Happy holidays!

For the next two weeks, we are going to publish a media recipe guide and a reported piece by about how Chinese consumers’ sense of the economy diverse from or align with China’s financial indicators.

I’m flying from London to Lijiang to host a wedding this week (which haven’t prepared for). However, I’m mentally preparing for a challenge early next year (75 Hard), which is NOT going to be a resolution because I’m determined to do it.

I’d love to hear about what’s happening in your life and what do you have planned next year?

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📊 BIG STAT

Condom sales slump // With condom sales falling and marriage rates continuing to drop, a quiet shift is reshaping how young Chinese people approach intimacy. According to iiMedia Research, China’s condom market shrank to 15.17 billion yuan in 2024, down 9.1% year on year, and is expected to fall further to 13.98 billion yuan by 2029.

In the meantime, the sex-toy market is booming, with its total value set to exceed 200 billion yuan. And last week, Durex’s domestic challenger Jissbon has tried to diversify its portfolio with its first anti-hair loss product for men.

Jisson’s anti–hair loss product for men was launched on Dec. 10

🎭 CONSUMER CULTURE

“90-year-old high energy girl” // Grandma Meiying, known as a 90-year-old grandma who often shares a day in her life as a “high-energy/self-disciplined girl” on RedNote has garnered 3 million likes on the platform, which is predominantly for millennials and Gen-Zs. She often starts her day around 6-7am, doing house chores, cooking, and taking care of her grandchildren, which has vowed the young social media users as they muddle through their low-energy, high-pressure lives.

RedNote for seniors appear to flounder // Five years after RedPine was founded by ex-Trip.com executive Li Qiao as an interest platform for China’s retirees, and almost three years after it closed its A+ round worth at least 100 million RMB, it seems to have hit a plateau.

It hasn’t updated its registered user count of 10 million since 2021, and most recently, some users are complaining about being unable to obtain refunds and about harassment from sales.

Image: RedPine’s official website tuixiu.com

💄 FASHION & BEAUTY

Pandora China to merge with APAC HQ // After early-year layoffs and internal restructuring discussions, Pandora China will be merged into the brand’s Asia-Pacific headquarters starting January 1. The Greater China market will lose its standalone reporting status under the new organizational structure, according to an internal email reviewed by Nofashion.cn.

Laopu Gold outshines Richemont China // VC darling Laopu Gold is on track to surpass Cartier’s parent Richemont jewelry revenue in China for the first time in 2025, according to a non–public report by financial advisory Rothschild. The homegrown jewelry booked 12.354 billion yuan in revenue in the first half of 2025, up 251% year on year. [Read our analysis on Laopu Gold and the search for Chinese luxury]

LVMH executive joins Pop Mart’s Board // LVMH executive Wu Yue joined Pop Mart’s Board on Dec. 10, according to the company’s announcement for investors. Wu, 69, has served as President of LVMH Greater China since 2005. During his tenure at Pop Mart, Wu will be entitled to an annual fixed cash remuneration of HK$1.2 million and a share-based remuneration of HK$1.8 million.

🛍️ RETAIL

Mannings bids farewell to mainland China // On Dec. 16, the pharmacy and cosmetics retail chain Mannings announced that it will close all of its ~120 offline stores mainland China after Jan. 15, 2026. As Hong Kong’s pharmacy giant, Mannings entered the mainland market in 2004. It will also close the official WeChat Mini Program, as well as its Tmall and JD.com stores, before year–end.

🍽️ FOOD & BEVERAGE

China’s health liquor sales jump 75.8% // China’s TCM-inspired health liquor market surged in 2025, with sales up 75.8% and volume up 33.2% from January to August, according to data from New Consumer Think Tank. A 125 ml Red Label Jing herbal spirit priced at 15 yuan became a breakout hit. As its formula contains astragalus, goji berries, and other herbal ingredients, female customers praised it as “magic water for menstrual pain.”

Mixue tests 5 yuan breakfast line // In recent weeks, beverage chain Mixue has begun piloting breakfast offerings in select cities including Dalian, Xi’an, Nanning, and Hangzhou. The initial lineup consists mainly of grain-based milk drinks, all priced at 5 yuan. Hotpot brand Haidilao entered the breakfast market a few months ago.

🧠 TECH

AI enters the mental health workforce // AI has taken on front-line roles in China’s leading psychiatric institutions, such as Beijing Anding Hospital and Shanghai Mental Health Center. Ranging from digital tools to robots, it now assists with tasks such as early assessment and supportive therapy work.

“Little Beijing No. 6” is an AI service robot at Beijing No. 6 hospital, which has served over 10,000 people.

🏃‍♂️ WINTER SPORTS

Skiing on budget // After the initial boom during COVID, as China rode on a high of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, skiing is getting noticeably more affordable this season. Snow resorts have cut teaching fees and gear costs, and used resale tickets emerged on group-buying platforms as low as 19.9 yuan or 29.9 yuan. Some resorts are also offering free access to university students.

🌍 TRAVEL & TOURISM

Ferrari World to land in Beijing’s Tongzhou // Ferrari has signed a deal to build its third global theme park—after Abu Dhabi Ferrari World and Barcelona Ferrari Land—in Beijing’s Tongzhou district, with a total investment of around $1 billion.

The suburban district is rapidly becoming a major entertainment hub: Universal Beijing Resort opened in 2021, World’s 1st Peppa Pig-Themed Park will open in 2026, and Haichang Ocean Park is set for completion in 2027.

China’s outbound travel to Japan continues to cool // The slowdown in Chinese travel to Japan has continued for nearly a month, widely seen as a retaliation from Beijing for Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan.

Since China issued a travel-risk advisory, Chinese airlines have cut 72 of the 172 regular China–Japan routes as of Nov. 27. Japanese media Nikkei Asia reported on Dec. 3 that hotel bookings from Chinese travelers have plunged by more than 50%. Bloomberg reported last month that the changes will at least last until March 2026 — a timeline that Chinese tourism professionals say would mean saying sayonara to the next cherry blossom season in early April 2026.

🐾 PET

Defendant in landmark pet-poisoning case sentenced to 4 years // Beijing has issued the first criminal verdict in a pet-poisoning case, marking a milestone for animal protection in China.

The mid-aged male defendant, Zhang, was sentenced to four years in prison for “placing dangerous substances” after killing nine pet dogs and two stray cats, and harming two pet dogs, in Sep. 2022. Three years on, Penny, who is one of the owners and led the lawsuit, finally secured a ruling for her Westie Papi and other families. [We covered Penny’s efforts here and here.]

🗓️ UPCOMING – PICK & CHOOSE YOUR CHINA ITINERARY IN JAN 2026

Jan 9-11 ISPO Beijing
Jan 9-12 Beijing Jewelry and Gem Fair
Jan 29-Feb 1 Holiday & Travel Expo Hong Kong

Following the Yuan

⛷️ Consumer news digest: Condom sales slump…