Festivals Archives

From AI to O2O: 7 Key Media Trends in China

June 27, 2025

As the digital media ecosystem in China continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, understanding emerging trends is crucial for brands looking to thrive in this competitive market. Starcom, the media arm of Publicis Groupe, recently released its latest report, “Increased Integration and Depth in China Media Market”, identifying seven pivotal trends that are redefining consumer behavior, content distribution, and brand strategy across platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the most important insights and how brands can prepare.

1. Cross-Platform Integration: Breaking the Walls Down

China’s once siloed internet ecosystem is transforming into a landscape of collaboration. In 2025, we’re witnessing platforms like Tencent and Alibaba opening up to one another: Tencent Games content appears on Douyin, Taobao accepts WeChat Pay, and JD.com integrates Alipay.

For brands, this “horizontal integration” means smoother customer journeys and opportunities to execute truly omnichannel strategies. Cross-platform compatibility also improves user experience, leading to better engagement and conversion rates.

2. AI-Powered Search and Intelligent Interactions

Search is no longer just about users looking for information. With generative AI entering the scene, proactive content delivery and conversational search are reshaping digital marketing. The search engine market in China is expected to surpass RMB 300 billion by 2029, with mobile-based search playing a major role.

Brands must rethink their search marketing by aligning keywords, content, and SEO strategy with evolving AI-driven behaviors across Baidu, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, and other platforms.

3. Online and Offline Synergy: The New O2O Loop

Marketers are rediscovering the power of offline media, especially when amplified by digital interactivity. In 2025, 28.3% of advertisers are increasing their offline ad spend. Campaigns like Xiaohongshu’s user-generated content (UGC) billboards and McDonald’s programmatic subway ads show how to turn physical placements into interactive, trackable experiences.

Successful brands are integrating data capture tools, experience design, and social buzz triggers into their O2O campaigns to drive conversion.

4. Social-Powered Closed-Loop Commerce

Social media platforms are becoming e-commerce ecosystems. Xiaohongshu leads the way with interest-based group chats, offering exclusive promotions, live previews, and direct links to virtual stores. The results are impressive: 2.5x higher repurchase rates and 300x better conversion rates in private domains.

Brands must build community-focused strategies and activate users through content that fuels interaction and loyalty.

5. Value-Driven E-Commerce Over Price Wars

As consumer preferences shift from discounts to experience, platforms like Taobao and JD.com are focusing on enhancing logistics, customer service, and product quality. Features like Taobao’s hourly purchase service and JD.com’s “24-hour delivery in counties and towns” reflect this evolution.

To remain competitive, brands should deliver value through exclusive products, flexible services, and premium experiences instead of relying solely on low prices.

6. Diverse Content Channels: From Podcasts to Micro-Dramas

China’s content landscape is rapidly diversifying. Podcasts now reach over 220 million users, with 71.6% influenced to make purchases. Meanwhile, micro-drama users account for more than half of the internet population, with the market expected to grow 35% year-on-year to reach RMB 50.44 billion.

Brands need to leverage these formats to tell compelling stories, connect with niche audiences, and reinforce product relevance in immersive, culturally attuned ways.

7. AI’s Expanding Role Across the Funnel

AI is no longer a backend tool; it’s front and center. From predictive CRM and personalized content generation to dynamic bidding and campaign automation, AI is transforming the entire marketing stack. China is also exploring frontier technologies like brain-computer interface advertising.

Brands must embrace AI to improve media planning, content production, customer segmentation, and real-time campaign optimization.

Conclusion: Be Adaptive, Be Integrated, Be Smart

In today’s media landscape, success is no longer about mastering one channel or trend. It’s about understanding how technology, platforms, and content work together to shape consumer expectations.

By staying ahead of these seven trends, brands can craft adaptive, AI-enhanced, and experience-driven strategies that resonate in the ever-shifting Chinese digital ecosystem.

Need help navigating China’s evolving media landscape? Contact our team to explore how we can localize your strategy, enhance your platform presence, and drive smarter, performance-driven campaigns tailored to the China market.

You may also like

9 Proven Strategies for Foreign Brands to Succeed on RedNote

May 16, 2025

RedNote (Xiaohongshu) has become a crucial platform for lifestyle-focused social commerce in China. With a strong base of Gen Z and millennial users, RedNote offers foreign brands a powerful entry point—if content is executed well.

Examples of Galeries Lafayette’s official RedNote (Xiaohongshu) account content, including branded posts, influencer videos, product promotions, and CNY marketing campaigns

Here are 9 proven strategies that help brands stand out, gain traction, and convert consumers on RedNote.

1. Choosing the Right Visual Elements

High-quality visuals are essential to gain attention on RedNote, especially on a platform rooted in shopping discovery. Authentic product photos—especially those that look like they’re taken by users—outperform overly commercial images.

Your cover image heavily influences click-through rates, and user-generated-style visuals tend to generate better engagement and higher conversions.

2. Localize Your Content

Translation alone won’t help your brand stand out. With over 56% of brands on RedNote being local, cultural alignment is key.

Foreign brands need to adapt messaging and visuals to Chinese tastes, participate in local events, and ensure language is in simplified Chinese with relevant slang and expressions. Professional translation is highly recommended over free tools.

3. Implement a Solid Influencer Marketing Strategy

Influencers remain central to social commerce in China. However, the shift is moving toward KOCs (Key Opinion Consumers) and Micro-KOLs, who offer more authentic and relatable content.

Use platforms like:

Pugongying – RedNote’s official KOL marketplace
Qiangua – A third-party tool offering in-depth analytics and price estimates

These tools help identify the right influencer partnerships based on engagement, niche, and audience fit.

4. Launch a Brand Promotion Through Ads

While organic content drives trust, paid content helps reach niche audiences. RedNote offers formats such as:

Paid KOL collaborations
In-feed/native ads
Search ads (placing your brand in top search results for relevant keywords)

Combining organic and paid tactics is essential for visibility and conversion.

5. Optimize for RedNote’s Social Search Function

RedNote users now skip traditional search engines and look directly within the app for product recommendations.

To appear in these results, your content must be keyword-optimized—using trending search terms in titles, captions, and hashtags. Conduct research on term popularity and search volume within your niche.

6. Long vs. Short Content

Brand accounts generally perform better with longer, keyword-rich content (about 500 characters), while individual influencers might gain engagement with just emojis.

Use a blend of rich descriptions and emojis for better readability and stronger reach through RedNote’s search algorithm.

7. Generate Traffic Through Lucky Draws

RedNote offers a built-in feature for lucky draws, where users follow, like, or bookmark to enter.

These campaigns attract initial attention—even from freebie seekers—but can go viral and lead to brand discovery by more qualified leads. Sephora is one success case, generating 1,000+ engagements with a lucky draw.

