A card doesn't have to be English or Japanese to earn a spot in your binder. Sometimes one look at the artwork is enough. That's what you want.
The Chinese Pokémon Gem Packs fit exactly in that direction. This official Pokémon product line revolves around collecting, different holo-versions and special illustrations. Think of a quiet forest with Eevee and its evolutions, but also Gengar. There's a lot of good stuff in there.
But what exactly is Gem Pack? And what do you have to watch before you order a few packs?
What is Pokémon Gem Pack?
Gem Pack is an official Pokémon TCG product line for the Chinese market. The cards are in simplified Chinese, often referred to as Simple Chinese. So it's not about fanmade cards or a seller who put some cards in a new bag.
The first volume appeared on 17 january 2025. Several parts followed, each with its own selection Pokémon. You recognize them by signs like Vol. 2, Vol. 3 and Vol. 4. In the meantime Vol. 6 has also been published, which was released on 7 August 2026. Gem Pack is a series and not a single set.
Four cards, all holo
The most striking thing about a Gem Pack? There's four cards in there and they're all foil. You can find different designs, including maps with type patterns, Master Ball patterns and a shiny Gem Pack logo. Which variants are available depends on the volume and card.
That also makes collecting one favorite Pokémon interesting. The same illustration can be found in different finishes. So you not only look at which Pokémon you have, but also at the execution.
Let's get the expectations straight. four holo disregardeds does not mean four special illusion cards. There are several raritys and the special illustrations are not guaranteed in every pack. Nice that everything shines, but your favorite chase still has to hit you.
Eevee and his evolutions: four cards belonging together
The four cards at the top of this article come out Gem Pack Vol. 2. Stand here Leafeon, Sylveon, Umbreon and Eevee central in four illustrations that together form one continuous forestaferel. They were also drawn by the same illustrator.
Leafeon sits on a branch, Sylveon walks among the flowers, Umbreon lies relaxed in the grass and Eevee looks curious around. Not a big fight or an explosive attack, but just Pokémon in their own environment.
That's exactly what we like about it.
They're already beautiful cards, but together they get a few extras. This is one of those collections where you start with only that Umbreon... and then make room for the other three.
Captain Pikachu steals the show
Of course we can Captain Pikachu from Gem Pack Vol. 1 don't skip. On this special illustration he stands with his captain's hat and the arms, with Friede next to him. Look at you Pokémon Horizons? You'll recognize this duo right away.
It is especially that confident attitude that makes this card so fun for us. No thunderbolt or big fight, but a little Pikachu who seems to know exactly who's in charge here.
Do you like collecting Pikachu cards? Then, as far as we're concerned, this is a nice candidate for your binder.
First look at the cards, then the packs
Our tip: don't just pick a Gem Pack box because you've seen a nice card somewhere. First check out which volume that card comes from. The Eevee illustrations above belong to Vol. 2, Gengar at Vol. 3 and this Captain Pikachu at Vol. 1. So they're not all in the same set.
Then think about what you like: Packs rip or aim to supplement your binder. Are you talking about just one card? Check out the option to buy it as a single, rather than keep opening.
For us, that's the attraction of Gem Pack: look outside your usual collection and discover maps that you yourself just find very beautiful.
Which one would you like in your binder? Let us know in our Discord, and especially share your own Gem Pack pulls!
