Beauty of the ages

Younger shoppers are being won over as cosmetics makers underline the time-tested benefits of traditional Chinese medicine

A few days ago a cartoon was disseminated among users of the Chinese instant messaging app WeChat that told a spy story set in China in the early 20th century, and within 24 hours it had attracted more than 5 million views.

The posting turned out to be a publicity stunt by Pechoin, one of the oldest local skincare brands in China, the aim being to stir up interest in local skincare brands long overshadowed by their rivals from overseas.