In China, the desire to be perceived as marriageable and successful has long driven men to adhere to a rigid (and largely unrealistic) model of masculinity – but societal shifts have sparked changes in attitudes. What does the ’modern man’ look like and what does he value in life?

In China, disagreements about marriage are causing big problems between young women and their families – with the younger generation rejecting social pressure to tie the knot. In its Chinese New Year ad, SK-II strikes a reconciliatory tone and helps young women make peace with their parents.

Apple has released a short film in celebration of the Year of the Rat, depicting the struggles of being a single mother in China. The spot highlights the cultural pressure that women often face to get married and explores the evolving meaning of family in the country.

Why are young people blending age-old herbal treatments with Western wellness? Who’s most likely to pay with digital yuan? And what challenges do ‘leftover women’ face? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Chinese people in 2020.