“The price of Zhong Xuegao’s ice cream dropped from 60 yuan to 2.5 yuan”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Zhong Xuegao (钟薛高), a premium Chinese ice cream brand, once known as the “Hermès of ice cream” among Chinese consumers, recently found itself facing public scrutiny again after the 2022 controversy caused by video clips of its ice cream melting at unusually slow speed, leading to concerns that the product could contain harmful ingredients as […]
“Why is Starbucks not as popular anymore?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
In recent years, China’s coffee market has rapidly grown, witnessing the emergence of several local brands challenging traditional Western coffee chains such as Starbucks. Luckin Coffee, in particular, founded in 2017, surpassed the number of Starbucks stores in China in 2019. The Xiamen-based coffee giant has now achieved another significant milestone — surpassing Starbucks as […]
The spiritual economy in China: psychological comfort for young people
In recent years, Xuanxue (玄学) which sparked the spiritual economy has gained significant attention in China. Xuanxue is an ancient cultural tradition, dating back to Wei and Jin dynasties in ancient China. It covers many fields, such as numerology, feng shui, divination, etc, and synthesizes the teachings from Confucianism, Taoism, and other philosophical teachings. On […]
Chinese makeup brands: the triumph of homegrown makeup brands supported by the Guochao trend
In the multifaceted Chinese cosmetics market, the makeup segment occupies a significant share of the transactions. In 2023, the retail cosmetics industry in China reached RMB 414.2 billion (USD 57.53 billion) and a growth rate of 5.1%. Notably, Chinese makeup brands are progressively gaining ground, significantly increasing their share which doubled to 28% in 2022 […]
“What do you think about the quality of crossover beauty and skincare products?”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Recently, Huiyuan Juice (汇源果汁) launched a new product called the “hippophae rhamnoides moisturizing mask (沙棘籽油面膜).” The masks contain hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and sea buckthorn seed oil. Although sea buckthorn seed oil is less known than the first two ingredients in skincare, it is rich in various vitamins that help moisturize the skin and promote collagen […]
“The income gap between blue-collar and white-collar workers continues to narrow”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
Traditionally, white-collar jobs, often associated with higher education and income potential, have been perceived as more prestigious and socially esteemed compared to blue-collar occupations. However, due to various factors, such as financial pressures and the devaluation of higher education, an increasing number of young people in China are opting to leave their office jobs and […]
“Survey shows that 28.5% of young people live a 45-degree life”: Trending hashtag on Chinese social media
The concept of “lying flat,” which expresses a rejection from relentless work and competition exemplified by the 996 work culture, went viral on Chinese social media due to a Baidu post called “Lying Flat Is Justice” in 2021 April. Two years into this trend, the National Survey Research Center at Renmin University of China conducted […]
Capturing the Neglected Market: Strategies to Connect with Lower-Tier City Consumers in China
With more than 70% of China’s population located in tier-3 cities and below, there lies a significant, yet often undervalued, market segment ripe for exploration by international brands. This overlooked demographic consists of Chinese consumers who possess unique consumption habits, profoundly influenced by their pragmatic approach to life and a deeply ingrained sense of patriotism. […]
Tim Hortons in China: crafting a Canadian coffee oasis amidst challenging expansion
Tim Hortons China (天好), the largest franchisee of Tim Hortons globally, holds the exclusive franchise rights for Tim Hortons in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Since the opening of its first coffee shop in Shanghai in 2019, the brand has experienced rapid expansion. The brand has over 800 stores as of the beginning of […]
Cracking the code: foreign SaaS ventures into China’s thriving digital arena
Software as a Service (SaaS) presents a groundbreaking model of delivering software via subscription over the internet, eliminating the need for installation on customers’ hardware. This innovative approach has seen widespread success, significantly influencing business practices globally, including in China’s extensive market. Despite the ample potential for growth in China, foreign SaaS companies face a […]
Xiaomi uncovered: the strategic moves powering a global tech brand
It took less than 5 years for Xiaomi to skyrocket from a nascent startup to a Chinese tech titan and global top-4 smartphone maker worldwide. Founded in 2010 by visionary Lei Jun, Xiaomi shattered the myth that high-quality technology is a privilege for the affluent. Championing the belief that premium tech should be accessible to […]
Boao Hope City: trailblazing medical tourism in Hainan through preferential policies
In the past, the medical tourism market in China primarily involved Chinese citizens traveling abroad for medical treatments. However, Hainan Province in South China has been actively boosting its medical sector, with a particular focus on the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone (海南博鳌乐城国际医疗旅游先行区), also known as Boao Hope City. This initiative targets […]