Domestic Consumption

[Big read] Why China’s viral cities rise fast and fade faster

As local governments in China bank on becoming the next viral sensation to revive local economies, experts warn that turning short-term internet hype into sustainable growth is a steep climb. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi tells us more.

Zeng Shi

17 Jun 2026

Deflation: Beijing’s blind spot or its strategy?

China’s deflation reflects both weak demand and deliberate industrial strategy. But the model depends on consumption eventually catching up, raising questions over sustainability and regional spillovers for Southeast Asia. Researcher Genevieve Donnellon-May explains.

Genevieve Donnellon-May

18 May 2026

How caviar became China’s most unexpected success story

China’s culinary tradition prized technique over luxury ingredients. Now, rising affluence and innovation are changing that — turning caviar and other premium foods into symbols of status and engines of growth. Economist Li Jingkui looks at how high-end ingredients can play a part in boosting the economy.

Li Jingkui

29 Apr 2026

Why China’s youth are swapping luxury for local brands

With young consumers in China looking beyond established Western luxury brands, homegrown brands are increasingly winning people over with their designs and quality. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu finds out more.

Liu Liu

29 Apr 2026

China looks to ‘experience economy’ for a consumption lift

China’s tourism boom is being reshaped by travellers chasing immersive, culture-rich experiences — from lantern parades to viral folk traditions — fuelling record spending and policy support, but can the country turn this surge into sustainable growth without losing its authenticity?

Caixin Global

27 Mar 2026

Why China’s finances are weaker than they seem

While China has outlined an expansionary macroeconomic strategy, researcher Amit Kumar dives into the fiscal data that show the severe limitations of China’s fiscal capacity, such as a declining national budget revenue and high debt burden.

Amit Kumar

19 Mar 2026

[Video] Why young Chinese are paying to ‘time-travel’ at dinner

More people in China are buying into the recent trend of immersive dining at themed restaurants, which offer diners an opportunity to experience Chinese history and culture, from dressing up in costumes from various dynasties to being part of familiar classics like Dream of the Red Chamber. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Yush Chau dives in.

Yush Chau

26 Feb 2026

China’s economy is heading for a rough 2026

Economic growth might look quite bad in the early months of 2026, forcing Beijing to launch more pro-growth policies in the spring, which should help boost growth in the second quarter and later, says analyst Chen Long.

Chen Long

06 Jan 2026

Moutai sales no longer soaring?

From its peak earlier this year, the price of Moutai has dropped to record lows today. What is behind the crash, and how can the industry recover? Lianhe Zaobao’s China Desk delves into the issue.

China Desk, Lianhe Zaobao

26 Dec 2025

[Video] Evergrande crashes: What happens next?

Evergrande’s default was just the start. Its collapse exposed systemic risks in China’s housing market and economy. How did a single company spark a chain reaction, and what’s next? ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming finds out.

Lu Lingming

12 Dec 2025

[Vox pop] Can young people in China afford a home today?

In China, the price-to-income ratio has long been among the highest in the world, with home prices in some major cities reaching levels that would take over 30 years of income to match. And now, after four years of declining prices triggered by the country’s real estate crisis, ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina speak with some Chinese to hear how they view the housing market today.

Lu Lingming, Yi Jina

28 Nov 2025

Hong Kong isn’t falling — it’s rewiring itself for a fragmented world

Beneath the pessimism, Hong Kong is adapting fast. Its reinvention — spanning finance, talent and integration with mainland China — may prove decisive in a fractured global landscape, say AMRO economists Jae Young Lee and Jungsung Kim.

Jae Young Lee, Jungsung Kim

25 Nov 2025