8. Utilize RedNote’s Live-streaming Features

Live commerce is rising fast on RedNote. Though platforms like Taobao and Douyin lead the category, RedNote is gaining momentum, particularly in beauty, food, and maternal product categories.

During the Spring Festival, the platform hit 198M RMB in sales via livestreams, with users valuing both interactivity and authenticity in real-time product showcases.

9. Participate in E-Commerce Shopping Festivals

Leverage China’s e-commerce calendar—especially events like:

Lunar New Year
National Day
Women’s Day (key on RedNote due to its largely female base)
RED Friday – RedNote’s version of Black Friday, from late November through early December

Participation in these events can significantly boost visibility and sales when paired with strategic promotions.

Final Takeaway

RedNote is more than a content-sharing platform—it’s a full social commerce ecosystem. For foreign brands, understanding and leveraging these 9 strategies is critical to building relevance and success in China’s competitive digital space.

Want to localize your RedNote strategy with confidence? Contact us today to build a plan that drives content, community, and commerce.

You may also like

How to Market to Affluent Chinese Female Travelers Using RedNote

March 14, 2025

With China’s outbound travel sector rapidly rebounding, affluent Chinese female travelers are emerging as a key consumer segment. These high-spending tourists prioritize premium experiences, luxury accommodations, and unique cultural activities. For brands looking to attract this audience, Xiaohongshu (REDNOTE) has become an essential marketing platform.

Why Xiaohongshu Matters for Affluent Chinese Travelers

Xiaohongshu is a hybrid between a social media platform and an e-commerce site, where users share travel experiences, lifestyle tips, and product recommendations. With over 70% of its users being female, Xiaohongshu is the go-to platform for affluent Chinese women planning their international trips.

Consumer Profile: Who Are Affluent Chinese Female Travelers?

Age Group: Typically between 25-45 years old
Income Level: High-income professionals, entrepreneurs, and luxury shoppers
Travel Style: Preference for luxury hotels, private tours, and high-end shopping
Decision-Making: Rely on user-generated content (UGC), influencer reviews, and community recommendations

Top Travel Trends Among Wealthy Chinese Female Tourists

Luxury & Boutique Hotels – They prefer unique, high-end accommodations over mainstream options.
Wellness & Adventure Travel – Activities like skiing, spa retreats, and cultural immersion experiences are in demand.
Shopping Tourism – Designer boutiques, tax-free shopping, and VIP experiences attract these travelers.
Food & Wine Experiences – Michelin-starred dining and exclusive wine-tasting tours are highly valued.

Marketing Strategies for Xiaohongshu

1. Partner with Travel & Luxury KOLs

Work with travel influencers who specialize in high-end experiences.
Ensure the content feels authentic and experience-driven.

2. Leverage UGC and Community Reviews

Encourage satisfied travelers to share posts and reviews.
Utilize branded hashtags and challenges to boost engagement.

3. Optimize Content for Search & Discovery

Use trending keywords like “luxury travel,” “boutique hotel,” and “exclusive experience.”
Ensure posts include high-quality visuals, engaging storytelling, and actionable travel tips.

4. Run Targeted Xiaohongshu Ads

Utilize precise audience targeting to reach high-net-worth individuals.
Focus on interest-based placements related to travel, luxury, and lifestyle.

If you’re looking to attract high-spending Chinese travelers and maximize your brand’s impact on Xiaohongshu, we can help! Our team specializes in Chinese digital marketing, content creation, influencer collaborations and media buying to help you connect with the right audience.

You may also like

Mastering Seasonal Marketing: 6 Trends to Watch in 2025

March 1, 2025

As 2025 unfolds, brands are redefining their marketing strategies to align with evolving consumer behaviors and cultural shifts. From leveraging seasonal changes to embracing emotional marketing, the key to success lies in crafting authentic connections with audiences. Here are six emerging trends that will shape marketing strategies in the coming year:

1. Four Seasons, New Ideas: A Year-Round Opportunity for Product Launches

Seasonality is no longer just about holiday marketing. Brands are increasingly tying product releases to the emotions and experiences associated with each season, creating year-round engagement opportunities. Whether it’s fresh spring launches, summer exclusives, cozy fall collections, or winter holiday specials, brands can use these shifts to capture attention and boost sales.

Actionable Tip: Develop seasonal content that showcases your product’s unique features in the context of changing seasons. Limited-time products and collaborations can add urgency and excitement to your campaigns.

2. Gifting and Co-Branding: The Power of Collaborations

The art of gifting is being redefined by strategic collaborations. Brands are teaming up with influencers, artists, and even other brands to create exclusive, co-branded gift collections. These limited-edition partnerships generate buzz and drive consumer interest, especially during peak gifting seasons.

Actionable Tip: Seek partnerships that complement your brand’s identity. Collaborating on special edition products or campaigns can increase brand visibility and attract new customers.

3. Opening “Her” Narrative: Empowering Women through Storytelling

Brands are moving toward more inclusive storytelling, particularly in narratives centered around women’s empowerment. From body positivity campaigns to mental health advocacy, brands that authentically champion women’s causes can foster deeper connections with their audience. International Women’s Day 2025 will be a key moment to highlight such commitments.

Actionable Tip: Align your brand’s storytelling with genuine causes that matter to your audience. Ensure that your marketing efforts around women-centric themes are authentic, inclusive, and impactful.

4. Young People’s Mental Wellness: A Focus on Emotional Marketing

Mental wellness is becoming a core focus for brands targeting younger audiences. With increased stress levels among Gen Z and Millennials, companies are integrating mental wellness themes into their marketing strategies. Campaigns that promote self-care, mindfulness, and stress relief resonate deeply with young consumers.

Actionable Tip: Create content that supports emotional well-being, such as stress-relief tips or self-care routines. Engaging with this trend can strengthen your brand’s emotional connection with consumers.

5. “New Chinese Style” Festivals: Blending Tradition with Modernity

Chinese cultural festivals like Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival remain pivotal marketing moments. However, the trend of “New Chinese Style” is emerging, where brands merge traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics. This approach allows brands to engage younger consumers while celebrating cultural heritage in a modern way.

Actionable Tip: Incorporate traditional symbols and local artistry into your holiday campaigns, but present them through a modern, visually appealing lens. Collaborate with local creators to enhance authenticity.

6. Evolving Marketing Nodes: Deepening Brand Connections

Brands are moving beyond one-off holiday campaigns to create long-lasting engagement strategies. This includes:

Deepening Brand-Specific Nodes: Brands are amplifying key themes and emotions throughout the year rather than limiting marketing efforts to a single event.
Creating Brand-Specific “Content Festivals”: Instead of relying solely on traditional holidays, some brands are establishing their own content-driven “festivals” to maintain audience engagement year-round.

Actionable Tip: Develop a long-term content strategy that integrates storytelling with emotional engagement. Whether through continuous themed campaigns or brand-created “content festivals,” sustaining engagement beyond seasonal peaks can create stronger brand loyalty.

