spaces themselves. That said, you’ll be visiting working environments with manufacturers, staff, and fellow attendees. Not everyone will want to be on camera, and we ask that you respect that throughout the trip.
Can I publish content freely, or are there editorial restrictions?
There are no editorial restrictions and no embargoes. You’re free to share your experience, impressions, and content, including product previews and new launches, as soon as you see fit. We only ask that factual claims about manufacturers, products, or commercial terms are verified before publication. If you encounter something during the trip that raises questions or concerns, we encourage you to reach out to us directly before publishing. We’re available throughout the trip and committed to addressing any issues transparently and promptly.
What kind of content opportunities does the trip offer?
The trip covers a lot of ground in four days — factory tours, innovation showcases, trend reporting, product demonstrations, interviews, and cultural experiences in Shantou. It’s strong material for video, editorial, and social content across formats.
Will I have access to spokespeople or manufacturers for interviews?
Yes. Tom Chen, Global VP at ON TOP, is available for on-the-record interviews via translator. Beehub representatives will also be available for conversation. For manufacturer interviews, we can facilitate introductions, with interpreter support where needed.
Will ON TOP provide press materials?
Yes. Participants will receive a press pack including a press release, fact sheets, high-resolution visuals, speaker bios, product trend highlights, and a company backgrounder. Materials will be shared ahead of the trip.
Will there be WiFi and internet access during the trip?
WiFi will be available at the hotel and key program locations. Please note that China has specific restrictions on internet access. Some social media platforms and services may be inaccessible without a VPN. Be aware of this if uninterrupted social posting is important to your workflow.
Will translation support be available?
Yes. English-speaking guides and interpreter support will be available during key presentations, factory visits, and manufacturer meetings throughout the program.
What costs are covered for journalists and KOLs?
The same as for buyers: economy flights, hotel accommodation, meals and drinks during the official program, and all local transportation. Visa costs (if applicable), personal expenses, travel insurance, and optional upgrades are not included. Attendance is by invitation only.
About ON TOP
What is ON TOP?
ON TOP is a sourcing showroom platform based in Shantou, China, connecting international toy buyers directly with a large network of verified manufacturers. Its 80,000m² showroom gives buyers efficient access to products, suppliers, and market insights, all in one place.
What is the relationship between ON TOP and Beehub?
ON TOP and Beehub are strategic partners, each bringing distinct and complementary strengths to the table. ON TOP operates the biggest sourcing showroom in Shantou, providing direct access to a wide network of verified manufacturers and real-time insight into product trends and innovation. Beehub brings the international commercial layer — managing ordering, contracting, compliance, and after-sales support for buyers outside China. It’s a true partnership: two organisations working together so international buyers get both direct factory access and the accountability of a European business partner.
Does ON TOP act as a middleman, or can I buy directly from manufacturers?
ON TOP is not a trader or intermediary. It provides access to its manufacturer network and facilitates introductions, but how you structure your purchases is entirely up to you. You can buy directly from suppliers, work through your own sourcing partner, or work through Beehub for commercial and operational support.
What makes ON TOP different from other sourcing partners?
ON TOP’s role is to bridge — connecting international buyers directly to manufacturers, so there’s no unnecessary layer between you and the source. Through the ON TOP platform and showroom, buyers get direct factory pricing transparency, flexible MOQ options, and access to a verified manufacturer network with strong OEM and ODM capabilities. Combined with Beehub’s commercial support, the model gives buyers more control, better visibility into their supply chain, and a more accountable sourcing process than traditional intermediary routes.
Which product categories does ON TOP cover?
The showroom covers a broad range of toy categories, with a strong focus on trend-driven products, OEM and ODM opportunities, and exclusive product lines. During the trip, participants will have the opportunity to explore the full range across the showroom floor, with guided tours by category to help navigate what’s available.
Categories ON TOP:
| 1. Vehicles & Remote Control |
| 1.1 Remote Control Toys |
| 1.2 Electric Vehicles & Motion |
| 1.3 Engineering & Vehicle Types |
| 1.4 Ride-On Cars |
| 1.5 Track & Simulation Vehicles |
| 2. Electronic, Smart & Interactive Toys |
| 2.1 Electronic Toys |
| 2.2 Sensor & Interactive |
| 2.3 Light / Sound / Feature Toys |
| 2.4 Robots (General) |
| 3. Mechanical & Action Toys |
| 3.1 Transformation |
| 3.2 Control & Force Toys |
| 3.3 Motion-Based (Non-electric) |
| 3.4 Shooting / Action Play |
| 4. Educational, STEM & Games |
| 4.1 Core Educational |
| 4.2 STEM & Science |
| 4.3 Creative & Sensory Learning |
| 4.4 Fidget / Puzzle / Casual |
| 4.5 Games & Machines |
| 4.6 Others |
| 5. Role Play, Dolls & Pretend Play |
| 5.1 Dolls & Plush |
| 5.2 Role Play Sets |
| 5.3 Dress-up & Beauty |
| 5.4 Character & Theme |
| 6. Animals, Nature & Exploration |
| 7. Baby & Preschool |
| 8. Creative, Hobby & Models |
| 9. Music & Communication |
| 10. Outdoor, Sports & Summer |
| 10.1 Sports |
| 10.2 Summer & Water Play |
| 10.3 Bubble |
| 11. Gifts, Seasonal & Party |
| 12. Novelty, Candy & Impulse |
| 13. Utility, Misc & Accessories |
| 14. Soft Plastic Toys |
| 15. Wooden Toys |
| 16. Stationary |
| 17. Fans |
| 18. New Arrivals |
Is ON TOP suitable for smaller buyers, or only for large retailers?
Both. Large chains benefit from competitive margins, exclusive ranges, and reliable volumes. Smaller and mid-sized buyers can take advantage of low MOQs and factory-direct pricing, giving them access to the same sourcing power without the traditional volume requirements.
Contact Us
For questions about sourcing, access or the Shantou invitation, Mirte is your point of contact. She will guide you through the process and answer any practical questions.
mirte@ontoptoys.eu
+31 (0) 6 16 19 92 56
ON TOP operates as a showroom and supplier connection platform in China.
Commercial agreements, sourcing services, order execution, and after-sales support are managed by Beehub.