China Playbook

China Playbook isn't just another newsletter; it's your strategic advantage to stay ahead in the Chinese market. Each month, you'll receive highly curated insights and exclusive data right to your inbox, equipping you with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the Chinese premium lifestyle market.

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China Macro: Economy, Government, Society

Overview of any government movements affecting end consumers and brands

February 2026

Why China’s Demographics Are Reshaping the Market

To encourage marriage and birth rates, the Chinese government is moving from simple encouragement to radical—and sometimes bizarre—interventions.

View the article - Why China’s Demographics Are Reshaping the Market

December 2025

China's Cosmetics Sector Poised for Transformation

The National Medical Products Administration in China has unveiled new proposals aimed at advancing the domestic cosmetics industry.

View the article - China's Cosmetics Sector Poised for Transformation

October 2025

Luxury Brands Under Scrutiny Signal Overlooked China Data Law Risks

Recent investigations in China into multiple luxury brands, including Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, concerning consumer data leaks, underscore significant and often overlooked risks associated with China's data laws.

View the article - Luxury Brands Under Scrutiny Signal Overlooked China Data Law Risks

September 2025

China Boosts Consumer Lending with Fiscal Subsidies

To stimulate domestic spending, China has implemented a new policy providing interest subsidies on personal consumption loans.

View the article - China Boosts Consumer Lending with Fiscal Subsidies

August 2025

Meishan Aims to Become China’s Next Fashionable Sports City

The city of Meishan in Sichuan has announced its “Fashionable Sports City Plan 2025–2030”, outlining a vision to lead in niche and emerging sports.

View the article - Meishan Aims to Become China’s Next Fashionable Sports City

July 2025

Tech Innovation Meets Government Priorities

China continues to double down on strategic technologies, with state support driving progress across AI, the low-altitude economy, digital currency and beyond.

View the article - Tech Innovation Meets Government Priorities

June 2025

China Reinforces Cross-Border Ecommerce With 16 New Pilot Zones Approved

China has approved 16 new cross-border ecommerce pilot zones, including locations such as Hainan Island, Qinhuangdao, Dandong, Chuzhou, Kaifeng and the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture.

View the article - China Reinforces Cross-Border Ecommerce With 16 New Pilot Zones Approved

May 2025

China Doubles Down on “World-First” Launches and Experiences

Local governments across China are rolling out incentives to attract international brands, competitions, artists and creators to debut their latest offerings in China.

View the article - China Doubles Down on “World-First” Launches and Experiences

April 2025

China’s Securities Industry Moves to Curb Wealth Displays

China’s securities industry has proposed new rules aimed at stabilising market sentiment by encouraging positive discourse and penalising industry insiders who flaunt wealth, damage the industry’s reputation or offer excessive incentives without justification.

View the article - China’s Securities Industry Moves to Curb Wealth Displays

March 2025

China to Develop High-Quality Outdoor Sports Destinations

China is set to establish a network of high-quality outdoor sports destinations and supporting infrastructure by 2027, aiming to drive industry growth, boost regional economies and promote national fitness levels.

View the article - China to Develop High-Quality Outdoor Sports Destinations

February 2025

China to Boost the “Silver Economy”

China has introduced initiatives to enhance its “silver economy”, including the development of diverse and tailored financial products and infrastructure to cater to the older population.

View the article - China to Boost the “Silver Economy”

January 2025

Boosting the Winter Economy: Sports, Culture and Infrastructure

The Chinese government is leveraging the winter economy as a key driver for growth, encouraging both leisure and professional winter activities while promoting winter sports culture.

View the article - Boosting the Winter Economy: Sports, Culture and Infrastructure

December 2024

Double 11 Revolution: Government Subsidies Ignite Ecommerce Surge

Much has been written about the Chinese consumer stimulus package introduced by the Beijing government in October and many eyes are keen to see how this plays out in terms of consumer behaviour.

View the article - Double 11 Revolution: Government Subsidies Ignite Ecommerce Surge

October 2024

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October 2024

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October 2024

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New Global Entrants and Channel Extension

Highlighting exciting global brands and concepts that have entered/extended and are making waves in the industry

December 2025

Rapha Launches First Clubhouse in China

Located on Donghu Road in Shanghai's Xuhui district, Rapha Clubhouse also features British bicycle brand Factor Bikes.

