This Lunar New Year, China’s Spring Festival shopping carts are telling a new story 🧧. Gone are the days of stockpiling flour and cotton cloth—2026’s celebrations are all about health-first gifting, experience-driven splurges, and AI-powered convenience. Let’s unpack the trends redefining Asia’s biggest cultural event!
Health Is the New ‘Face’
Forget luxury labels—low-GI dumplings and medicinal wines are this year’s hot gifts! Mintel’s 2026 data shows 68% of shoppers now prioritize wellness over prestige. 🥟💊
Memories > Merchandise
Young Chinese are swapping material goods for adventures: heritage tours and ‘Year of the Horse’ art workshops booked up fast. 🎨✈️ Even grandparents are joining TikTok-fueled dance flash mobs in temple fairs!
Tech Makes It Instant
Why stockpile when JD.com’s AI drones can deliver fresh jiaozi in 30 minutes? 📦⚡ Post-00s consumers are all about ‘buy-as-you-eat,’ while cross-border apps bring Thai mangoes and French cheese to doorsteps pre-reunion dinner.
Why the Shift?
With urban incomes hitting $18k (2025 stats 📊) and the Engel coefficient dropping to 29.3%, China’s focus has flipped from survival to ‘how do we thrive?’ Gen Z’s mantra? ‘Quality vibes only.’
