Chinese youth shape consumer trends with growing global appeal

Data from the General Administration of Customs show that China's goods trade reached 25.47 trillion yuan ($3.75 trillion) in the first half of the year, up 16.9 percent year-on-year, with a growing number of culturally creative, technology-driven and brand-oriented consumer products entering overseas markets.

At a duty-free shop in Tianjin, Russian visitor Golubeva Ekaterin carefully selected Chinese-themed creative products as gifts for family and friends.

"I like buying gifts with distinctive Chinese characteristics," she said. "They are creative, affordable and reflect Chinese culture. My family enjoys them, and I also want to share the products that are popular among young Chinese people today."

Experience-based consumption has also become a defining feature of China's youth market. Music festivals, concerts and cultural events are drawing participants from both home and abroad.

For Azzi Mohammed, a Yemeni student at Tianjin University of Science and Technology, attending the BUBBLING & BOILING Music and Arts Festival in Tianjin was one of his most memorable experiences in China.

"The festival combined live performances with craft markets, food stalls and interactive activities. It was a great place to meet new people," he said.

"I enjoy joining these events with my Chinese friends, and I believe more young people from overseas will come to appreciate this kind of experience."

"Chinese youth are no longer simply following global consumer trends -- they are helping create them," said Pang Hua, a professor at the School of New Media and Communication of Tianjin University.

"As Chinese brands, products and lifestyle experiences continue to gain international recognition, they are influencing how young consumers around the world discover, experience and engage with Chinese culture," Pang said.