Imagine effortlessly creating a portable, tiny gallery of traditional Chinese art that goes everywhere you do.
All it takes is a set of press-on nails.
Exquisitely hand-painted, they show the iconic scroll A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains, by Song Dynasty (960-1279) painter Wang Ximeng, from a completely different perspective.
Using the scroll's legendary cyan-and-green hues, artisans reproduce the painting's layered ridges and misty waters in breathtaking detail on the 10 tiny canvases, mimicking the intricate luster of traditional filigree enamel — without high-temperature firing.
Easy and affordable, press-on nails have become a time — and cost-effective alternative to traditional salon manicures. These adhesive-backed artificial nails are reusable, simple to apply and remove in a way that won't hurt the natural nail underneath. Another attraction is that they can be swapped freely to match any outfit, mood or occasion.
The global epicenter of this booming beauty trend is Donghai county in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province. Already famous for its crystal and gemstone industry, Donghai has emerged as China's largest production base for handmade press-on nails.
Backed by fine craftsmanship, affordable prices and mature cross-border e-commerce channels, Donghai's handmade nail products are finding popularity among global beauty consumers.
Official data shows that press-on nail sales in Donghai reached about 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) in 2025, accounting for over 70 percent of the domestic market. Nearly 40 percent of sales were to overseas markets, with products exported to over 30 countries and regions worldwide.
"Press-on nails have an extremely broad appeal, with powerful communicative potential. Our aim is to use them as a wearable medium to introduce Chinese culture to the world," said Li Xuan, chairman of Daxuan E-commerce Co in Donghai.
His team has infused traditional Chinese crafts into the company's designs — filigree and mother-of-pearl inlays, lacquer art, miniature painting and micro-engraving. They create customized pieces adorned with inlaid jade and local crystals, as well as delicate filigree flower motifs.
Various designs are created around timeless Chinese cultural themes, including traditional Chinese landscape paintings, the 12 Chinese zodiac animals and elements from murals in Dunhuang, Gansu province.
When the hit Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong took the world by storm, nails based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West also went viral.
"Some high-end crafted pieces are miniature artworks. Beauty salon owners purchase them for display, while others use them for wedding ceremonies or stage performances. A delicate artwork can take one to two weeks to finish," said Li, the Daxuan E-commerce Co chairman.
Zhang Leilei, livestream business director at Jiangsu Jingyiyi Supply Chain Management Co, said, "As the market matures and design options are more diverse, overseas buyers prioritize fine craftsmanship and cultural depth." The company sells its press-on nails through TikTok livestreams, with the United States accounting for more than 80 percent of sales.
She said mass-market basic styles cost $5 to $10, while custom sets start at $20 to $30, and elaborate ones can go for several hundred dollars. Orders over $30 include free shipping.
"Traditional Chinese elements including blue-and-white porcelain and lion dance motifs are popular among overseas buyers. In livestreams, they tell us these cultural nail designs are gorgeous."
She said the Chinese press-on market is steadily moving upmarket. Consumers know what fits them and what they prefer, leading to higher standards and more discerning tastes.
Donghai's industrial edge stems from its solid local industrial foundation. The county is home to more than 300 companies, over 200 professional design and production teams, and over 50,000 skilled nail technicians. As creators gain deeper insights into traditional Chinese culture, they have launched cooperative projects with cultural and tourism authorities and museums.
"We incorporate intangible cultural heritage techniques and cultural stories into press-on nail designs, crafting compelling brand narratives," said Li Zheng, secretary-general of the Donghai press-on nail industry association.
"These pieces have evolved beyond simple manicure accessories. They have become wearable and tangible symbols of traditional Chinese culture, serving as a new lightweight carrier of China's culture."
Cang Wei in Nanjing contributed to this story.
