Chinese Pokémon cards are official cards in Simplified Chinese, with their own sets and illustrations that do not exist in Japanese or English. They are becoming increasingly popular with European collectors because they are different: different formats, different packaging and exclusive cards.
Simplified and Traditional Chinese
There are two Chinese versions. Simplified Chinese is for mainland China and has its own sets. Traditional Chinese (including Taiwan and Hong Kong) largely follows the Japanese sets. Kaikan Cards sells sets in Simplified Chinese.
Gem Pack
The Gem Pack series belongs to the Scarlet & Violet era and revolves around holo cards. Every booster pack of Gem Pack Vol. 1 contains 4 holo cards, one of which has a rarity of one, two or three stars. The same Pokémon return in several designs and finishes. The series continues with new volumes.
Collect 151
Collect 151 is the Chinese version of the 151 set with the first 151 Pokémon from Kanto. The card list differs from the Japanese and English versions. Each of the four volumes contains its own exclusive Pikachu Art Rare. There are several formats, including slim boosters with 5 cards and jumbo boosters with 20 cards.
Why collect Chinese cards?
- Exclusive cards that do not exist in any other language.
- Lots of holo per booster pack, especially with Gem Pack.
- Less known in Europe, so still relatively little supply.
What to watch out for
With Chinese boxes too, it pays to check that they are genuine and factory sealed. Check the shrink wrap, seams and barcode the same way as with Japanese boxes: see how to check a factory sealed booster box Chinese cards are not allowed at official tournaments in Europe: they are meant for collecting.
Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese Pokémon cards official?
Yes, the sets are officially released. When buying, do check that you are getting an original copy, just as with Japanese and English.
Are Chinese cards worth less than Japanese ones?
Not necessarily. Exclusive cards, such as the Pikachu Art Rares from Collect 151, are sought after because they only exist in Chinese.
What is the difference with Japanese cards?
Chinese sets have their own formats and their own card lists. Also read Japanese or English: the differences at a glance and AR, SAR, SR and UR explained.
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