Insights

Notes from inside the China market.

Articles and commentary from the team that runs brands on Tmall, JD, Douyin, WeChat and RED. Written by operators, not analysts recycling last year's slides.

Platform
Foreign brands China CBEC
Market Strategy

How Foreign Brands Test the Chinese Market. And Why Most Get It Wrong.

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Mar 2026
Science plus emotion china new brand playbook
Market Strategy

Science + Emotion: China's New Brand Playbook

Cyril Drouin 3 min read Mar 2026
Localization strategy visualization
Market Strategy

China Is No Longer One Market: Why Local Bets Beat National Plans

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Jan 2026
ecommerce livestream setup
KOLs & Livestream

Douyin Live Commerce in 2025: Why Store-Led Rooms Beat Celebrity Events

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Jan 2026
China digital marketplace trends visualization
Market Strategy

China 2026: 8 eCommerce & Marketing Predictions

Cyril Drouin 5 min read Jan 2026
China e-commerce platform overview illustration
E-Commerce

China E-Commerce 2025: The Platform Map, and Why Retail Is Going Local

Cyril Drouin 2 min read Dec 2025
Taobao Flash Sale branding and concept
E-Commerce

Taobao Flash Sale and the 30-Minute Shift: Why China Retail Is Going Deeper Online to Offline

Cyril Drouin 5 min read Dec 2025
JD Mall storefront and interior
E-Commerce

How JD Is Turning Offline Stores Into Experience Hubs

Cyril Drouin 5 min read Nov 2025
PIPL compliance article cover image
Compliance & Setup

When PIPL Bites: Dior's Wake-Up Call for Global Brands in China

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Nov 2025
Taobao Instant Commerce interface screenshot
E-Commerce

What Taobao Instant Commerce Means For Non-Chinese Brands

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Nov 2025
Screenshot showing brand localization concept
Brand & Localization

Brand Localization for China: Adapt & Keep Your DNA

Liyan Ye 4 min read Nov 2025
AI-driven e-commerce efficiency for Double 11 shopping festival
E-Commerce

11.11 2025: From GMV Theater to AI-First Efficiency

Cyril Drouin 4 min read Nov 2025
Promotional image for the 17th Double 11 shopping festival
E-Commerce

China's Biggest E-Commerce Festival Goes Back to Old Media

Cyril Drouin 6 min read Nov 2025
Screenshot showing Double 11 2025 shopping festival data
E-Commerce

Double 11 2025: The End of China's Shopping Wars

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Nov 2025
Comparison of Douyin and Kuaishou platforms
Platforms

Best Short Video Platforms in China

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Feb 2025
China flag
Brand & Localization

How to Localize Brand Content for China

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Feb 2025
WeChat QR code example
Platforms

The power of Wechat QR Codes for businesses in China

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Feb 2025
ICP License illustration
Compliance & Setup

How to Apply for an ICP License for Your Website in China

Beyond Border Group 8 min read Feb 2025
WordPress logo and interface for website building
Compliance & Setup

Ultimate Guide to Using WordPress in China

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Feb 2025
cropped view of woman picking red block word CRM out of wooden blocks
Market Strategy

Best Practices to Launch a CRM Program in China

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Jan 2025
difference between website hosting domain
Compliance & Setup

How to Host Your Website in China for Maximum Marketing Impact

Beyond Border Group 9 min read Jan 2025
Chinese website design and localization
Brand & Localization

How to Localize Your Website for China: Tips for Global Marketers

Beyond Border Group 8 min read Jan 2025
Abstract digital design representing UX and technology
Brand & Localization

UX Design for Global Markets: Chinese vs. Western Approaches

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Jan 2025
Coca-Cola branding example for Chinese market
Brand & Localization

Best Practices for Finding a Chinese Name for a Brand in China

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Jan 2025
Source: Getty Images
AI & Innovation

China's AI-Powered Commerce: Trends and Innovations to Watch

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Jan 2025
Chinese 2025 festivals calendar
E-Commerce

China's 2025 eCommerce Shopping Festivals Calendar

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Jan 2025
Livestreaming and video content creation
KOLs & Livestream

Top 5 Video and Livestreaming Platforms in China

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Dec 2024
Top influencer promotional image
KOLs & Livestream

Top eCommerce Influencers in China 2024

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Dec 2024
Sina Weibo featured image
Platforms

Weibo Marketing Guide: Mastering Social Commerce in China

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Dec 2024
Portrait of a beautiful young Asian woman reviewing and using cosmetics on a sofa
KOLs & Livestream

Best Practices for KOC / Key Opinion Consumers Marketing in China

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Dec 2024
Medium shot of plus-sized woman influencer
KOLs & Livestream

Best Practices for Successful E-Commerce Livestreaming in China

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Dec 2024
Cover image for KOL marketing article
KOLs & Livestream

The Cost of Chinese Influencers: Case Studies and Marketing Insights

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Nov 2024
KOL marketing illustration
KOLs & Livestream

China Social Media and KOL Strategies for eCommerce Brands

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Nov 2024
Cyril Drouin, CEO of Beyond Border Group
KOLs & Livestream

