Uncovering Prospects: Examining the Most Recent Developments in China’s Market

Singles’ Day 2023: Retailers pursue low-priced strategies in hopes of consumers opening wallets

  • Chinese e-commerce companies are vying with one another to offer customers tempting discounts on Singles’ Day this year. However, the nation’s largest online shopping event has gradually lost its shine as promoting low prices has evolved into a yearly marketing tactic for companies that are having trouble reviving customer sentiment. 
  • As the 11.11 pre-sale period begins, up-and-coming retailers like Douyin and Kuaishou, as well as more established competitors like Alibaba and JD, are resorting to offering direct discounts to customers. This is because they still believe that the massive event will motivate customers to divulge their personal information and open their wallets, particularly in light of China’s uneven economic recovery.

LINK:https://technode.com/2023/10/24/singles-day-2023-retailers-pursue-low-price-strategies-in-hopes-of-consumers-opening-wallets/

 

Ctrip introduces a feature for booking restaurants abroad.

In addition, Ctrip announced that it will be in the Ctrip App and overseas version of Trip.com simultaneously online overseas restaurant booking function. The first phase covers more than 6000 restaurants in more than 1000 cities around the world. The Ctrip Group global partner summit was recently held in Singapore on October 26. During the meeting, the 2023 Ctrip Food Forest “global restaurant selection list” was released for Paris, New York, London, and other 24 cities overseas. 

Taobao uses an AI shopping assistant to prepare for Double 11.

For the first time this year, AI will be assisting Double 11 bargain hunters. Taobao Wenwen, Taobao’s integrated AI model, uses text understanding and generative capabilities to respond to user queries.

  • As part of the Double 11 special promotional period, the AI shopping assistant will combine product information with tips on the best discounts, giving shoppers added confidence in their decision-making.
  • The intention is to retain users who visit Taobao exclusively and discourage them from using Xiaohongshu, Baidu, and Douyin for recommendation-seeking purposes.
  • Other online reviews note that the recommendations given by the AI assistant sometimes do not correspond to the question asked and that the overall quality and coherence of the content need to be improved.
  • Taobao Wenwen’s user base is currently only 5 million, and many more will be required to train it before it can rival Xiaohongshu’s 190 million monthly active users as a reliable sidekick.

LINK: https://daoinsights.com/news/taobao-gears-up-for-double-11-with-ai-shopping-assistant/

 

What Brands Should Know About Singles’ Day 2023: China’s Version of “Black Friday”

  • Value innovation, or pursuing low cost and differentiation simultaneously, is this year’s winning Singles’ Day tactic for the luxury market.
  • Value lies in thoughtful packages supported by persuasive marketing narratives rather than aggressive pricing.
  • Discerning Chinese luxury consumers at a shopping festival will accept paying less for the same value or paying the same for more value.
  • AI improvements to customer interactions are being introduced in this year’s festival. It makes wiser purchasing decisions possible by deciphering intricate discount combinations.

LINK:https://jingdaily.com/chinas-black-friday-is-here-what-brands-need-to-know-about-singles-day-2023/

 

Internet addiction: China rolls out most comprehensive regulations yet

  • The regulations, which go into effect on January 1, 2024, ask technology companies and schools to work together to protect minors online by providing specialized intervention software and better internet literacy education.
  • ByteDance decided to implement an automatic “teen mode” on their popular video-sharing app Douyin in 2021 due to growing government scrutiny. This mode places limitations on the amount of time users can spend using the app.
  • The regulations, according to the statement, are designed to protect young people’s “physical and mental health” online from various threats, such as invasions of privacy, cyberbullying, and internet addiction.

LINK:https://daoinsights.com/news/internet-addiction-china-rolls-out-most-comprehensive-regulations-yet/ 

What is Ctrip, China’s Top OTA, and How Tourism Brands Use it?

Today, we will delve into the realm of Ctrip, the largest Chinese Online Travel Agency (OTA) also known globally as Trip.com. To provide you with a deeper insight, let’s explore its history and growth.

