Following the Yuan

Following the Yuan

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Deep dives 🤔

What one talks about when one talks about chuhai | Following the Yuan
While there’s an overlap between export and chuhai, the latter is much more complex, involving not just sales but also investment, manufacturing…
 • 
Yaling Jiang
2
It's never been so easy to be a spy 📸 | Following the Yuan
The business behind #Maskpark, China’s largest known digital sex crime ring — and why it might harm the country’s plummeting birth rate and continue to…
 • 
Yaling Jiang
1
'China’s Hermès’ Laopu Gold and the search for Chinese luxury | Following the Yuan
Every few years, Chinese consumers hear about yet another brand that claims to be China’s Hermès. What makes a brand luxury, and will China ever have…
 • 
Junjie Wang
4
The mystery of Lotso Bear's popularity in China: How I helped a video journalist uncover the story | Following the Yuan
What a strawberry-scented villain reveals about consumer trends in today's China. (You can watch the story on YouTube at the end.)
 • 
Yaling Jiang
3
🚫📱US TikTok users flock to China’s Red Note. Why this matters. | Following the Yuan
Red Note, or Xiaohongshu, is likely to serve as a window to China for U.S. users, though its growing popularity and international user base could…
 • 
Luna Huang Ruomin
1
Why am I optimistic about Starbucks China ☕ | Following the Yuan
Before making sweeping changes, Starbucks HQ must recognize that their self-perceived premium status does not exist in China.
 • 
Yaling Jiang
9
China’s sex toy makers are hitting the right spot 🎯 | Following the Yuan
Despite a lack of industry standards and persistent societal taboos, China’s multi-billion dollar sex toy industry continues to boom, albeit with many…
 • 
Caini YANG
1
How a small-town milk tea shop becomes the face of China's consumer brands🧋| Following the yuan
HeyTea's story is not just about milk tea. It is a testament to the power of small-town dreams, savvy marketing, and a relentless pursuit of quality.
 • 
Yuhao Yang
11
China is positioning Hainan as a duty-free haven. Will it fulfill its potential? 🌴| Following the yuan
The Chinese government wants Hainan to be ready for independent Customs operations by 2025. How do the consumers feel about it as a shopping…
 • 
Luna Huang Ruomin
Why am I hopeful(ish) about Country Garden's 'ghost city' in 2024? | Following the yuan
Country Garden's Forest City isn’t really for the high rollers, but for the mainstream middle-class in China who want to own property abroad, just like…
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Yaling Jiang
4
Unpacking Amer Sports IPO 📦 | Calling the Shots x Following the yuan
A primer of the IPO, why do we think it’s happening now, our thoughts on the discount & 3 risk factors and 3 relaxation factors
 • 
Ivy Yang
 and 
Yaling Jiang
From Shanghai to Shibuya: How are Chinese beauty brands cracking the code in Japan?
We visited retail chains and drugstores in Tokyo, talked to Japanese consumers, and Chinese beauty professionals on the status quo and future of…
 • 
Rongrong Zhuge
 and 
Yaling Jiang
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