View the article - Rapha Launches First Clubhouse in China

October 2025

Louis Vuitton Beauty Opens World-First Store in Nanjing

Louis Vuitton's beauty brand, La Beauté, has launched its first global store in Nanjing's Deji Plaza 德基广场.

View the article - Louis Vuitton Beauty Opens World-First Store in Nanjing

October 2025

H&M Reopens Shanghai Flagship with China’s First ‘House of H&M’ Concept

After a series of store closures in China since 2022, H&M has reopened its Shanghai flagship store, introducing the world’s first open livestream space.

View the article - H&M Reopens Shanghai Flagship with China’s First ‘House of H&M’ Concept

September 2025

KFC China Expands with New Fried Chicken Concepts

KFC China has ventured into new territory, opening two distinct fried chicken shops in Shanghai under a new sub-brand, Fried Chicken Brothers 炸鸡兄弟, focusing instead on specialised Chinese and Korean-style fried chicken.

View the article - KFC China Expands with New Fried Chicken Concepts

August 2025

Ronron Archive Opens First Pop-Up in China

Korean fashion brand Ronron Archive has launched its first China pop-up in Hangzhou, running from 3 July to 15 September.

View the article - Ronron Archive Opens First Pop-Up in China

July 2025

“Nordic Arc’teryx” Norrøna Returns to China with New Partner, Topsports

Norwegian outdoor brand Norrøna is making its return to China through a strategic partnership with Topsports, China’s leading multi-brand sports retailer.

View the article - “Nordic Arc’teryx” Norrøna Returns to China with New Partner, Topsports

June 2025

Hoka Opens Its First Global Brand Experience Centre in Shanghai

Hoka has unveiled its world-first Brand Experience Centre in Shanghai—a three-floor, 1,600㎡ space that goes far beyond retail.

View the article - Hoka Opens Its First Global Brand Experience Centre in Shanghai

May 2025

Anta Acquires Jack Wolfskin for $290 Million

Chinese sportswear giant Anta Sports 安踏集团 has announced its acquisition of outdoor brand Jack Wolfskin from Topgolf Callaway Brands for $290 million. The deal is expected to be finalised by the end of Q2 or early Q3 2025.

View the article - Anta Acquires Jack Wolfskin for $290 Million

April 2025

Sporty & Rich opens its first online flagship store in China on Tmall

American athleisure brand Sporty & Rich officially launched its first China ecommerce store on Tmall Luxury Pavilion—Alibaba’s exclusive platform for high-end brands, which has hosted names like Gucci and Coach since its debut in 2017.

View the article - Sporty & Rich opens its first online flagship store in China on Tmall

March 2025

Manolo Blahnik Launches on Tmall

British luxury shoe brand Manolo Blahnik has officially launched its first online shop in China via Tmall, following the opening of its first mainland China boutique in November 2024 at Shanghai’s Plaza 66 shopping mall.

View the article - Manolo Blahnik Launches on Tmall

February 2025

Skincare Brand RéVive Announces Full Entry into China

On 15 December, luxury skincare brand RéVive marked its official entry into the Chinese market with a press conference celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first product launch.

View the article - Skincare Brand RéVive Announces Full Entry into China

January 2025

Skins Returns to China with an Unexpected Ambassador

Australian sportswear brand Skins has re-entered the Chinese market and selected 46-year-old actor Sha Yi 沙溢 as its ambassador.

View the article - Skins Returns to China with an Unexpected Ambassador

December 2024

Essentials Fear of God Taps Into Douyin’s Ecommerce Wave for China Debut

On 23 October, LA-based fashion brand Essentials Fear of God launched on China’s TikTok, Douyin, marking its first official retail channel in China and debuting a new collection ahead of other global markets.

View the article - Essentials Fear of God Taps Into Douyin’s Ecommerce Wave for China Debut

Global Game-Changers

Exploring groundbreaking marketing strategies from global brands that capture consumer attention and drive industry trends

October 2024

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October 2024

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October 2024

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Chinese Innovators: Products & Marketing Campaigns

Showcasing the most exciting campaigns from Chinese brands that redefine the market and resonate with local consumers

October 2024

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October 2024

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October 2024

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December 2025

Following Up Double 11: Sports & Outdoor Category Track

Our ecommerce tracker shows that this year’s Singles’ Day promotion delivered strong results, with the sports and outdoor category performing particularly well — reaching $31.6 billion in year-to-date sales.