Firstly, Trip.com Group Limited, known as 携程集团 in Chinese, is a multinational travel service conglomerate with its headquarters in Shanghai, China. Established in 1999, the company is the owner and operator of various travel fare aggregators and travel fare metasearch engines. Notably, these include their flagship service, Trip.com, as well as Skyscanner, Qunar, Travix, and MakeMyTrip. Their online presence extends to approximately 40 languages and spans across 200 countries.

If your destination is already visited or planning to start hosting tourists from China, you have to understand how Ctrip works and how to leverage it to your advantage. This knowledge is crucial for success in the Chinese tourism market.

✈️ Learn more how to Reach Chinese Tourists on China’s top OTAs and Social Media Platforms

But first, why is the Chinese outbound tourism market so attractive to Western destinations? The reasons are compelling:

China’s Outbound Tourism

Rapid Growth 

China’s middle class is rapidly expanding, and their penchant for travel is growing at a remarkable 15% CAGR. This growth is expected to surge further as incomes rise, offering a significant market for outbound travel.


Spending Power
 

Chinese tourists are willing to spend generously while traveling, particularly the affluent top 10% who seek prestige and luxury in their experiences, from high-end hotels to fine dining.


Diverse Interests
 

Chinese outbound tourists enjoy diverse experiences. Consequently, with a fondness for fine dining and city trips, this presents a golden opportunity for metropolitan centers and gourmet destinations.


Tapping into Ctrip for Marketing Success

For Western brands seeking to captivate Chinese outbound tourists, leveraging Ctrip’s digital marketing capabilities is essential. Additionally, Ctrip harnesses big data, AI, and cloud deployments to offer informed marketing services. This empowers brands to connect with potential customers through precise targeting, insightful analytics, and a variety of ad placements at every stage of their travel journey.

Ctrip Chinese Tourists


Preparation is Key: Setting the Stage for Success

Before diving into Ctrip’s digital marketing realm, meticulous preparation is vital. Firstly, localizing content to resonate with the target Chinese audience, defining a clear target audience, and formulating a comprehensive Chinese channel strategy are foundational steps. Secondly, collaboration with a Chinese marketing firm can hasten this procedure and guarantee successful outcomes and a strategy that resonates with the local culture.

Now, let’s explore some of the key features used by Chinese travelers:

  • Comprehensive Travel Booking: Ctrip offers a wide range of travel services, including flights, hotels, train tickets, vacation packages, and rental cars, etc.
  • Collaborations & Partnerships: Ctrip has established strategic partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other travel providers, enriching its offerings and securing competitive deals for customers.
  • Travel Insights & Content: Ctrip provides valuable travel insights, destination guides, and user-generated content to assist travelers in making informed decisions.

 

Branded Content Formats

Ctrip offers various content formats designed to enhance travelers’ decision-making. Moreover, from destination recommendations to inspiring travel stories and timely, engaging campaigns, these formats provide rich, user-friendly information to ensure consumers are equipped with the knowledge needed for unforgettable journeys.


Integration with Other Services

Ctrip offers more than just accommodations and flights. In addition, it includes options for booking local activities, transportation, and comprehensive travel packages. Consequently, tourism brands can integrate their offerings into these packages, expanding their reach.


Integrations with WeChat

WeChat, China’s super-app, opens a world of convenience. First and foremost, this dynamic integration enables seamless booking, preview, and VIP community management options directly through WeChat account. Moreover, through this powerful combination, you can effortlessly manage your travel plans and connect with local services.

🌏 Read How Travel Brands Can Leverage WeChat


The Diverse Ctrip Advertising Industry

Ctrip provides a variety of advertising choices that are adapted to the various requirements of Western destination brands:

  • Displaying a Retargeting Banner
    Targeted advertisements based on consumer purchasing patterns for best results.
  • Integration of Hero Apps:
    Working with affiliated apps to use a variety of channels to reach potential customers (see above for WeChat)
  • Brand placement:
    The deliberate positioning of your brand in front of potential customers as they conduct searches
  • Trip Moments:
    Integration into the Ctrip platform provides chances for branded content and easy engagement.