Navigating Cross-Border Commerce Livestreaming: Insights from Beyond Border Group's CEO Cyril Drouin

Cyril Drouin 5 min read Nov 2024
WeChat Channels interface showing video and photo content
Platforms

The Ultimate Guide to WeChat Channels for Brands

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Nov 2024
Tmall media costs and brand investment guide cover image
E-Commerce

Guide to Tmall Media Costs in China | Optimize Your Brand's Investment

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Oct 2024
Advertising laws China
Compliance & Setup

Navigating Advertising Laws in China: Essential Insights for International Brands

Cyril Drouin 7 min read Oct 2024
Kuaishou cover image
Platforms

Kuaishou Short-Video Marketing: A Complete Guide for Brands in China

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Oct 2024
China social ecommerce
Platforms

Top 5 Best Social Commerce Platforms in China to Drive Your Brand's Success

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Oct 2024
Douyin platform logo and interface
KOLs & Livestream

How to Sell on Douyin in China: Best Practices for Success in 2024

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Oct 2024
11.11 shopping festival promotional image
E-Commerce

Maximizing Brand Impact: How the 11.11 Shopping Festival Transforms E-Commerce in China

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Oct 2024
Chinese search engine
Platforms

Boost Your Marketing with the Best Chinese Search Engines in 2024

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Sep 2024
Social media platforms 2021 banner
Platforms

Where Brands Win Attention: Top Chinese Social Media Platforms in 2024

Beyond Border Group 8 min read Aug 2024
WeChat Pay and Alipay comparison
Platforms

The Ultimate Guide to WeChat Pay vs. Alipay for eCommerce in China

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Jul 2024
Alibaba announces integration of Taobao and Tmall
AI & Innovation

How Taobao and Tmall Are Revolutionizing Consumer Shopping and Merchant Support with AI

Beyond Border Group 6 min read Jul 2024
Source: China Daily
Platforms

How Xianyu Transforms Bargains into Side Hustles for Young Entrepreneurs in China

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Jul 2024
Scenic luxury travel destination
Market Strategy

Explosive Growth in the Chinese Luxury Travel Segment | 2024 Insights

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Jul 2024
Scenic landscape with luxury travel destination
Market Strategy

Ultimate Guide to Capturing the Hearts of Chinese Luxury Travelers

Beyond Border Group 7 min read Jul 2024
Luxury Chinese traveler
Market Strategy

Understanding Today's Luxury Chinese Travelers: Preferences and Motivations

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Jul 2024
Coming soon placeholder image
E-Commerce

Comprehensive Guide to Finding a Distributor for Your Products in China in 2024

Beyond Border Group 9 min read Jun 2024
Source: China Daily
Brand & Localization

Emerging Trends and Business Strategies of Independent Chinese Designers in 2024

Beyond Border Group 5 min read Jun 2024
Social commerce in China cover image
Platforms

Exploring Social Commerce in China Platforms: Strategies and Market Impact

Beyond Border Group 8 min read Jun 2024
Asian woman farmer using digital tablet in vegetable garden
Brand & Localization

Effective Green Marketing Campaigns by Leading Brands in China

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Jun 2024
Beautiful Asian woman blogger holding eye shadow box
E-Commerce

China's eCommerce Evolution Driven by Tech, Beauty, and Luxury Sales

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Jun 2024
Small business SME entrepreneur of young Asian women working
Market Strategy

Empowering Women in China's Digital Commerce: 2024 Trends

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Jun 2024
Luxury shopping and social media concept
Market Strategy

Exploring Luxury Brand Marketing Trends in China

Beyond Border Group 3 min read Jun 2024
Professional workspace with modern computer equipment
AI & Innovation

Marketing Strategies Revolutionizing AI-Integrated PCs in China

Beyond Border Group 3 min read Jun 2024
AI generated Taobao products pictures
AI & Innovation

How AI Can Supercharge eCommerce in China?

Beyond Border Group 2 min read May 2024
NIO CEO livestreaming
KOLs & Livestream

The Digital Stage: How China's CEOs Are Transforming Brand Engagement through Livestreaming

Beyond Border Group 1 min read May 2024
AI online sellers
AI & Innovation

Digital Human: The Rise of AI-Driven Live Streaming in China

Beyond Border Group 1 min read Apr 2024
B2B storytelling for Brands in China
Brand & Localization

Storytelling in B2B Marketing: Enhancing Brand Connection in China

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Apr 2024
What is 1688.com
Platforms

Alibaba's Strategic Expansion: 1688's Launch on Taobao and Its Market Implications

Beyond Border Group 2 min read Mar 2024
Professional woman smiling at camera
KOLs & Livestream

Optimizing Your Brand: Choosing the Right Influencer

Beyond Border Group 4 min read Nov 2023
Brand internationalization concept image
Brand & Localization

How to localize a Brand for China ?

Beyond Border Group 3 min read Feb 2023
Blog comparing Alibaba and Amazon
Platforms

A comparison between Tmall and Amazon

Beyond Border Group 2 min read Feb 2023
Localization strategy visualization
Market Strategy

China Is No Longer One Market: Why Local Bets Beat National Plans

Cyril Drouin 4 min read