🫡 Become a paid subscriber of 'Following the yuan' today

Introducing our value-forward paid plans with unparalleled offerings that include early access to articles, and calls to answer your China questions

After delivering nearly 50 pieces of original content, I'm excited to announce the transition of this newsletter into a paid format. 🤑

I started this newsletter focused on Chinese consumers out of frustration that consumer trends and human-centered business stories are neglected or pushed aside in major news outlets.

Having worked at an internal innovation center of a food corp. prior to my full-time journalism work, I’m convinced that understanding these consumer trends is a critical ingredient for any business leader's strategy, and the on-the-ground color is essential to any financial institutions that want to take a chance on China.

After a few months of exploration, I'd like to share some key updates about the content you can expect.

Here's a breakdown of the five columns and some future plans:

[Timed paywall] Weekly consumer news 📆: Every week, I handpick three key consumer news stories from hundreds of articles. My commentary will accompany these selections. This column is exclusive to paid subscribers initially but becomes accessible to all after two weeks.

[Paid] Deep dives 🤔: As part of an ongoing series, I delve into specific consumer sectors every quarter, blending my personal observations with insights from consumers and industry experts. I'm also gearing up for more original reporting in this space.

[Paid/Free] China explainer 📙: The term "Chinese characteristics" is frequently used by both the government and commentators when discussing China. In this column, I unpack what it signifies across various contexts and situations.

[Free] Personal essays 🤷🏻‍♀️: From time to time, I share personal reflections, musings, and experiences. So far, these have spanned my journey across diverse sectors, from translation to media to startups.

[Free] Web3 👀: Given the myriad of misconceptions surrounding China's emerging Web3 landscape, this occasional column aims to shed light on its major trends and policies.

[TBD] I might try my hand at podcasting and one-one-one interviews in the near future

What you will get as a paid subscriber:

• Early access to weekly consumer news

• Monthly 'deep dives' + 'China explainer’ with original reporting and analysis

• 5% discount in custom research projects, priority responses and bi-annual calls (30 mins) for your China questions

• Up-to-date earnings call calendar with 30+ Chinese & overseas consumer companies (updated monthly; your email will be added upon subscription)

• *If you are a founding member, you get quarterly calls (instead of bi-annual), 5% additional discount in research projects, my deepest gratitude

What if you are not ready today:

You can still get late access to ‘weekly consumer news’ (2 weeks later than publish date) and occasional free posts. You are welcome to join the community monthly drinks if you are in Shanghai!

Follow me/@Following the yuan on Twitter/Instagram/LinkedIn, where I actively post the stuff I write about and more. There is also a free sister newsletter on LinkedIn named ‘China Blunders’ specifically focusing on consumer companies’ blunders in China.