Engage a Chinese Marketing Agency as a Partner for Success

Collaborating with a Chinese marketing agency is advised if you want to make sure that your Ctrip digital marketing campaign is successful. Additionally, their proficiency in navigating the Chinese online marketing environment and in-depth knowledge of Ctrip’s dynamics can greatly increase the impact of your campaign and maximize leads for your tourism company.

⛴️ Discover more China’s tourism-related articles

Furthermore, embarking on a Ctrip digital marketing journey opens doors to a vast landscape of opportunities in the dynamic Chinese outbound tourism market. The potential is immense. By aligning strategies and leveraging Ctrip’s advanced capabilities, Western travel brands can truly make their mark and resonate with discerning Chinese outbound tourists. For further information, please feel free to contact us at contact@thewechatagency.com to learn more.

 

Exploring New Horizons: Uncovering the Latest Developments in China’s Market

1.Wechat Channel releases the “flash purchase” new function, only to specific categories opened

The Channel has unveiled the conditions for its “flash purchase” service, allowing retailers to facilitate online ordering during live broadcasts for specific users. To activate this feature, merchants must meet certain criteria related to their business category, qualifications, credit, product quality, and sales volume. The flash purchase products must be physical and described fully during live broadcasts, matching the invoice card and product information. Flash sale items can only be sold during live broadcasts, and the sale ends either when the broadcast concludes or when stock is depleted.

Merchants can create flash purchase orders for particular users, which are accessible only to those users. Multiple intended users can also be targeted with flash orders, but the same user can’t have duplicate orders and must create new ones after successful payment.

 

2.Bus rentals become this autumn’s hottest wedding trend

The usual Golden Week marriage boom came as expected this year, but so too did a fresh take on the traditional Chinese wedding custom of 接亲, or “picking up the bride”.

In a down-to-earth spin on the tradition, some young couples teamed up with local transport departments to create a bespoke “wedding bus” experience. In this trend, public buses decked out in DIY wedding decorations carry the wedding party to their venue, instead of the typical suite of austere luxury cars.

The top wedding bus post on the lifestyle-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, which garnered over 20,000 likes. 

With birth and marriage rates sinking lower and lower in China, state-led campaigns to encourage marriage and childrearing have become pervasive and transparent. Trends like wedding buses breathe new life into staid traditions and allow Gen Z and millennials to take ownership of these highly personal life decisions. 

LINK: https://daoinsights.com/news/bus-rentals-become-this-autumns-hottest-wedding-trend/

 

3.Is there a solution to China’s $81 billion ‘daigou’ gray market?

  • With young consumers having grown accustomed to purchasing from daigou, the market is growing at lightning speed. 
  • According to report, “The Daigou Index 2.0,” China’s gray market size is an estimated $81 billion (600 billion RMB), having expanded by over 40 percent since 2019.
  • Daigou can offer tax-free products, which are more affordable than purchases made within China. And even some brands don’t even have counters”.
  • Aspirational middle-class consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending. And as a result, they may prefer to buy products at a discount rate from daigou rather than purchasing directly from the brands.
  • In addition, Chinese Gen Z shoppers are keen on discovering and experimenting with new brands – gray market importers’ ability to access limited-edition or products unavailable in China has made the sector popular among young consumers.

https://jingdaily.com/is-there-a-solution-to-china-81-billion-daigou-gray-market/

 

4.WeChat Luxury Index 2023: How to Connect With 1.3 Billion Consumers?

  • WeChat has evolved into a vital platform for brands to engage and convert Chinese consumers, extending beyond mere communication.
  • WeChat’s various components, like Mini Program, Channels, WeCom, and Official Account, create a seamless customer journey loop. It has evolved into a primary direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel, offering services and information, challenging traditional websites. Brands can accompany customers from acquaintance to purchase, nurturing their private domains on WeChat.
  • WeChat’s open rates for articles have declined, partly due to muted notification settings for Service Accounts and follower disinterest.
  • Brands have adapted content strategies, pushing content less frequently but more focused on ROI.
  • Menu clicks and service-related behaviors have gained prominence, with over 55% of menu engagements being CRM-related.
  • Brands are redirecting efforts and investments to other WeChat assets, but Official Account content remains vital.
  • Brands capture more data through Mini Programs, with 85% of behavioral data collected from them, enhancing consumer profiles and WeChat strategies.