Final Thoughts

As consumer expectations shift, successful brands in 2025 will be those that adapt to these emerging trends while maintaining authenticity. From seasonal marketing to emotional storytelling, these strategies can help brands foster deeper, more meaningful connections with their audience.

Want to elevate your seasonal marketing strategy and make a lasting impact? Our team is here to help. Contact us todayto explore how we can tailor innovative marketing campaigns for your brand.

You may also like

Strategic Marketing in China: Your Roadmap for Success in 2024

January 11, 2024

As last year, we bring you a comprehensive guide to the major festivals and e-commerce events that brands should be aware of in the coming year of the Dragon. From the Chinese New Year, also known as the “Spring Festival,” to Singles’ Day and the Double 11 Shopping Festival, we will explore the significance, traditions, and opportunities of these events. This will help brands better understand and connect with the Chinese consumer and tailor their marketing campaigns to align with the values and interests of their target audience. Meanwhile, feel free to refer to this article to plan your 2024 marketing calendar accordingly!

Chinese Marketing Calendar

January

January 1: New Year

The International New Year is becoming increasingly popular among young people in China. The celebrations are similar to those in Western countries. It is important for brands to understand the cultural context and tailor their campaigns accordingly for better sales and engagement.

February

February 10-17: Spring Festival / Lunar New Year (春节 / chūn jié)

The Chinese or Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar. This year the new year of the Dragon falls on February 10.

During this time, people travel home to be with their families, exchange gifts and participate in traditional activities such as lion and dragon dances. This is a great opportunity for brands to launch new products, offer special promotions, and create festive campaigns to connect with consumers.

🧨 Discover some of the coolest ideas on how to connect with your Chinese audience during CNY

🧧 Creating Your Own Red Packet Cover On WeChat—The Ultimate Guide

February 14: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially with younger audiences. On Valentine’s Day, people in China exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and jewelry.

Brands can take advantage of this by promoting these types of products as Valentine’s Day gifts. Additionally, restaurants and hotels can offer special Valentine’s Day packages, such as romantic dinners or weekend getaways.

February 24: Lantern Festival (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié)

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which is usually in February. This year it falls on February 24th.

This festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and it is a time for people to gather and watch lantern displays, solve riddles, and eat sweet glutinous rice balls. Brands can create special campaigns and promotions to align with the festival’s theme of luck and prosperity.

March

March 8: Women’s Day (三八节 / sānbā jié)

International Women’s Day, which is celebrated on March 8th, is an important event in China. On this day, many Chinese brands and companies run promotions and special deals to attract female consumers.

Additionally, there are often events and gatherings held to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in society.

March 21: Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox, which marks the start of spring in China, is a time for celebrating renewal and growth.

It is traditional for Chinese people to mark the occasion by participating in various customs and rituals, such as cleaning their homes, decorating with new flowers, and eating special foods. Many brands take advantage of the holiday season to promote their products and services.

April

April 5: Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节 / qīngmíng jié)

Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival or Pure Brightness Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that takes place on the 4th or 5th of April each year. On this day, people pay their respects to their ancestors by visiting graves, cleaning and maintaining gravesites, and making offerings of food, flowers, and incense.

Normally, brands don’t publish dedicated greetings for the Qingming festival.

May

May 1: Labour Day

International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday in China that is celebrated on the first day of the month. It is a day to honor the contributions and sacrifices of workers and is typically marked by parades, speeches, and other public events.

We recommend preparing a dedicated greeting especially if you are in the B2B industry. For example, you can refer to Procter & Gamble Chemicals greeting:

May 1 Greetings

May 4: Youth Day

Youth Day in China is a public holiday celebrated on May 4th, marking the student-led protests of 1919, the birth of Chinese nationalism, and the emergence of the Chinese Communist Party.

During this period, marketing campaigns use slogans, messages, or visuals that resonate with young people, and brands also launch promotional offers and discounts.

May 12: Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day in China falls on on the second Sunday of May each year, and it is an occasion to honor mothers and motherhood. Family members often give gifts and express their appreciation for the love and care of their mothers.

For example, retailers may offer special deals on items such as flowers, jewelry, and clothing, food and beverage companies may launch special deals or limited-edition products

May 20: 520 Valentine’s Day

“520” is a slang term in China referring to May 20th, as the numerals “5” and “20” sound similar to the Chinese phrase “I love you”. Some people in China use the occasion of 520 to express their feelings of love and affection, similar to how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in other parts of the world.

520 is becoming a trend in China, especially among the young generation, they would use this day to celebrate their love, such as giving gifts, flowers, and chocolates, and planning romantic activities with their partners

June

June 1: Children’s Day

Children’s Day is celebrated on June 1st in China to honor children and promote their well-being. Activities such as parades, sports events, and cultural performances are organized by schools and local governments.

Companies and organizations also run campaigns to promote children’s rights, education, and health, including charitable donations and free or discounted admission to children’s attractions

June 10: Dragon Boat Day (端午节 / duān wǔ jié)

The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually in June. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the ancient poet Qu Yuan, who is said to have drowned himself in a river.

During the festival, people in China typically participate in dragon boat races, eat zongzi (a traditional glutinous rice dumpling wrapped in bamboo leaves), and hang mugwort and calamus to ward off evil spirits.

Brands tend to market during this period by promoting traditional Chinese culture and history, they are usually looking to capitalize on the festive atmosphere and appeal to the emotions of the customers.

🐲 Capturing the Spirit: How Brands Can Harness the Dragon Boat Festival for Effective Marketing

June 16: Father’s Day

Father’s Day is not an official holiday in China, but it has been increasingly popular in recent years, especially among young people. Many Chinese people choose to celebrate Father’s Day by giving gifts, such as clothing, watches, and electronics, to their fathers.

Sales and promotions, special gift sets, and emotional campaigns encourage customers to share stories on social media.

🚲 See the campaign we prepared for Father’s Day together with Montagut

June 18: 618 Shopping Festival

618 is another shopping festival created by JD.com. The date of the festival is the anniversary of the launch of the JD platform by Liu Qiangdong. However, in recent years, it’s slightly losing momentum with consumer sales fatigue.

July

July 6: Minor Heat (小暑)

The eleventh solar term of the year, known as Minor Heat, starts on July 7 of this year. Minor heat warns of the impending hottest time, but the extreme heat point has not yet materialized.

Farmers focus on field maintenance during the minor heat. Currently, crops like mung beans, kidney beans, peanuts, and others are growing. People water these crops and take precautions against harmful insects.

August

August 7: Start of Autumn

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Chinese autumn, the 13th solar term of the year, begins on August 8 and ends on August 22 this year.

The start of autumn reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The fruitful season is approaching.

August 10: Qixi Valentine’s Day (七夕节 / qī xī)

Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Chinese calendar. The festival has a history of over 2,000 years. It’s related to the romantic legend of two lovers, the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.