View the article - Following Up Double 11: Sports & Outdoor Category Track

October 2025

Continued Double-Digit Growth in Beauty

Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the Beauty department had a 12% overall growth from January to August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $41.1 billion in net sales.

View the article - Continued Double-Digit Growth in Beauty

September 2025

How Chinese Social Commerce Platforms Drive Trends to Sales

Chinese social commerce platforms, like Douyin, are effectively boosting sales by transforming social media content and trending topics into shopping festivals.

View the article - How Chinese Social Commerce Platforms Drive Trends to Sales

September 2025

Mixed Category Performance as the Fashion Department Declines 1% Overall Versus 2024

Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the Fashion category declined 1% between January and July compared to the same period in 2024, with $57 billion in net sales.

View the article - Mixed Category Performance as the Fashion Department Declines 1% Overall Versus 2024

August 2025

JD.com Enters the Auto Game, Signs Major Deal with BYD

JD.com has signed a strategic partnership with BYD, one of China's top EV makers, to build out a comprehensive aftermarket ecosystem.

View the article - JD.com Enters the Auto Game, Signs Major Deal with BYD

August 2025

Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 16% Growth in H1 2025

Despite a 7% year-on-year decline in the month of June, the Sports & Outdoor category had a 16% overall growth in H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, reaching $18.2 billion in net sales.

View the article - Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 16% Growth in H1 2025

July 2025

Alibaba Expands Ecommerce Universe into Full-Spectrum Consumer Spending

On 23 June, Alibaba announced a strategic shift, bringing its food delivery platform Ele.me and travel service Fliggy into its core ecommerce ecosystem.

View the article - Alibaba Expands Ecommerce Universe into Full-Spectrum Consumer Spending

July 2025

The Beauty Sector Saw 17% Year-on-Year Growth Jan-May 2025

Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the Beauty category had 17% overall growth from January to May 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $27.3bn in net sales.

View the article - The Beauty Sector Saw 17% Year-on-Year Growth Jan-May 2025

June 2025

Fashion Category Sees 3% Year-on-Year Growth by April 2025

Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the fashion category had a 3% overall growth in April 2025 YTD compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $30.1 billion in net sales.

View the article - Fashion Category Sees 3% Year-on-Year Growth by April 2025

May 2025

Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 20% Growth in Q1 2025

Across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, the Sports & Outdoor category had a 20% overall growth in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $7.2 billion in net sales.

View the article - Sports Apparel and Equipment Sector Saw 20% Growth in Q1 2025

April 2025

Beauty’s Best-Seller Is Facial Skincare Sets

The beauty category has had a strong start to the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, with 26% overall growth February 2025 YTD compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $10.5 billion in net sales.

View the article - Beauty’s Best-Seller Is Facial Skincare Sets

March 2025

Small Growth in China’s Fashion Ecommerce

The fashion category saw a strong start to the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, with 7% overall growth in January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $8.6 billion in net sales.

View the article - Small Growth in China’s Fashion Ecommerce

February 2025

Strong Growth in China’s Sports & Outdoor Ecommerce Market in 2024

Global and local market leaders such as Nike and Anta retained their dominance, while challenger brands like Mizuno, Onitsuka Tiger and Salomon achieved exceptional growth, highlighting the increasing appeal of niche and premium sports brands.

View the article - Strong Growth in China’s Sports & Outdoor Ecommerce Market in 2024

January 2025

Alibaba Reshapes Ecommerce with New Business Group

On 21 November, Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu revealed plans to consolidate the company’s domestic and international ecommerce operations into a unified business group.

View the article - Alibaba Reshapes Ecommerce with New Business Group

January 2025

November Beauty & Personal Care Ecommerce Data

After October proved to be the biggest month of the year across Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, November was surprisingly only the 4th biggest for the beauty & personal care department, representing 11% of YTD sales.

View the article - November Beauty & Personal Care Ecommerce Data

December 2024

October Best Performing Ecommerce Month This Year-To-Date

October proved to be the biggest month of the year so far with $12.3 billion in net sales, representing 14% of YTD sales, suggesting that double 11 continues to play a key role in the annual sales curve.

View the article - October Best Performing Ecommerce Month This Year-To-Date

China Entertainment

A look at pop culture, music, film & TV, celebrity and arts in China

October 2024

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October 2024

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October 2024

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Video Opinion: Industry Voices

Featuring an interview series—either from the Hot Pot China team, network, client representatives, partners, or consumers

December 2025

Xintiandi: A Look at China's Current Retail Landscape

Our CEO and founder, Jonathan Travers-Smith, visits Shanghai, returning to the familiar Xintiandi shopping mall area, and offers a look at the current retail landscape in China.