LINK: https://www.luxurysociety.com/en/articles/2023/10/wechat-luxury-index-2023-how-connect-13-billion-consumers

 

 

5. Coca-Cola teams up with Holiland for futuristic AI chocolate

  • Coca-Cola and bakery brand Holiland bring out a new flavour of Holiland’s popular ‘Dandelion Air Chocolate’ truffle.
  • This time they co-created with AI and named Y3000. On Weibo, China’s Twitter-like microblogging platform, ‘#可口可乐 好利来#‘ (#Cocacola Holiland) gained 27 million views, peaking at number 6 on the hot search list.  
  • This collaboration comes after the release of Coca-Cola’s Y3000 Zero Sugar Coke, an AI co-created soda of the future.
  • Holiland has been on a streak of crossovers including Hello Kitty and Rick & Morty
  • Now that AI is playing a bigger role in China’s digital economy, this co-branded chocolate feels like a natural next step for both parties.  

LINK: https://daoinsights.com/news/coca-cola-teams-up-with-holiland-for-futuristic-ai-chocolate/ 

Moutai: An Example of Spectacular Collabs Eyeing Gen Z

Today, we delve into the world of Moutai, a traditional luxury Chinese liquor brand that has gained spectacular virality in the recent weeks. Let us examine its essence, the factors underpinning its lofty status, and recent strategic moves. Moreover, we will look into the latest marketing campaigns and collaborations

 

Unveiling Moutai: A Testament to Tradition and Mastery

Moutai, also known as Maotai, is a distinguished name in the domain of Chinese liquor. Originating from the town of Maotai in Guizhou province, it stands as a symbol of China’s rich heritage of distilled spirits. Its meticulous craftsmanship, utilizing sorghum and wheat, bears testament to centuries of perfected techniques. The result is a globally acclaimed elixir embodying the essence of Chinese culture. Its steadfast dedication to time-honored techniques, while remaining open to contemporary trends, has been pivotal in captivating connoisseurs worldwide. One bottle of Moutai typically costs from 1,499 yuan ($223), to over 16,000 yuan ($2,390) for rare vintages. As it continues to evolve and redefine luxury, Moutai remains a pioneering force in the world of distilled beverages. Not only in China but eyeing global expansion as well. 

 

Moutai: Trendy Collaborations

First Moutai-inspired products started to appear last year with the first ever Moutai Ice Cream shop opened in the lobby of the brand’s headquarter in Guizhou province. After country-wide release, the product has quickly become an internet sensation. The flagship store had sold more than 5,000 Moutai ice-creams in 7 hours, achieving the sales of over RMB 200,000; while via the “iMoutai” APP 40,000 pieces were sold out in 51 minutes, generating a sales record of about 2.5 million yuan.

Moutai Ice Cream

It didn’t take long for another exciting collaboration to hit the market. This time Moutai joined forces with Luckin, another beverage giant famous for its coffees and other beverages. Together, they co-created a new flavor of latte, Moutai Latte which was an instant hit. Hashtags related to Luckin Coffee Real Moutai topped Weibo’s Hot List with hundred millions of views and users’ feed with full of pictures of the product itself or queues to Luckin stores across China. On the launch day, Luckin sold 5.4 million Moutai alcohol-infused lattes in one day topping 100 million yuan ($13.72 million).

A few days later, Moutai consolidated its modern and more approachable image with yet another one collaboration. This time, the brand collaborated with Dove on Moutai-infused chocolate. Again, the hashtag about the collaboration had immediately topped all social platforms’ trending topic lists.

Moutai Luckin Coffee

Successful Pivot Towards Gen Z

The creation of Moutai-inspired products is a strategic move to tap into the young consumer market, who normally have a oldish image towards the strong liquor. At the same time, many foodies including the youngest one might not be able to afford a bottle of spirit. Now, they can literally get a taste of it thanks to these different collaborations. For many of them, it will be their first encounter of the famous alcohol.

Within the last 3 months, Moutai gained more than 25 billions impressions on Chinese social media platforms.