A lot of couples go on romantic getaways and exchange gifts. Chinese companies actively market their goods during the Qixi Festival by emphasizing themes of romance and love. For example, jewelry, flowers, and chocolates are popular gifts.

💕 Discover what Qixi is and what kind of activation you can prepare

September

September 10: Teachers’ Day

In China, Teacher’s Day is a significant holiday. Students all over the country honor their teachers by giving them flower bouquets, cards, paintings, or performances of songs and dances.

In all Chinese schools, in mainland China and abroad, teachers’ day will be celebrated through meetings, ceremonies, and speeches.

September 17: Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节 / zhōngqiū jié)

The Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Chinese celebrate this festival with family reunions, lanterns, and mooncakes.

Brands in China use the Mid-Autumn Festival for marketing, with campaigns featuring mooncakes, lanterns, and family themes. Some brands collaborate with celebrities for added appeal.

🥮 Have and eat your (moon) cake – what is Mid-Autumn Festival and Why You Should Pay Attention

October

October 1 – 6: National Day / Golden Week (国庆节 / guóqìng jié)

National Day in China is celebrated on October 1st to commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The holiday is marked by a grand military parade in Beijing and large-scale celebrations throughout the country, including fireworks displays and cultural performances

We recommend preparing a suitable greeting for your Chinese socials.

October 11: Double Ninth Day

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

People celebrate this festival by climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and eating zongzi, which is a traditional rice dumpling.

Chinese traditionally believed that these activities will help prevent disease and prolong life. The holiday has also become a time for family reunions and honoring one’s ancestors.

November

November 11: Double 11 (双十一 / shuāng shíyī)

Double Eleven, also known as “Singles’ Day,” The holiday began as an informal observance for single people but has since grown to become the world’s largest e-commerce shopping event.

All retailers in China, such as Alibaba’s Tmall and JD.com, offer significant discounts and promotions on this day.

11/11 has become widely popular to buy all kinds of goods, from electronic devices to clothes and household items. The sale has also become a global phenomenon, with many international brands taking part.

🛍 Read how the Singles Day is Evolving in Recent Years and Why Discounts Won’t Work Anymore

November 28: Thanksgiving

Firstly, Thanksgiving is not an official holiday in China. It is not a traditional holiday, but some expatriate communities and international schools celebrate it. In addition, many western-style supermarkets and restaurants in major cities will have Thanksgiving meal options for those looking to celebrate.

December

December 12: Double 12

Double 12 is an online shopping festival in China, similar to Cyber Monday in the United States. The event was popularized by e-commerce giant JD.com as an event to counter and compete with Singles Day (November 11th).

As a result, it’s now the second-largest shopping festival in China. During the event, retailers offer large discounts and promotions to customers, and it’s a major day for consumers to purchase all kinds of goods.

December 21: Winter Solstice (冬至)

The winter solstice, or “Dongzhi” in China, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is a time for balancing yin and yang energy through foods like glutinous rice balls.

Families gather to celebrate and honor ancestors. Chinese also practice traditional customs such as staying up late, eating glutinous rice, and offering sacrifices to the kitchen god.

December 24 – 25: Christmas

Christmas is often celebrated in a more commercial and westernized way, with the exchange of gifts and the decorating of Christmas trees. Despite the fact that some Chinese Christian communities across the country celebrate Christmas with church services and family gatherings, it’s safe to assume that currently, Christmas is a purely commercial holiday.

🎄 Check how Christmas Evolved in the Recent Years

In big cities, there are Christmas markets, shopping malls, and department stores holding Christmas-themed events and decorations.

🎅 Don’t Forget to Check Our Review of The Most Interesting Christmas Campaigns This Year and Save it for Later

In conclusion, a marketing calendar is a powerful weapon in the arsenal of any business looking to make a splash in the dynamic and fast-paced Chinese market. Therefore businesses should stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on the enormous opportunities that China has to offer by effectively planning and executing their marketing campaigns.

If you want to know more about marketing practices in China, please contact our team. We use our knowledge and expertise to help businesses build meaningful partnerships and develop their networks among Chinese customers. For additional information, please contact us at contact@thewechatagency.com

You may also like

Capturing the Spirit: How Brands Can Harness the Dragon Boat Festival for Effective Marketing

June 20, 2023

The Dragon Boat Festival is a traditional Chinese holiday that occurs on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, which corresponds to late May or early June on the Gregorian calendar. This year the festival falls on June 22.

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the four most important traditional Chinese festivals, along with the Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Qixi festival and Mid-Autumn Festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a time for Chinese people to honor their cultural heritage, pay homage to Qu Yuan, strengthen community bonds through dragon boat races, and enjoy traditional food and customs. Qu Yuan? Who is that? Let’s dive deeper…

🏮 Learn more about Chinese festivals and how internationals brands can prepare

Why is the Dragon Boat Festival celebrated?

The Dragon Boat Festival has multiple origins and legends associated with it, but the most well-known story is that of Qu Yuan, a famous poet and statesman from ancient China.

Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States period and was famous for his patriotism. When his state was conquered, he drowned himself in the Miluo River as an act of despair and protest against corruption.

The local people admired him and raced their boats in an attempt to rescue him or retrieve his body. They also threw rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves into the river to prevent fish from eating his body.

Today, the Dragon Boat Festival is primarily celebrated through dragon boat races, where teams of rowers paddle in long, narrow boats decorated like dragons. These races take place on rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.

Rhythmic beat of drums and the cheering of spectators accompany boats. The races symbolize the attempts to save Qu Yuan and commemorate his sacrifice.

Dragon Boat Races © Unsplash

📅 Explore our ultimate China marketing calendar for 2023

Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and have a long history. Chinese celebrate them with a variety of traditional activities and foods. These days are occasions for people to gather with friends and family. Check some of the main similarities in the ways that locals celebrate both festivals.

Gift Giving: Both festivals are associated with the exchange of gifts. In particular, mooncakes are a traditional gift for the Mid-Autumn Festival, while zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are the must during the Dragon Boat Festival. Many brands create special gift sets or promotions around these traditional foods.

Zongzi – Starbuck’s Limited Edition

Social Media Campaigns: Brands often run social media campaigns to engage with consumers around both festivals. For example, they might create special filters, stickers, or mini-programs on WeChat or other social media platforms. They may also run contests or promotions that encourage consumers to share their festival experiences on social media.

Sales Promotions: Both festivals are also occasions for brands to offer special discounts or promotions to drive sales. For example, they may offer discounts on mooncakes or zongzi, or create limited edition products that are only available for a limited time.

Brand Storytelling: Brands may use these festivals as an opportunity to tell stories that align with their brand values or message. For example, they may highlight the importance of family, tradition, or community in their marketing campaigns.

