China’s middle class is plagued with anxiety powerful enough to lose sleep over. While more affluence means that people are less worried about affording the basics, it’s freeing their time up for personal development – and it’s this new quest that’s stressing them out.

With house prices rising, it’s tricky for Gen Yers to get a foot on the property ladder. But new research has shown that in the Asia Pacific region, this isn’t such a bad thing. A large majority of Chinese Gen Yers are still living with their parents, which means they’ve got cash to splash elsewhere.

A new era of consumption, characterised by an abundance of choice, has redefined the Chinese customer’s attitude to retail. They now expect the same excellent service they receive online in the physical world. So how can brands entering China accommodate a subtle mix of tradition and innovation?

Gift-giving is an important part of social interactions in China, oiling the wheels of a relationship system between friends, family and colleagues. Yet recent years have seen Western influence, digital platforms and rising wealth reshape the practice, creating new opportunities for brands in the process.