Moutai Impressions 2023

Insights into Moutai: Captivating in its Simplicity

What are the intriguing facets of Moutai that contribute to its allure:

 

  1. Craftsmanship in Every Bottle: Each bottle  is a product of meticulous production processes, reflecting the dedication and artistry of its craftsmen.
  2. Collectible Value: Beyond its function as a beverage, Moutai holds significant collectible value. Rare and limited editions attract attention from collectors and investors, adding a unique dimension to their appeal.
  3. Strategic Collaborations and Limited Editions: The collaboration between Moutai and Luckin Coffee, resulting in alcohol-flavored coffee beverages, ice-creams and chocolates showcases the brand’s adaptability and willingness to explore new avenues.

 

Diversification and Expansion: A Strategic Trajectory

Moutai’s growth extends beyond the realm of distilled liquor. Recent ventures into diversified consumer products like chocolates and ice cream demonstrate strategic diversification, aligning with evolving consumer preferences and expanding its influence. Here’s to Moutai – a brand that epitomizes excellence and continues to enthrall the world with its sophistication and innovation. A toast to the legacy of perfection and the journey of innovation!

Revealing Opportunities: Exploring the Latest Progress in China’s Market

 

1. TikTok’s Chinese sibling, Douyin, has established an independent entrance for its one-hour delivery service within the “marketplace” channel on its homepage

 

  • To compete with industry giant Meituan, the short video platform is increasingly concentrating on local life services.

  • According to information provided by Douyin in May, sales from this channel are expected to account for more than 30% of all revenue in 2022.

  • In August 2022, Shenzhen saw the launch of the quicker on-demand delivery service, which is now available in about 15 domestic cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

  • The within-hour service is provided by retailers themselves or in collaboration with third-party courier platforms, much like Douyin’s food delivery service.

  • Currently, supermarkets with self-delivery options make up the majority of businesses offering faster delivery services to Douyin users. 

LINK: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/q8UiNoKj_pnmq5vuZtezSg

 

 

2. More than 30% of young people claim to have a “easy to grow grass constitution,” according to a report published on Weibo titled “2023 Contemporary Youth brand Consumption Data Insight Report.”

 

  • In the “2023 Contemporary Youth Brand Consumption Data Insight Report,” which Weibo published on October 8, 76.5% of young people claimed that social media is their primary method of contacting brands, and nearly half of them stated that they will learn about various brands’ products on shopping software.

  • The majority identified as “Internet natives.” 34.9% of respondents claimed that they have a “easy to grow grass constitution” and that it is simple for others to use their actions to “pull weeds.” Another 31.2% claimed to be “cosmeticists” and to have no aversion to goods with an exceptionally high level of appearance.

  • In addition, 41.9% of respondents said they would directly support their preferred brand of goods through consumption. Second, 41.5% of respondents said they would advise neighbors to plant grass.

  • Notably, more than half of respondents said they would not choose to purchase from a company whose past actions do not align with their ethical principles.

LINK: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QLynd8v8hnNvf1zsCX5wGQ

 

3. Blackpink’s Lisa ignites controversy on Chinese socials with cabaret performance

 

 

Blackpink’s 26-year-old Lisa (full name Lalisa Manobal), a member of the K-pop girl group, caused a stir with a string of performances at Le Crazy Horse cabaret in Paris last week. The performances sparked a lively online debate in China. 

Social media effects that are viral

On the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, the hashtag “Lisa crazy horse show” (#Lisa) has 180 million views, while the same hashtag on Weibo has 164 million views.  

 

Lost in translation

Women’s freedom, self-sexualization, the male gaze, and feminism were all discussed in China. The choice Lisa made to perform cabaret was praised by some commentators as an example of her artistic freedom.

Other online users expressed concern that Lisa’s provocative performance would have a negative impact on her enormous young fan base. Some went a step further, criticizing her for objectifying herself as a sexual object (as an Asian female) to the Western male gaze. 

 

Celebrity collateral damage

It wasn’t just Lisa who faced backlash on Chinese social media. Netizens, mostly women, accused Chinese actress Angelababy, who was spotted near the premises, of reinforcing gender inequity and the objectification of women. 