Key Differences in Communication

While there are some similarities in marketing communication between the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival in China. However naturally there are also some important differences and nuances to consider. Here are a few examples:

Themes: Firstly, the themes of the two festivals are different, and brands need to tailor their marketing communication accordingly. The Mid-Autumn Festival brings to mind the themes of reunion, harmony, and gratitude. In contrast, the Dragon Boat Festival makes people think of courage, teamwork, and patriotism.

Products: Secondly, the traditional foods popular during these two festivals are different, which can impact the types of products that brands offer. Mooncakes are the traditional food for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and brands often create special mooncake gift sets or offer discounts on mooncakes during the festival. For the Dragon Boat Festival, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) are the traditional food, and brands may offer promotions or discounts on zongzi, or create festival-themed zongzi packaging.

Timing: The timing of the two festivals is different, with the Mid-Autumn Festival falling on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, while the Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. This can impact the length of marketing campaigns and the timing of promotions.

Consumer Preferences: Consumer preferences may differ for the two festivals, which can impact marketing communication. For example, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, consumers may be more interested in high-end, luxury mooncakes, while during the Dragon Boat Festival, consumers may be more interested in affordable zongzi options.

🥮 Discover more about the roots of Mid-Autumn Festival and How Brands Celebrate It

Marketing with the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is an excellent opportunity to connect with and build relationships with your followers/customers. One way is to create a limited period gift or product linked to the festival. Starbucks is a good example; if you buy a certain amount of Zongzi, you can get a gift bag.

Another example is Li-Ning’s Dragon Boat Festival offer. Li-Ning, one of China’s leading sportswear brands, has refashioned its classic lifestyle sneakers, ‘001 Unblock’ into a “zongzi”. Their themed edition replicated features of zongzi (see above) in honor of the special occasion.

Li Ning 001 Unblock Dragon Boat Festival

Conclusion

The Dragon Boat Festival in China presents a unique and exciting opportunity for brands to connect with their target audience. However, it is crucial for brands to tailor their marketing communication. Consider the themes, products, timing, and consumer preferences associated with the Dragon Boat Festival.

If you want to know more about the Chinese market, contact our team. We use our knowledge and expertise to help businesses build meaningful partnerships and develop their networks among Chinese customers. For additional information, please contact us at contact@thewechatagency.com.

You may also like

Unlocking the Power of 520 Day: How Brands are Capitalizing on China’s Love Celebration

May 18, 2023

You might know Valentine’s Day, but what if we told you that there’s another love day in China, where people celebrate love by sharing gifts with their loved ones? Yes, it’s ”520 Day”. China has more romantic holidays than most nations, with Valentine’s Day falling on February 14, 520 Day falling on May 20, and the Qixi Festival falling on August 22 this year.

You should be aware of 520 Day if you sell gifts such as jewelry, watches, handbags, or even automobiles. Valentine’s Day might not be a big deal in China. Instead, that happens most often on May 20 also called 520. Because it’s a consumer-focused holiday with a significant online component and gift-giving as a core element, it’s crucial for retailers to be aware of it.

Let’s get to know more about 520 days and how marketers can take advantage of them.

What is 520 in China?

Chinese users began using the term “520” online to shorten the phrase “I love you,” much like English speakers do with “ILY” or “ILU,” which is how 520 Day got its start. This is because when spoken in Mandarin, the phrase “I love you” (wǒ ài nǐ) sounds very similar to 520 (wǔ èr líng).

In China, it is not a recognized public holiday. However, on this special Day, restaurants and movie theaters are much more crowded and expensive in the evening. Also contrary to Qixi festival which is deeply rooter in Chinese tradition, ‘520’ is a purely commercial holiday coined only in recent years. It doesn’t take any of its allure and fun!

💕 Why should brands include Qixi, the Chinese Valentine’s Day, in their marketing strategies?

Is February 14 not so important anymore?

Valentine’s Day this year appears to be less busy than in years past. Big luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, and Balenciaga didn’t launch any related initiatives in China. Social media platform Xiaohongshu recorded only around 50,000 posts mentioning “Valentine’s Day 2023” as of February 13, slightly fewer than the same period last year.

The general public does celebrate Valentine’s Day even though the holiday’s origins don’t have much cultural resonance with local shoppers. However according to a Chinese survey, people prefer traditional Chinese romantic celebrations like the Qixi Festival and 520 Day to Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is unlikely to gain popularity in China as consumers turn toward their own cultural heritage and brands prefer to leverage guochao in their marketing communication.

This dynamic explains why high-end businesses have made marketing around more regional events a top priority. For the following significant romantic festival, 520 Day, luxury players will probably go all-out.

How are the other brands doing it?

Balenciaga 5:20 video game hall

Last year, Balenciaga launched a campaign that featured a number of charitable endeavors and limited editions, all of which were offered on their official website and in physical stores. One standout was the “5:20 Video Game Hall,” a virtual arcade with pixel art and a lifelike soundscape that is currently available on the company’s WeChat channel until May 20. Alongside this, WeChat memes and 520-only profile pictures were made available for free download.

This year, the brand prepared a range of 520-exclusive products such as T-shirts and other accessories. These can be decorated using included garment marker. There is also a beloved gaming component but this time users become farmers growing virtual crops using regenerative agricultural techniques.

🎮Female Gaming – One of China’s Most Promising Trends

Balenciaga 520 Campaign China

Saint Laurent’s Tmall Super Brand Day

Since the beginning of its campaign on April 30 in conjunction with Tmall Super Brand Day, French luxury fashion house Yves Saint Laurent has amassed hundreds of millions of cumulative exposures online.

The pink version of its Kate bag line was first introduced during the campaign. The color symbolizes love.

Saint Laurent has created an interactive 3D experience that enables customers to try on the various styles in an immersive setting. In addition to enlisting the help of celebrities and KOLs on social media.

Special 520 products from Bvlgari

On May 1, Bvlgari launched a campaign to promote its 520 products, and to do so, it used Weibo’s pop-up advertisements to introduce Wu Lei as its 520 campaign spokesperson.

The first 1000 customers who spend more than 20,000 RMB between April 20 and May 20 will receive special 520 stickers. The first 300 customers who order 520 items online will also receive a special festival-related stamp in the mail.

Tiffany’s limited edition ruby necklace – “Blue is the Color of Love”

Tiffany presented a limited edition Tiffany Hardwear necklace set with rubies to commemorate Valentine’s Day this year. Olympic gold medalist and model Eileen Gu was the face of the luxury jeweler’s advertising campaign.

Gu’s support for this cause has increased its social media engagement: as of publication, the campaign hashtags #ElieenGuTiffanytheColorofLove and #ElieenGuColorson on Weibo had amassed a combined viewership of 230 million, a sizable number for a commercial ad.

With comments like “mysterious,” “high-end,” and “gorgeous,” 99 million people have viewed Tiffany’s iconic blue box.

