UnionPay International Sponsors Paris Stop of THE MONSTERS' World Tour
UnionPay International (UPI) has recently made headlines by sponsoring the Paris stop of the global tour for THE MONSTERS, in celebration of the brand's 10-year anniversary. This prestigious event took place from March 4 to March 29, 2026, at the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais district of Paris. Organized by POP MART Europe, this sponsored collaboration signifies a strong commitment to enhancing the visibility and market presence of POP MART’s designer toys in Europe while also expanding UnionPay’s cross-border payment solutions available to cardholders worldwide.
The Paris exhibition has been set as a significant stop following previous showcases in major cities such as Shanghai, Taipei, and Hong Kong. This event not only highlights the growth of THE MONSTERS franchise but also marks an important entry point for fans and consumers in Europe to engage with this innovative brand.
Tickets for the exhibition are affordably priced at €12 for adults and €8 for teenagers aged 10 to 17, with free entry for children under 10. Attendees can easily reach the venue within walking distance from the Saint-Paul Metro Station, making it accessible for art and toy enthusiasts alike. The exhibition depicts a decade-long journey of THE MONSTERS and includes exclusive collectible items from LABUBU, available for purchase.
In Europe, UnionPay International has seen considerable growth. Currently, a major number of physical POP MART locations across Europe accept UnionPay cards alongside its mobile service, UnionPay QuickPass, with significant coverage in markets such as the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, and Italy. As a pioneer in enhancing local payment infrastructure, by 2025, over 700,000 locations in France are reported to accept UnionPay cards spanning various sectors including retail, restaurants, transportation, lodging, education, and entertainment. Notable partners include Galeries Lafayette, Disneyland Paris, the French postal service, G7 Taxi, and Monoprix supermarkets.
UnionPay International, a subsidiary of China UnionPay, focuses on expanding its global footprint through the development of payment networks, enhancing acceptance, and rolling out innovative cross-border payment solutions. The company collaborates with more than 2,600 financial institutions across the globe, whereby UnionPay cards can now be used in 183 countries and regions worldwide. Beyond China’s mainland, UnionPay enjoys acceptance at over 80 million retail points and 1.8 million ATMs, and its cards are issued in 85 countries and regions, providing high-quality, efficient, and secure payment services to cardholders and merchants globally.
The sponsorship of THE MONSTERS in Paris is part of UnionPay’s broader strategy to strengthen partnerships within cultural sectors and lifestyle domains in Europe. By supporting such events, UPI further solidifies its brand presence, fostering relationships with retailers, cultural partners, and consumers, offering convenient and secure payment channels for both international visitors and local residents alike.
Looking ahead, UnionPay International plans to leverage its global network and localized service capabilities to enhance collaborations with partners in culture, tourism, retail, and lifestyle industries, thereby expanding the use of cross-border transactions while providing more diverse and convenient payment options for cardholders globally, facilitating international cultural exchanges and consumer engagement. This initiative reflects UnionPay's ongoing mission to innovate and adapt to the ever-evolving demands of global consumers.