(Source: https://pltfrm.com.cn)
Introduction
By 2026, Chinese millennials will represent the world’s largest luxury and premium consumption group. The brands dominating their wishlists aren’t the loudest—they’re the most culturally intelligent and creatively daring. Here’s the future-proof framework.
- From Campaign to Culture Creation
1.1 Building Subcultures, Not Ads Launch Movements: Create hashtags and aesthetics that millennials adopt as identity (e.g., #NewChineseChic). Success metric: when users create content without being paid. - Next-Gen Creative Tools & Workflows
2.1 AI-Augmented Design Real-Time Guochao Generators: Use Chinese AI tools trained on thousands of traditional patterns to instantly create culturally accurate visuals. Speed + authenticity = unbeatable advantage. - Cross-Reality Brand Experiences
3.1 Metaverse-Native Launches Host product drops inside Chinese metaverses (RedNote World, QQ Paradise) with exclusive digital twins. Millennials attend for the experience, then buy the physical version.
Case Study: L’Oréal Paris x Li Jiaqi “Heritage Red” Lipstick
L’Oréal partnered with top livestreamer Li Jiaqi to co-create a lipstick shade inspired by Forbidden City palace walls. The launch combined a Xiaohongshu documentary, Douyin live reveal, and WeChat Mini-Program blind-box drop. It sold 100,000 units in 8 minutes and became the #1 red lipstick among millennial women for two consecutive years.
Conclusion
Chinese millennials are rewriting the rules of desire. The overseas brands that thrive won’t just sell to them—they’ll co-create culture with them. Start now.
PLTFRM is an international brand consulting agency that works with companies such as Red, TikTok, Tmall, Baidu, and other well-known Chinese internet e-commerce platforms. We have been working with Chile Cherries for many years, reaching Chinese consumers in depth through different platforms and realizing that Chile Cherries’ exports in China account for 97% of the total exports in Asia. Contact us, and we will help you find the best China e-commerce platform for you. Search PLTFRM for a free consultation! info@pltfrm.cn
