Dao Insights

Chinese courts have drawn a line around how far companies can go in replacing human workers with artificial intelligence. The new AI layoff ruling states that, in China, employers cannot j...

Pop Mart (泡泡玛特) confirmed a while back they would be moving into home appliances in search of new IP territory. Now it’s put out preview images of what that looks like: A LABUBU mini fridge.  

It comes in two versions on a limited series named THE MONSTERS. Each version will run

2025 was not the year of breakout economic growth people with a stake in the Chinese economy hoped for. Retail sales rose just 3.7%, and most F&B companies were left competing for existing demand rather than chasing new.  

Compiled earnings reports fr...

For the most part, branding in China’s digital marketing landscape has been defined by speed. Scroll faster, click quicker, decide sooner. Then podcasts arrived. Their advent has given brands a chance to do something contrary to digital marketing’s general consensus. That is, they’ve asked people to slow down. 

What looks like a niche format is becoming one of ...

Earth Day can come across as a time for big promises. In China, a lot of brands are thinking the opposite. Small, repeatable green actions are at the centre of many marketing campaigns for Earth Day 2026.  

From Origins and LAN to platform players like Meituan, Aihuishou, and Tmall, the playbook is shifting. Less grand gestures, more integration with users. The...