View the article - Xintiandi: A Look at China's Current Retail Landscape

October 2025

Are Chinese Games Finally Gaining Global Recognition?

We spoke with Jack Forsdike, a UK-born digital content creator based in China, who previously worked for two years at Chinese gaming giant NetEase Games. He shared his insights on the current state and future of the Chinese gaming industry.

View the article - Are Chinese Games Finally Gaining Global Recognition?

September 2025

Chinese Brands Go Global: From Local Giants to Global Challengers

Chinese brands are no longer just local players—they’re emerging as global challengers. This week, Hot Pot China’s Head of Strategy, Adam Sandzer, reflects on the rise of Chinese brands going global.

View the article - Chinese Brands Go Global: From Local Giants to Global Challengers

August 2025

Seoul Searching: The Secret to Korean Brands’ Viral Power in China

Our founder, Jonathan-Travers Smith, reflects on a recent trip to Seoul and unpacks why Korean brands continue to resonate so deeply with Chinese consumers.

View the article - Seoul Searching: The Secret to Korean Brands’ Viral Power in China

July 2025

Is China Finally Ready for Multi-Brand Retail?

Adam Sandzer, our Head of Strategy, reflects on why mono-brand has remained dominant and whether Douyin’s explosive growth signals a shift.

View the article - Is China Finally Ready for Multi-Brand Retail?

June 2025

How China’s Brand Builders Think Differently

In this edition of Voices, we hear from Bessie Lee, ex-CEO of WPP China, sharing how homegrown brands tackle growth beyond the top-tier cities and how creators in China are innovating new ways to collaborate with brands in an evolving digital ecosystem.

View the article - How China’s Brand Builders Think Differently

May 2025

How Do US–China Tariffs Impact Global Brands?

In this special edition of Voices, our CEO, Jonathan Travers-Smith, explains why China hasn't retaliated aggressively to Trump's tariff war—and what that signals to brands about China’s long-term market.

View the article - How Do US–China Tariffs Impact Global Brands?

April 2025

Navigating China’s Evolving Retail Landscape

For this month’s Voices, we speak with Hot Pot China’s advisory board member Robin Trebbe, former VP of Adidas China, to get his insights on China’s retail landscape and what brands should do to stay ahead.

View the article - Navigating China’s Evolving Retail Landscape

March 2025

China’s Fastest-Growing Categories—Where Brands Should Focus Next

Davy Huang, Business Development Manager at JD Worldwide, shared his views on the fastest-growing categories in China and what brands should watch in 2025. JD is China's second-largest cross-border ecommerce platform.

View the article - China’s Fastest-Growing Categories—Where Brands Should Focus Next

February 2025

Female Empowerment Leading Fashion in 2025 & The Rise of KOCs

As we step into 2025, female empowerment is shaping fashion trends in China like never before. We spoke with an emerging UK-based lifestyle KOC (Key Opinion Customer) @莉蔚weiwei about the trends she predicts for 2025.

View the article - Female Empowerment Leading Fashion in 2025 & The Rise of KOCs

January 2025

How To Build Your Brand On China's Social Media

Our Account Director, Fan Tu, shared her expert insights on brand building on China’s leading social platforms, Little Red Book and Douyin.

View the article - How To Build Your Brand On China's Social Media

December 2024

How Is China’s Running Scene

We spoke with three runners from diverse backgrounds and running habits, offering firsthand insights into the evolving fitness mindset of Chinese consumers.

View the article - How Is China’s Running Scene

The Ultimate Strategy Hub for China-Focused Decision Making

Filter articles

Government Subsidies Ignite Ecommerce Surge

China's Latest Attempt To Boost Birth Rates Faces Public Pushback

Young Chinese Professionals Invest Their Free Time In Taking Classes

Influencers Are Becoming The Face Of Retail For A Day

Essentials Fear Of God Taps Into Douyin's Ecommerce Wave For China Debut

Essentials Fear Of God Taps Into Douyin's Ecommerce Wave For China Debut

Benefit Cosmetics Returns To China On Tmall

Digital-First Skincare Brand Simpcare Unveils Eco-Chic Flagship

Semir's Campaign With Comedian Xu Zhisheng Proves Humour's Power In Brand Marketing

