Many Chinese sellers are hoping TikTok’s shop will provide an alternative route to US consumers besides almighty Amazon.

But several complain the under-fire platform is tightening rules for overseas sellers as US election season gets under way. reuters.com/technology/chi…

Shenzhen public art is surprising sometimes.

After 5+ yrs, ~1k stories & a book, I'm moving to a part-time role at TechCrunch in March (pitch me fast!). I am forever grateful for Jon Russell who brought me on as TC's first China-focused writer, for the freedom I had, & the friendships I built within & BECAUSE of TC.

Shenzhen: make money not friends

Shenzhen’s 90s-built Window of the World park is a mad mix of miniature landmarks - here Christ the Redeemer looks over a Manhattan still punctuated by the Twin Towers with weed growing from them. A Moai wearing a Santa hat in the distance (photo from Dec).

bold move, Shenzhen petshop.

And just like that, a city of 20 million has its most famous nightlife area demolished.

I've been tracking globalizing Chinese founders for 2 yrs & recently I talked to their investors. This follow-up tries to understand the state of China-based USD funds whose future now hangs in the balance. techcrunch.com/2023/11/25/fat…

Shenzhen's Qianhai zone was to be the 'Manhattan of the Pearl River Delta' and lead the next phase of China's reform and opening up.

But one by one Qianhai's most daring plans were scrapped, leaving fancy offices, but little purpose, experts say.

reuters.com/world/china/ch…

Buyers are back at China's Canton Fair, but sellers said orders from Europe are down 10-30% this year.

'Everyone is affected.. the price of electricity has gone up a lot, the war with Russia and Ukraine.. and now with Israel.. people are really scared.'
reuters.com/markets/asia/b…

China’s changing lavatorial challenges

Floodwaters receding in Shenzhen’s Luohu district after last night’s unexpected downpour, though traffic remains a mess after several accidents.

The one thing worse than an omnishambles.

A sequel to the anti-slacking campaign at a Shenzhen metro station, framed in a more positive tone this time:
'Work hard, and the break of dawn awaits.'
'The world's most radiant light shines in two forms: the sun and the way you strive.'
'Your effort defines your uniqueness.'

This has flown under the radar but it may have a big impact. Apps like Instagram, X and YouTube may disappear from App Store in China if this new rule gets strictly enforced. 1/

China to require all apps to share business details in new oversight push reuters.com/world/china/ch…

Nearly 1 million people in China's northern Hebei province were relocated after record rains forced authorities to channel water from swollen rivers to some populated areas for storage, sparking anger online over the homes sacrificed to save Beijing.
reuters.com/world/china/ch…

despite geopolitical tensions, the Westlife still appeals in Shenzhen. first big Western act back since Covid?