discussion keeps the world turning this is round table Hello, welcome to Roundtable,
where we serve up piping hot debates on the issues that sizzle in China and beyond.
I'm Niu Honglin.
For years, China's consumer power was synonyms, with big cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
But the new frontier is elsewhere.
In 2025, smaller cities are growing faster, spending more, and attracting global brands.
Is it time to say that China's economic engine is increasingly running on small city horsepower.
For today's show, I'm joined by Yushan and Lai Ming.
Now grab your virtual compass and follow us to the heart of the discussion.
The divide between big cities and small towns is increasingly blurred when it comes to consumption.
The growth in spending in China's smaller cities is outpacing growth in the largest.
Meanwhile, many of the modest consumer trends,
from new food brands to first-time air travel, are starting in smaller markets.
What's behind this surge, and what does it say about where innovation and aspiration really live?
To answer these big questions, let's check whether or not my statement previously was actually true.
What is exactly happening in these smaller cities and smaller markets?
Well, Six Tome, one of China's...
One of the most influential news portals is here to testify.
According to their recent report,
growth in spending in China's smaller cities is outpacing growth in the largest.