Critics claimed that Angelababy’s presence glamorized cabaret as a form of high art due to her sizable Gen Z and Alpha following, potentially distorting ongoing discussions about gender and morality in China.

 

Consumerism and culture: Ambassadorships and brands 

The “she economy” in China is booming as women acquire greater economic and social clout. Numerous industries have been impacted, particularly those that produce luxury, fitness, beauty, home, and pet accessories. However, female empowerment in China is not of the same caliber or develops in the same manner as it does in the West.

While the uproar surrounding her performance provides valuable insights for brands and celebrity ambassadors in China, it is unlikely to significantly dent her personal brand. For less popular celebrities, whose transgressions may be more serious, cultural differences and misunderstandings can result in serious reputational damage. 

And however much society has changed in the past decade or two, China’s approach to gender norms and sexuality is still markedly different from that of the global north.

LINK: https://jingdaily.com/lisa-cabaret-performance-china-react/

 

 

5. China’s e-commerce slows down as celebrities turn to Xiaohongshu for ‘quiet selling.

 

  • This year, quiet selling, a slower-paced, storytelling-focused livestreaming style, has become more popular in China. Gen Z shoppers seek respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
  •  By reading poetry, referring to her viewers as “readers,” and spending nearly six hours introducing 200 products, for instance, Cheung furthered the air of sophistication, culture, and learning. She also described eyeshadow shades with Renaissance allusions.
  •  The number of livestreamers increased 337 percent in 2022 compared to the previous year, and the number of livestreaming sessions increased 214 percent on XHS.
  •  With a softer approach, as suggested by “quiet selling,” XHS is the most genuine platform for customers to find real peer reviews and recommendations.

LINK: https://jingdaily.com/quiet-selling-livestreaming-xiaohongshu-annie-yi/

 

6. Adapting to changing Chinese tastes: Strategies for success in the alcohol industry

 

 

  • To succeed in China’s evolving alcoholic drinks market, businesses are adapting their marketing strategies to align with changing consumer preferences.

  • Brands are emphasizing digitization to connect with consumers where they are. For instance, iMoutai, a direct-to-consumer platform from Moutai, and international spirits and wine groups like Pernod Ricard and Diageo have been investing in digitization efforts.

  • Proactive marketing strategies include leveraging the lunar calendar, creating Chinese-tailored labels, and establishing a presence on platforms like Weibo and Douyin. These efforts are crucial for engaging effectively with Chinese consumers, as exemplified by Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s commitment to the Chinese market and its prestigious selection for King Charles III’s state visit to France.

LINK: https://jingdaily.com/adapting-to-changing-chinese-tastes-strategies-for-success-in-the-alcohol-industry/

Unveiling Prospects: Delving into the Newest Advancements in China’s Market

 

1. Mainland Chinese tourists flock to Hong Kong for first post-Covid National Day holiday, but do not plan to stay long

 

  • Chinese tourists who were asked about their travel plans in the city said they would rely on travel articles posted on the Chinese social media and e-commerce platform Xiaohongshu, which is becoming more and more well-liked among young mainland Chinese people looking for interesting places to visit. 
  • A tourist referred to the impression she had of the city while scrolling through Xiaohongshu and said, “We are looking for a nostalgic feeling in Hong Kong.” 
  • Compared to pre-pandemic levels, travelers were considering shorter trips. Spending by visitors from the Mainland China had also decreased. 
  • The decline was attributed to both China’s economic slowdown and the Yuan’s depreciation, which is the country’s currency. He asserted that he thought spending would pick up once the Yuan gained strength.

LINK:https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/01/mainland-chinese-tourists-flock-to-hong-kong-for-first-post-covid-national-day-holiday-but-do-not-plan-to-stay-long/

 

 

2. RED private message function“Sixintong”

 

 

A professional platform of XiaoHongshu called Sixintong offers features like welcome messages and automatic replies to greatly increase the brand’s marketing and operation efficiency in XiaoHongshu.