Tiffany 520 Campaign China Eileen Gu

“V” for love from Valentino

The Valentino Garavani 520 Mini Loc handbag campaign featured the letter “v” from the word “love” concealed inside the iconic logo of the accessory.

The theme of the campaign was that love is a special declaration between two people. Along with this storytelling, the celebrity partnerships for the campaign received overwhelmingly positive reviews from online users.

One of the top 3 trending topics on Weibo on May 10 was the hashtag #LayZhangJessicaJung, which received 100 million views in a single day.

Maison Margiela’s “I love” twist locker

Margiela introduced Aa New Lock handbag exclusively in China. The piece made its debut in Maison Margiela’s Avant-Premiere Spring-Summer 2022 collection, embellished with pistachio green leather and an “I love” twist locker.

Multiple sets of character strings with associations to love can be found in the accessory’s twist locker’s special edition. When the bag is locked, the phrase “I love” is visible; when it is unlocked, a number of options are available, including “You,” “The Earth,” “My Cat,” and “Maison Margiela.”

Prada: Mathematics of Love

One of the first high-end companies to launch its 520 campaign in China was Prada. The “Mathematics of Love” campaign examines love in the context of the post-pandemic era. It defines love as both universal and particular, timeless yet also linked to the present.

A special selection of 520 products are available through a WeChat pop-up shop.

Louis Vuitton: Treasure Hunt

Louis Vuitton released a 90-second short film on May 12 to commemorate 520 Day. The film shows a treasure hunt on the company’s monogram handbags led by the actress Song Jia and livestreamer Li Jiaqi.

Li’s on-screen persona is unusual for Louis Vuitton, which has traditionally favored celebrities with sizable fan bases; however, his endorsement seems to have greatly impressed netizens, as his Weibo campaign post garnered over 4.2 million views.

Diesel Taps Collectible

Diesel and Dolores, a company known for its collectible toys, worked together to produce 520 Valentine’s Day figurines this year.

The art toys come in three colorways: neon pink, neon green, and neon yellow. They feature Diesel’s Spring 2023 collection and its best-selling 1DR handbags.

DIESEL 520 Campaign China

📅 Discover our China’s 2023 Marketing Calendar

Conclusion

Referencing well-known Chinese holidays or launching specific promotions can be a very effective way to engage customers. However, it’s equally crucial to ensure your messaging and imagery are culturally sensitive. Do not rely on stereotypes, or you run the risk of gravely offending your audience.

If you want to know more about the Chinese market and how we can help your business, contact our team. We use our knowledge and expertise to help businesses build meaningful partnerships and develop their networks among Chinese customers. For additional information, please contact us at contact@thewechatagency.com.

You may also like

Marketing to Women Empowerment: A Chinese Perspective on International Women’s Day

March 7, 2023

Every year on March 8, people celebrate International Women’s Day to honor women’s achievements and raise awareness of gender inequality. The first International Women’s Day was observed on March 19, 1911, in a number of European nations. Now, Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world now, and China is no exception.

Let’s see how people in China celebrate Women’s Day and how it impacts the Chinese market.

Women’s Day in China

International Women’s Day (IWD) has gained popularity in China due to the extreme transformation of the position of women in Chinese society compared to their traditional societal roles of limited independence and work options.

In 1949, IWD was declared an official holiday in China, and new laws were passed to give women greater control over their lives, combating old ideas of male superiority. As a result, women gained greater independence, education, and political representation, leading to their recognition as vital contributors to Chinese society. IWD is now celebrated widely across China to recognize and further promote women’s progress in society.

📆 Explore the full 2022 Marketing Calendar

How is IWD celebrated in China?

Chinese companies offer benefits to female employees on International Women’s Day (IWD), including time off, flowers and small gifts. Women, companies, and social organizations use the day to raise awareness about issues affecting women, such as sexual harassment, mental health, and discrimination.

China also celebrates Women’s Day by giving women numerous product discounts on and around this day.

The self-care theme is heavily marketed on Women’s Day. It is one of the major factors contributing to the enormous sales that are generated on this day every year. With slogans such as ‘Treat yourself’ or ‘Happy Goddess Day’, brands want to inspire purchases. However, there are more and more voices contending that IWD shouldn’t turn into just another shopping holiday. Instead, it should concentrate on addressing issues of health, safety, and domestic violence, which are still major issues in China.

How International Women’s Day affects the Chinese market

In China, women are in charge of more than 70% of household purchases, including those for luxury goods, everyday items, and online shopping, according to a report by Alibaba.

China now boasts the third-largest female consumer market in the world, behind the US and Japan. Women’s rising purchasing power is one of the major factors contributing to China’s economy. Sheconomy will play an even more important role in the coming years. Therefore companies increasingly emphasize the value of appealing to female customers.

For e-commerce platforms, International Women’s Day is a significant marketing occasion because it coincides with the introduction of fresh spring products with the “3.8 Festival.” E-commerce platforms can use the 3.8 Festival as an opportunity to market to women by providing exclusive discounts and promotions on goods that are catered to their interests and needs.

Aa growing number of Chinese women choose a single lifestyle over marriage, particularly millennials and Gen Z. These trends are affecting the Chinese market and economy as well. For example, online female shoppers reached 581 million by 2022. Nearly half of their purchases were in the beauty, skincare, and makeup sectors, according to Questmobile’s 2022 report on the “she economy”.

Top eye-catching campaigns for Women’s Day in China

Some brands have really developed a meaningful connection with their female consumer base. Those are the ones that offer a deeper message and seek to empathize with the gender inequality and social expectations that women face. Some of the campaigns from such brands are:

Tmall Super Brand Day:

Tmall Super Brand inspired women with a novel poem that included 26 brands in alphabetical order. The “Wǒmen are women” campaign’s main focus was on women’s feelings toward specific brands.

The campaign involved about half of the brands that took part in Tmall’s Super Brand Days. The purpose of the poem and video was to inspire women to develop their own “super brand” that reflected their unique spirit and personality.

Perfect Diary

For the Perfect Diary campaign, the brand interviewed female celebrities who had all experienced gender stereotypes in their lives. However, they didn’t let these inhibit them from following their dreams. Yamy Guo, a member of the girl group Rocket Girls 101, joined the campaign. In the past, she received flak for not meeting expectations of stereotypical female beauty.

Her experience brought to light China’s absurd beauty standards. Instead online users praised her and noted that she is unique because of her appearance.

The video gained over 6.4 million views on Weibo. It also included Yang Li, a comedian known for her anti-patriarchal comedy. Hui Ruoqi, a former captain of China’s women’s volleyball team, was one of the campaign heroines as well.

Perfect Diary IWD

Florasis

One of the hottest C-beauty brands, Florasis, took on a very unique approach. The brand launched a video campaign that examines how women deal with various mental health issues in modern society.

