#46: Taiwan singer 'canceled'🚫, Prada wins in Asia 🙌, Starbucks' heavy discounts ✂️, new product development crossovers 🏷️, Weifang int'l Kite festival🪁 | Following the yuan

20 years ago, domestic brands are copying marketing ideas from international brands; now, the trend has reversed.

Hello, Happy Labor Day. What a holiday it's been for those on the road in China. I found myself spending four hours in the car this Wednesday, gulping down Burger King at a service station, while usually, this journey takes less than half that time.

Some social videos illustrate the overwhelming amount of travellers. Image: WeChat

Speaking of significant seasonal consumer trends, travel in lower-tier cities tops the list. This surge is driven by official efforts to boost domestic tourism and the economic downturn prompting more cost-effective vacation plans. Data from Tongcheng Travel shows that bookings for trains and flights to third-tier and smaller cities on April 29 and 30 increased by more than 200% week-over-week. I'll touch back on why this matters later.

By the way, I'll be in London from mid-May through September. Let me know if there are any events I should attend. I'd love to meet up if you're around!

Also, feel free to ask about the impact of these trends on your work or life by leaving a comment or replying to this email. I'll make sure to respond within 48 hours, prioritizing responses to paid subscribers.

Taiwan singer ’canceled’ at mainland festival 🚫

A renowned Taiwanese singer was scheduled to perform at a music festival in Tianjin today (May 2), but her performance was canceled due to the public outcry against her seeming pro-Taiwan independence stance.