  • In order to encourage users to engage in deeper communication, it is possible to edit the relevant greeting so that it is automatically sent when a user sends a private message. Examples of this greeting include a basic introduction to the service or recent promotions and events. 
  • For some high-frequency basic private messages, we can set up menu to encourage users to click, such as phone calls, product inquiries, joining group chats, filling out forms, sending post links, and so on. 
  • Find potential customers in the comments section right away, actively seek out their needs, and help with conversion by doing so. 
  • The initial prerequisite is that there must have been more than 3,000 media purchases made overall over the previous 30 days.

LINK: https://www.niaogebiji.com/article-636629-1.html

3. How brands can best maximiae Chinese apps Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Weibo and Zhihu

 

 

  • Douyin

 

 

The platform with the most monthly active users (MAU) among the four is China’s TikTok Douyin, with 759 million. Short videos that are primarily intended for entertainment make up its content. The majority of internet users spend their free time there looking for both entertaining and educational content.

 

  • Xiaohongshu

 

Users on Xiahongshu are primarily drawn to articles about beauty and fashion. Small- and medium-sized KOLs, KOCs, and KOPs dominate the platform.

 

  • Weibo 

 

For news, announcements, product launches, celebrity endorsements, and apology posts, brands use the Chinese microblogging app Weibo as their official website. Weibo is used by many businesses when launching new products and collaborating with celebrities to gain traction because the platform attracts a sizable following of celebrity fans.

 

  • Zhihu

 

Zhihu is not a social media app like the aforementioned channels; rather, it is a Chinese translation of Yahoo! Answer. When they have questions or doubts about anything, from beauty tips to medical treatments, people look for reliable answers.

LINK:https://jingdaily.com/xiaohongshu-douyin-weibo-zhihu-how-can-brands-best-leverage-these-platforms/

 

4. From Jennie to Zendaya to Fan Bingbing: Chinese and global stars dominate Paris Fashion Week

 

 

  • With Hollywood heavyweights like Zendaya at Louis Vuitton, Pamela Anderson at Vivienne Westwood, Kylie Jenner at Schiaparelli, and Jennie Kim at Chanel all attending, Paris once again demonstrated how global celebrities are a vehicle for visibility across social media.  
  • Also making a splash was Chinese homegrown talent. Following her comeback to the spotlight, actress Fan Bingbing walked the Mugler runway alongside stars like Paris Hilton and Angela Bassett, while domestic babes Angelababy and Dilraba Dilmurat attended shows at Roger Vivier and Dior. 
  • The most effective marketing strategy a designer can use today is getting an A-list celebrity to support your brand, whether they are a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family or the internet’s current “it” person. And the metrics reflect that. 

LINK:https://jingdaily.com/jennie-zendaya-fan-bingbing-chinese-global-stars-paris-fashion-week/ 

 

 

5. China’s ‘Super Golden Week’ breaks records amid mounting economic challenges

 

  • Starting September 29, the eight-day ‘Super Golden Week’ is this year’s most popular holiday.
  • Over 2 billion people moved across regional boundaries in the nation, or 257 million people on average each day.
  • Thailand is expected to become the preferred destination for Chinese outbound tourists (partly due to its visa-free policy), followed closely by South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and the UK.
  • Apps like Fliggy, Ctrip, and Xiaohongshu make it simpler than ever for younger travelers to plan and book travel without using a traditional agent because they cater to their desire for authentic travel experiences.
  • As a way for young people to decompress, temples have also become very popular. 

LINK:https://jingdaily.com/china-super-golden-week-breaks-records-amid-mounting-economic-challenges/

 

 

6. The Daigou Index 2.0 The biggest threat to luxury in the next five years

 

  • The Daigou market in China is thought to be a problem worth $81 billion USD.  
  • Since 2019, the market’s growth is estimated to have exceeded 40%. Professionalization levels have increased, and more platforms have emerged to serve the expanding market.
  • Instead of your typical Chinese international student earning a little extra money on the side, a typical Daigou today is more than likely a large organization with significant purchasing power.  
  • But brands are not always cognizant of the scope and dynamics underlying this segment of the Chinese gray market.

LINK: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/YvJCarTqbyBjyZAN1Pv3mQ