At the same time, the series featuring five women looked at different skin issues. By the end, it unveiled a new product called Florasis Balance Liquid Foundation.

The campaign, which celebrated the upcoming International Women’s Day also assisted to boost sales of its new product. Thanks to the brand’s well-liked livestream sessions, did both by amplifying this message through personal stories.

Net-A-Porter

Luxury e-commerce Net-A-Porter launched a campaign film The Remarkable Day. The video highlighted various memorable moments throughout a female’s life, such as a wedding or pregnancy.

In China’s luxury market, Net-A-Porter was an early adopter of female marketing. The e-tailer has collaborated with several female celebrities over the last two years to engage its independent and expanding female customer base.

For its International Women’s Day campaign this year, Net-A-Porter highlighted well-known Chinese fashion houses that are likely to draw younger consumers away from social media sites and into its flagship Tmall store and WeChat marketplace.

L’Oréal

For its “I Say I’m Worth It” campaign, L’Oréal worked with a variety of Chinese celebrities. The list included Ouyang Nana, Gong Li, Ju Xiao Wen, Xin Zhilei, and Daniel Wu.

The actors discussed their personal experiences and ideas about female empowerment. The collection of short films inspired women to take on life’s challenges and figure out their own personal values.

The campaign demonstrated the company’s in-depth knowledge of Chinese femininity by using role models from a variety of life stages and professions that connected with the brand’s larger female customer base.

Neiwai

March last year, the Chinese lifestyle brand Neiwai debuted the final phase of its No Body Is Nobody campaign.

The initiative began in February 2020 with a series of documentaries looking at the diversity of female bodies. Podcast series last year that covered a variety of feminism-related topics followed.

In order to commemorate the brand’s tenth anniversary, the campaign’s final installment featured five of the company’s female customers. The ladies shared their own individual journeys over the previous ten years.

Neiwai Campaign

How can brands improve their Women’s Day campaigns?

Firstly, brands should focus more on showcasing the strength and accomplishments of women in 2023. The discussion around IWD is bigger rather than just offering discounts and promotions to better target female consumers.

Brands can attract and engage female consumers who are passionate about these issues by developing campaigns and topics that advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.

This may entail collaborating with organizations that champion women’s issues or producing content that highlights the achievements of women in various professions.

Secondly, for female customers, brands should aim to create individualized and tailored experiences. This can involve providing specialized product recommendations, individualized customer service, and special access to activities and discounts.

IWD is a great day for brands to forge a deeper emotional bond with their female consumers. If done correctly, it can increase loyalty and long-term customer relationships. Brands can achieve that by demonstrating that they comprehend and value the particular needs and preferences of female consumers.

Conclusion

IWD is celebrated widely in China to recognize women’s progress in society. Meanwhile, it serves as a significant marketing occasion for businesses to appeal to the country’s growing female consumer base. In recent years, it became an occasion for brands to discuss important societal topics related to women’s daily life. In conclusion, it’s a great time to connect with female consumers in a meaningful way.

🏮Explore our page dedicated to the most important festivals in China

You may also like

Maximizing Opportunities in the Chinese Market: A Guide to the 2023 Marketing Calendar

January 12, 2023

Marketing in China is a unique and challenging endeavor. With a population of over 1.4 billion, the country is home to one of the largest consumer markets in the world. However, to truly succeed in this market, it is crucial for brands to understand and appreciate the country’s rich culture, customs, and traditions. One of the most effective ways to do this is by tapping into the many holidays and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the Chinese marketing calendar for 2023, providing a comprehensive guide to the major festivals and e-commerce events that brands should be aware of.

From the Chinese New Year, also known as the “Spring Festival,” to Singles’ Day and the Double 12 Shopping Festival, we will explore the significance, traditions, and opportunities of these events. This will help brands better understand and connect with the Chinese consumer and tailor their marketing campaigns to align with the values and interests of their target audience. Meanwhile, feel free to refer to this article to plan your 2023 marketing calendar accordingly!

Chinese Marketing Calendar

January

January 1: New Year

January 21-27: Spring Festival / Lunar New Year (春节 / chūn jié)

The Chinese or Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, depending on the lunar calendar.

🧨 Discover some of the coolest ideas on how to connect with your Chinese audience during CNY

🧧 Creating Your Own Red Packet Cover On WeChat—The Ultimate Guide

February

February 5: Lantern Festival (元宵节 / yuán xiāo jié)

The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which is usually in February. This year it falls on February 5th.

February 14: Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is becoming increasingly popular in China, especially with younger audiences. On Valentine’s Day, people in China exchange gifts such as chocolates, flowers, and jewelry.

March

March 8: Women’s Day (三八节 / sānbā jié)

Additionally, there are often events and gatherings held to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in society.

March 21: Spring Equinox

The Spring Equinox, which marks the start of spring in China, is a time for celebrating renewal and growth.

April

April 5: Tomb Sweeping Day (清明节 / qīngmíng jié)

Normally, brands don’t publish dedicated greetings for the Qingming festival.

May

May 1: Labour Day

We recommend preparing a dedicated greeting especially if you are in the B2B industry. For example, you can refer to Procter & Gamble Chemicals greeting:

May 1 Greetings

May 4: Youth Day

Youth Day in China is a public holiday celebrated on May 4th, marking the student-led protests of 1919, the birth of Chinese nationalism, and the emergence of the Chinese Communist Party.

During this period, marketing campaigns use slogans, messages, or visuals that resonate with young people, and brands also launch promotional offers and discounts.

May 14: Mother’s Day

For example, retailers may offer special deals on items such as flowers, jewelry, and clothing, food and beverage companies may launch special deals or limited-edition products

May 20: 520 Valentine’s Day

June

June 1: Children’s Day

Companies and organizations also run campaigns to promote children’s rights, education, and health, including charitable donations and free or discounted admission to children’s attractions

June 7-9: Gaokao

The university entrance season in China, also known as “gaokao season,” is a crucial time for high school students as they prepare to take the National Higher Education Entrance Examination (NHEEE).

Brands, especially in the education, tutoring, and test preparation sectors, tend to launch various marketing campaigns targeting these students and their parents.

June 8: Father’s Day

Sales and promotions, special gift sets, and emotional campaigns encourage customers to share stories on social media.

🚲 See the campaign we prepared for Father’s Day together with Montagut

June 18: 618 Shopping Festival

June 22: Dragon Boat Day (端午节 / duān wǔ jié)

July

July 7: Minor Heat (小暑)

The eleventh solar term of the year, known as Minor Heat, starts on July 7 of this year. Minor heat warns of the impending hottest time, but the extreme heat point has not yet materialized.

August

August 8: Start of Autumn

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Chinese autumn, the 13th solar term of the year, begins on August 8 and ends on August 22 this year.

The start of autumn reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The fruitful season is approaching.

