POP MART in China: How it became a brand that pops to mind
In July 2016, POP MART in China introduced blind boxes, signifying its evolution from a conventional toy distributor to a pop toy intellectual property operator. Not long after in 2020, it was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, paving the way for international expansion. Its revenue from Mainland China in the first half of […]
China’s toys market: a new addiction among kids and adults?
Many people know China as the world’s largest toy exporter. It has a solid manufacturing reputation, especially in the southeastern provinces. Indeed, China’s toys market has consistently exhibited positive growth over the last ten years. In 2023, the size of China’s toy market stood at a substantial RMB 159.8 billion, indicating that the demand for […]
Dating apps in China: Meet the platforms bringing China’s singles together
Balancing work, personal development, social and romantic life is becoming increasingly challenging for Chinese people due to the fast pace of the modern environment. This leaves a lot of singles without life partners, especially in big cities. Recent data released by China’s Ministry of Civil Affairs reveals that the rate drastically decreased from approximately 13.5 […]
From Changsha to China: Sexy Tea’s journey through Guochao and product expansion
Sexy Tea（茶颜悦色）is a tea brand originating in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Founded by Zhang Zhongzheng in 2013, the new-style tea chain has expanded its networks of stores, with a strong presence in cities like Wuhan, Chongqing, and Chengdu, although its primary roots remain in Changsha. It’s not just a favorite among Changsha’s residents but has […]
How the fight against youth unemployment in China will change the economy for the long term
The Chinese economy is currently in a phase of slow economic growth that is affecting various sectors of its social landscape. In the last few months, the sharp surge of youth unemployment in China has attracted attention. However, countermeasures have been put in place to respond to this problem. Will the high youth unemployment rate […]
Barbie in China: From limited appeal to cinematic success
Barbie is an iconic and globally recognized toy created by the American toy company Mattel. The American toy firm Mattel produced the iconic and well-known Barbie. Since her debut in 1959, Barbie has evolved into much more than a mere doll; she has become a cultural phenomenon and a representation of play, fashion, and imagination. […]
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 […]
“Why are rural elders reluctant to retire in the city”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
According to China’s Population and Development Research Center (中国人口与发展研究中心), by 2050, the number of people over the age of 80 in the country will quadruple. This means that China has entered the era of longevity and become home to the world’s largest elderly population. Facing a rapidly aging population, people are increasingly taking an active […]
“Are you an old spirit (精神老年人)”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Although having a busy schedule is often perceived as being successful or at least competitive in the workplace, some young people are turning their backs on the hustle culture. On Chinese social media, Douban (豆瓣), there is a group of users who call themselves “old spirits (精神老年人)”, which refers to young people whose lifestyle, daily […]
How health-conscious consumers are transforming the Chinese beverage market
The beverage industry in China is booming, thanks to the recovery of social events like parties and wedding banquets after the pandemic. The market grew to 1.25 trillion RMB (182 billion USD) in 2022 and produced 183.3 million tons in 2021. The most popular beverages in China in 2022 were packaged drinking water, carbonated beverages, […]
The new wave of Chinese rap music: how can brands engage with it
The Chinese rap music trend started in the late 90s when Chinese people were heavily influenced by US hip-hop. The lyrics were originally written to send a message of social critique, a form of rebellion from oppressive censorship and the limitation on self-expression. Indeed, the first rap songs were shared through illegal sites and then […]
COVID-19 and international relations are reshaping the choices of Chinese studying abroad
Despite travel restrictions during the pandemic, China remains the main country of origin of international students, with a total of 1,061,511 students attending overseas higher education institutions in 2019. China holds the global top spot, boasting 600,000 more students than the country on the second position, India (461,792). In the last few years, the number […]