As Chinese New Year quickly approaches, we checked in with Hung Huang this week about global travel for the holiday period. Retailers across the world are gearing up for the Chinese traveler influx with promotions and special-edition Chinese New Year luxury goods in hopes of attracting Chinese visitors as they fan the globe. Read below to see her thoughts about attracting this growing group of shoppers.
For next week’s topic, submit your question about
the Chinese presence at global fashion weeks#
. As Paris Couture Week continues and New York, Milan, Paris, and London Fashion Weeks are around the corner, expect to see the usual flock of Chinese designers, models, celebrities, bloggers, and fashion media on and off the runway. Now is your chance to ask Hung about Chinese designers on her radar, top Chinese fashion influencers in the global fashion scene, and anything else on your mind.
Questions can be submitted via Twitter (hashtag #AskHungHuang), Facebook, email (contact@jingdaily.com), or Weibo (hashtag #AskHungHuang#) before Monday, February 1.
International retailers across the world host many promotions for Chinese New Year every year, including window displays, VIP parties, and even Chinese designer fashion shows. What are the best ways they can attract Chinese travelers?#
-Anonymous#
I think window displays and VIP parties are all good attractions that Chinese shoppers will appreciate. I think a little Chinese-ness will go a long way outside of China.
What types of luxury gifts are most popular for travelers to buy abroad during Chinese New Year?#
-Anonymous#
I don't think there are particular things that are good gifts for Chinese New Year, except something red. Actually, red and gold are very safe colors for Chinese. Never gift a clock; it is equal to wishing someone dead. For newlyweds, give peanuts and dates—it is wishing the new couple will have a son. Upside-down bats are also good, it means the arrival of happiness. There is a encyclopedia on symbolism in Chinese culture. Pretty complicated stuff.
Why are a growing number of people opting to travel abroad rather than visit their hometowns for the holiday?#
-Anonymous#
Traveling overseas is a good way to do something for your retired parents. It's still an extended family affair. It's the latest trend in fulfilling filial duties to your elders. I think a lot of people still go back to their hometown, but inviting your parents on an overseas trip will also earn some bragging rights for the parents in their hometown.