August 22: Qixi Valentine’s Day (七夕节 / qī xī)

💕 Discover what Qixi is and what kind of activation you can prepare

September

September 10: Teachers’ Day

In China, Teacher’s Day is a significant holiday. Students all over the country honor their teachers by giving them flower bouquets, cards, paintings, or performances of songs and dances.

In all Chinese schools, in mainland China and abroad, teachers’ day will be celebrated through meetings, ceremonies, and speeches.

September 29: Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节 / zhōngqiū jié)

Brands in China use the Mid-Autumn Festival for marketing, with campaigns featuring mooncakes, lanterns, and family themes. Some brands collaborate with celebrities for added appeal.

🥮 Have and eat your (moon) cake – what is Mid-Autumn Festival and Why You Should Pay Attention

October

October 1 – 6: National Day / Golden Week (国庆节 / guóqìng jié)

We recommend preparing a suitable greeting for your Chinese socials.

October 23: Double Ninth Day

The Double Ninth Festival, also known as the Chongyang Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday that falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

People celebrate this festival by climbing mountains, drinking chrysanthemum wine, and eating zongzi, which is a traditional rice dumpling.

Chinese traditionally believed that these activities will help prevent disease and prolong life. The holiday has also become a time for family reunions and honoring one’s ancestors.

November

November 11: Double 11 (双十一 / shuāng shíyī)

Double Eleven, also known as “Singles’ Day,” The holiday began as an informal observance for single people but has since grown to become the world’s largest e-commerce shopping event.

All retailers in China, such as Alibaba’s Tmall and JD.com, offer significant discounts and promotions on this day.

🛍 Read how the Singles Day is Evolving in Recent Years and Why Discounts Won’t Work Anymore

November 23: Thanksgiving

December

December 12: Double 12

December 22: Winter Solstice (冬至)

The winter solstice, or “Dongzhi” in China, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is a time for balancing yin and yang energy through foods like glutinous rice balls.

Families gather to celebrate and honor ancestors. Chinese also practice traditional customs such as staying up late, eating glutinous rice, and offering sacrifices to the kitchen god.

December 24 – 25: Christmas

🎄 Check how Christmas Evolved in the Recent Years

In big cities, there are Christmas markets, shopping malls, and department stores holding Christmas-themed events and decorations.

🎅 Don’t Forget to Check Our Review of The Most Interesting Christmas Campaigns This Year and Save it for Later

You may also like

This Christmas, Find Out What Brands in the Chinese Market Have Been Up To

December 22, 2022

In the last decade, Christmas has settled as an important event for brands in China. Of course, it is not as large as traditional Chinese holidays or e-commerce festivals, but many brands, particularly those with Western roots, are celebrating with their fans in various ways.

Shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues in China’s major cities are all decked out with Christmas trees, and Santa is on his way to deliver gifts to children. This year, we looked at several different international and domestic brands to see how they celebrate Christmas.

🎄 Read our previous article about how Christmas changed in China over the last couple of years

Christmas in China

When it comes to any festive campaign, social media plays an important role. With WeChat being the biggest social media platform, brands are super keen to get the best engagement for their campaigns. We’ve seen a lot of beautifully crafted interactive articles and WeChat campaigns for this Christmas. Again, we worked with Montagut to produce a fun interactive post that led readers through a short narrated story with a Christmas-themed setting. Scan the QR code to open the article and interact with it for yourself.

Montagut Christmas China WeChat

This is not the first time we’ve collaborated with Montagut on holiday content. Click here to learn more about our “Winter Wonderland” Christmas campaign.

Christmas in China is more about gifting between couples during romantic dinners or self-gifting than it is about family gifting. As a result, many jewelry brands are taking this task seriously and planning eye-catching and interesting campaigns. Tiffany and Boucheron created some cool interactive posts. Harry Winston, on the other hand, delights with an online quiz that helps you find the best gifts for your other half or for yourself. Fendi prepared a whole winter-themed universe leveraging WeChat Channels, stickers, and gaming, all in one! Not to mention creating a super cute brand mascot – Brother Fen to top off the trends targeting Chinese Gen Z.

🔥 Explore more about China’s Gen Z as Luxury Consumers

Fendi – Brother Fen’s Universe:

Fendi China

Harry Winston Mini-Program Quiz:

Christmas WeChat Interactive Posts:

Interactive Post from Pandora:

Interactive Post from Boucheron:

Interactive Post from Tiffany:

Advent Calendars in China

Many beauty companies have released Christmas-themed products as well as full-fledged advent calendars. Following last year’s public relations disaster, in which the Chanel advent calendar was deemed overpriced for the value of the products inside, other brands’ seasonal blind boxes fared well this year due to customer satisfaction with better product quality and price points.

In China, blind boxes are a popular marketing tool, and advent calendars fit the bill perfectly if done correctly. Brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, or Diptyque released theirs through their own channels as well as in collaboration with KOLs. The following are some of the 圣诞限定礼盒 (Christmas Limited Edition Box) mentions on Xiaohongshu, “RED,” where users were unboxing and showing off their treasures.

RED Xiaohongshu Advert Calendar China

Christmas on Chinese E-commerce Platforms

Naturally, compared to complete promotional takeovers during 11/11 or other shopping festivals, Christmas is less visible on e-commerce. However, many brands prepared their own promotions and Christmas content for their official Tmall stores. Many brands took a creative approach to Christmas, tying the festive season with more inclusive winter, astrology, or winter sports themes rather than a dull Santa and reindeer approach. Since the Olympic Games in Beijing in early 2022, the latter has also become synonymous with winter. Astrology is also a big trend leveraged this Christmas, particularly in makeup, and can be seen not only in Western brands like Dior and Gucci but also in Perfect Diary.

Christmas Tmall Taobao

This year’s lower enthusiasm for celebrations is also related to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases across China as a result of relaxed restrictions, which appears to be the first step toward China’s reopening in 2023.

📌 Click here to learn more about WeChat interactive posts and how you can make the most of it!

Takeaways

It only makes sense for a brand with European roots to want to celebrate this holiday with its customers and provide them with a little extra. You can engage and amuse your fans with a comprehensive marketing campaign, depending on your goals and resources. You could also offer exclusive holiday discounts or festive add-ons. Alternatively you could just wish them a happy holiday in a special post or interactive article.

Additionally, international B2B brands shouldn’t be reluctant to celebrate Christmas with their clients. In fact, this is one of the few times when you can get away with using lighter language. We assist our clients in planning holiday events each year that will highlight their brand values and improve their relationships with their staff, partners, and clients. See some of the examples from previous years:

Last but not least, since Christmas is here, it means that Chinese New Year is also approaching fast, and this year it falls particularly early on January 22. It’s the last chance to start getting ready for China’s most significant holiday. There are a number of options, including intricate campaigns, interactive articles, holiday posters, and even red packets.

🧧 Visit our article to learn more about what a “red packet” (hongbao) is

You may also like