From beauty ideals to black market: The changing face of plastic surgery in China
In the bustling streets of modern China, a new trend is quietly reshaping the nation’s perception of beauty and self-improvement. Plastic surgery, once a taboo topic, has surged in popularity from both reconstructive and aesthetic aspects. Cosmetic surgery, a subset of plastic surgery, is now reshaping beauty standards, particularly among younger generations. Propelled by social […]
China’s healthcare market: Reform, innovation, and investment shifts
China’s healthcare system is undergoing reforms to improve public hospital operations and integrate advanced technologies. Key changes in 2024 aim to control costs, enhance drug procurement, and open up the medical sector to foreign-owned hospital operations. These changes reflect the government’s efforts to balance rising healthcare demands with fiscal sustainability, all amid China’s rapidly aging […]
Gen Z are pursuing chill vibes (松弛感) on Chinese work culture: Is it time to say “bye” to 996?
Modern-day Chinese work culture is focusing on a strict hierarchical structure and long work hours. Clocking on an average 48.7 hours of work a week in 2023, Chinese employees are often compelled to make sacrifices for their employers. The IT sector in China is particularly infamous for its long work hours and lack of holidays. But as […]
What are the alternatives to email marketing in China since few Chinese people open emails?
Email marketing consists in delivering commercial information to target consumers through email after obtaining users’ prior permission. With the advent of the mobile Internet era, many enterprises have begun to move from offline to online to increase sales and achieve brand promotion. Email marketing is more mature than any other internet marketing channel. It boasts […]
The ultimate guide to navigate the Chinese digital marketing ecosystem
The incredible popularity of instant messaging and online shopping in China, along with the adoption of smartphones, has greatly helped China in becoming the largest social network and e-commerce market. As of 2021, it is estimated that the total social network users and digital buyers in China reached 987.3 million and 824.5 million respectively. Behind […]
Vaping in China: Will brands target young adults or convert smokers?
Vaping has become a trend worldwide in recent years. The e-cigarettes which were previously introduced to help smokers quit have become a symbol of the Gen Z. The size of the vape market in China is still smaller than that in the U.S., despite a much larger smoking population. Many users, including middle schoolers and […]
The China International Import Expo 2021: Sustainability, health and winter sports highlighted for future development
The 4th edition of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai ended on November 10th. Similar to past years, the Expo acted as a sounding board for reiterating China’s commitment to open up its domestic market to the world economy. President Xi Jinping announced for the first time its intention to hold an import […]
8 steps for foreign brands to leverage Chinese trade fairs and exhibitions
Chinese trade fairs and exhibitions are the most valuable link for foreign brands to expand their network. Many foreign brands in China must rely on local forces to be successful, cooperating with Chinese companies. On the other hands, Chinese trade fairs and exhibitions are an excellent opportunity for domestic companies to “benchmark” with the world’s first-class […]
Young workers are calling quits on China’s workplace drinking culture
In early August 2021, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba was embroiled in a sexual assault scandal involving one of its female employees, Wang, and her manager, Zhang. Following the incident being made public, it sparked criticism within the Chinese online community and state media. Alibaba has since fired Zhang, who is now under arrest on suspicion […]
BPO and call centers in China: Is China the next BPO hub?
In today’s competitive international marketplace, companies are under intense pressure to lower costs. This has lead to China being the ‘factory of the world’ but now as manufacturing moves to other countries, other opportunities for business process outsourcing (BPO) in China rise. Does that mean China is the next destination for call centers? Call centers […]
How China celebrates International Women’s Day
In 1908, more than 15,000 women marched in NYC demanding more appropriate working hours, better pay and voting rights. Three years later in 1911, Clara Zetkin, the leader of the Women’s Office for the Social Democratic Party in Germany, suggested that there should be a celebration of women every year in every country. International Women’s […]
China Paradigm Transcript #105: Merging family traditions with etiquette training in China
Click here for China Paradigm 104. In this interview, Guillaume Rué de Bernadac, the founder of a business for etiquette training in China, shares how his school perpetuates his family traditions as well as the diverse types of clients he teaches in China, whether it is adults, kids, or luxury organizations. Full transcript below: Welcome to China […]