Semir's Campaign With Comedian Xu Zhisheng Proves Humour's Power In Brand Marketing

Reality Show See You Again Cashes In on the Divorce Economy

Young Chinese Defy Restrictions with Creative Halloween Costumes, Satirising Daily Life and the Online World

Video Opinion: China's Fitness Culture Is Thriving

Boosting the Winter Economy: Sports, Culture and Infrastructure

China Signals Proactive Fiscal Policy for 2025

Trending Fashion Styles on Little Red Book in 2024

Hotels as Retreats: Chinese Consumers Seek More Than Just a Stay

Hotels as Retreats: Chinese Consumers Seek More Than Just a Stay

Skins Returns to China with an Unexpected Ambassador

Lemaire Opens Its First China Store in Chengdu

HexClad Launches on Tmall and Little Red Book

Pas Normal Studios Strengthens Its China Presence

Charles Tyrwhitt Launches on Tmall

Le Col Enters China via Tmall

Cartier Showcases 298 Iconic Pieces in Shanghai Exhibition

Breitling and Brompton Unite for China-Exclusive Watches and Bikes

Xiaomi Launches Washing Machine with Separate Drum for Underwear

Pop Mart's Latest Craze: Labubu Takes Southeast Asia by Storm

Alibaba Reshapes Ecommerce with New Business Group

Pay Later? The Hidden Costs for Consumers and Brands

November Beauty & Personal Care Ecommerce Data

Film Her Story Wins Hearts Across China with Fresh Female Perspectives

Love Game in Eastern Fantasy Catapults Ding Yuxi to Stardom

How To Build Your Brand On China's Social Media

China to Boost the “Silver Economy”

China Strengthens Support for Early-Stage Tech Startups

Fast-Growing Rednote Account In December Empowers Women Who Live Alone

Coffee Shops Thrive in China's Lower-Tier Cities

Skincare Brand RéVive Announces Full Entry into China

Rest & Recreation Officially Enters the China Market

Loewe Celebrates Chinese New Year with a Tribute to Traditional Craft and Culture

Hermès Introduces an Immersive Escape Room Exhibition

To Summer's Chinese New Year Campaign: 'Why Not Take a Detour?'

Red Chamber x Heinz: Ketchup-Coloured Lipsticks for a Natural Festive Touch

Strong Growth in China's Sports & Outdoor Ecommerce Market in 2024

Idol Jackson Yee Stars in Film Big World, Tackling Disability Representation

Actor Jacky Heung Goes Viral for Embracing Mockery

Female Empowerment Leading Fashion in 2025 & The Rise of KOCs

OPINION: China to Develop High-Quality Outdoor Sports Destinations

NEWS: Shanghai Launches Short Video Series to Explain Local Policies

OPINION: New Livestreaming Trend: Idolising Livestreamers

NEWS: Matchmaking for Pets

Manolo Blahnik Launches on Tmall

Nothing Announces Plans to Enter China in 2025

Ethiopia Sells Local Produce on Chinese Ecommerce Platforms

OPINION: Head & Shoulders 'Rents' Shoulders in Creative Campaign

NEWS: Freitag Hosts DIY Event in Quanzhou

OPINION: AnKoRau Takes Its 2025AW Show to the Countryside

NEWS: A New Beauty Sector: Outdoor Beauty Products

Continued Growth in China's Fashion Ecommerce

OPINION: Ne Zha 2 Becomes China's Highest-Grossing Animated Film

NEWS: Eggy Party Captivates Gamers Across All Ages

China's Fastest-Growing Categories—Where Brands Should Focus Next

China's Securities Industry Moves to Curb Wealth Displays

China to Tackle Overtime Culture to Boost Consumption

Cuteness Meets Maturity

Male Uni Students Hired as Travel Partners

Sporty & Rich opens its first online flagship store in China on Tmall

Flokk opens first flagship store in China in Shanghai

On Running Softens Up Shanghai with Cushioned Store Experience and Local Collaborations

Dior Express Arrives in Yunnan

FunnyElves Creates A 'Scar Archive'

Nomadnowhere Strives to Become an Ethnic Culture Shop

Beauty's Best-Seller Is Facial Skincare Sets

Korean Star Kim Soo-hyun's Scandal Sparks Controversy in China—Why Do Chinese Fans Care?

Actress Zhao Lusi Opens Up About Depression on TV

Navigating China's Evolving Retail Landscape

China Adds Two New National Holidays to Spur Travel and Spending