The lives of Chinese Gen Zers – digital natives who grew up amid prosperity – are vastly different from their parents’. Yet while they’re feeling empowered and connected to the world, they’ve not shunned tradition entirely. How are apps, games, and fashion labels reminding youth of their heritage?

China may be returning to a state of ‘normality’ following COVID-19, but after spending months in lockdown, certain crisis-time consumer habits seem to be sticking around – one of the most visible being a mass shift to e-commerce. So, how do people want to browse and buy online post-pandemic?

An online community for Gen Zers, Bilibili’s offering centres around anime, comics, and gaming – a low-cost membership grants early access to anime releases. With an interactive interface and the likes of karaoke live-streams, the network provides a niche platform for young people to connect.

Virtual influencers are accelerating the way young Chinese consumers engage with entertainment and social media. With influencer-based entertainment becoming a go-to, virtual 'idols' are providing relatable content that’s driving brand and product discovery.