China’s Butt Ban Bites the Bullet

Anti-smoking legislation folds under pressure from businesses.

A few short weeks after it was announced, Beijing’s ambitious attempt to ban public smoking has already been crushed underfoot like a lifeless Hongtashan butt. While government offices, schools, and hospitals will supposedly be smoke-free zones from next month onwards, bars, cafes and restaurants will still allow patrons to […]

Livin’ la Vida LOHAS

Sustainability is cool among high-end Chinese consumers.
According to Wikipedia, LOHAS consumers are those who are passionate about the environment, sustainability, social issues, and health. Half plan to save the world, half marketing panacea, it encompasses everything from shopping at organic groceries to practicing Pilates and owning an electric hybrid car. In Europe and […]

Summer Camps for China’s “Little Emperors”

Growing up without sisters or brothers, many Chinese young people find their inability to handle the relationships with parents, classmates, teachers and other members of the society. Many Chinese parents therefore, consider a spoonful of “chicken soup for the soul” a good choice for them, and pack them off to summer camp to improve themselves.
For […]

Society Snapshot: Faces of the Future

The rising fortunes of China’s children.
Trend Description
More than half of China’s 1.3 billion citizens are less than 24 years of age. Growing up in this era of dramatic and accelerating societal change, it is the likes, dislikes, hopes, fears and dreams of these young Chinese that will ultimately mold the China of tomorrow. So, […]

China Caters to the Hip and Health Conscious

Psycho-social and economic factors drive Chinese lifestyle and fashion trends at home and abroad.
Trend Description
A booming Chinese economy and changes in the way Chinese perceive themselves are currently being reflected in lifestyle and fashion trends, both across China and further afield. In the next decade, as many Americans will visit China as will travel […]