The Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Brands 2026 shows how China’s leading brands are accelerating growth through AI transformation, international expansion and Meaningful Difference.
The combined value of the ranking has risen 13% year-on-year to reach US$1.4 trillion, outpacing China’s overall economic growth and marking a second consecutive year of double-digit gains.
Based on the views of more than 438,500 consumers about 2,224 brands across 142 categories, the report uncovers the brands, trends and growth drivers shaping China’s brand landscape. Key findings include:
- Tencent holds the No.1 spot for the sixth-year running, growing 6% to almost US$210 billion
- Alibaba remains at No.2, increasing its brand value by 33% to US$112.5 billion
- Douyin climbs to No.3, growing 29% to US$98.4 billion
- Seven brands make their ranking debut, including AI-native brands Kimi (No.45), ChatGLM (No.53) and Doubao (No.78)
- Midea is this year’s Top Riser, growing 54% to US$11.7 billion through premiumisation, connected home innovation and international expansion
- Media & Entertainment, Financial Services, Consumer Technology & Services Platforms and Retail are the standout growth categories, together contributing 69% of the ranking’s total value
- Difference remains a powerful driver of value, with Chinese brands that have increased Difference since 2019 growing far faster than those in decline.