Domestic Consumption
Economy
Five minutes to Shenzhen: Can Hong Kong win back its shoppers?
The new Huanggang Port makes border crossings between Shenzhen and Hong Kong easier than ever. But can Hong Kong businesses turn greater connectivity into an opportunity rather than a threat? Lianhe Zaobao journalist Tai Hing Shing finds out.
Tai Hing Shing
12 Oct 2026
Economy
To stabilise, not stimulate: China’s measured fix for a stagnant market
The measured scale of China’s mortgage interest subsidy underscores a reluctance to aggressively stimulate the property market. So should policymakers shift their focus from investment towards consumption instead? Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong gives her take.
Han Yong Hong
02 Oct 2026
Society
[Vox pop] Why ‘light medical aesthetics’ are going mainstream in China
Cheaper and safer than plastic surgery, light medical aesthetics are increasingly accepted in China by women and men alike, reflecting a shared desire for subtle enhancement. ThinkChina’s Yi Jina finds out more.
Yi Jina
23 Sep 2026
Society
In Shanghai, style now arrives before experience
While on the surface, life in China’s urban cities are becoming more shiny, more aestheticised, look closer and one sees that contemporary culture in China everywhere has become a rapid localisation of modernity itself, says Lianhe Zaobao foreign journalist Fio Zhang.
Fio Zhang
18 Sep 2026
Society
[Big read] From singing bowls to forest therapy: China’s 10-trillion-RMB healing economy
China’s healing economy is booming as consumers spend on emotional wellbeing, from singing bowls and forest therapy to trendy toys. But as healing becomes big business, concerns over commercialisation and misleading claims are growing. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Zeng Shi finds out.
Zeng Shi
10 Sep 2026
Economy
China needs a new strategy to rebalance its industrial might
China’s industrial capacity accounts for nearly 30% of global output, but it is facing increasing global risk of trade protectionism. Lianhe Zaobao associate editor Han Yong Hong says that amid escalating tariff wars and economic rivalry, China cannot avoid structural economic adjustments.
Han Yong Hong
21 Aug 2026
Economy
Can China’s slowing economy sustain its tech ambitions?
China sees technological self-reliance as the key to future growth. But with a slowing economy, can Beijing sustain the investment needed to achieve its high-tech ambitions over the long term? Economist Min-Hua Chiang examines the issue.
Min-Hua Chiang
31 Jul 2026
Economy
How China’s traditional markets are reviving empty malls
Traditional rural-style markets are making a comeback in Chinese cities. Driven by empty commercial space and budget-conscious consumers, these periodic markets are redefining urban retail. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Liu Liu looks into the matter.
Liu Liu
28 Jul 2026
Society
[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
Economy
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
Economy
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