The east is glossy

加菲熊UID: 103463

China

The east is glossy

Dec 30th 2003 | SHANGHAI
From The Economist print edition


Magazines herald an age of consumption

THE brash, high-living Shanghai of the early 20th century is making a vigorous comeback. In glitzy new hotels, members of the city's fast-growing rich elite are learning how to party like their counterparts in America or Europe. The dream of foreign makers of luxury goods is beginning to come true. And so the glossy magazines that glorify such luxuries are flooding into what publishers see as the world's most promising new market.



New wealth in India
Dec 30th 2003
China's businessmen
Dec 30th 2003



China



China's economy





“There is a large number of new rich Chinese people who are willing to spend money on luxury items,” gloats Yu Lei, who edits Shanghai Tatler, a glossy whose 60,000 monthly copies are mostly sent free to Shanghai's top earners. The magazine was set up last year by the owners of Hong Kong Tatler, which is modelled on (but not related to) London's Tatler. Most of the magazine's advertising comes from expensive foreign brands. Mr Yu says the magazine has been making a profit since September. The launch of a Beijing version is planned this month.

Dozens of foreign magazines now have Chinese-language editions, joining a rapidly expanding array of local publications aimed at every consumer group from car enthusiasts to teenagers. Production is hampered by a shortage of sophisticated talent in areas such as fashion photography, styling and make-up. A ban on outright foreign ownership means that foreign magazines have to find Chinese partners (although, as the state withdraws subsidies for domestic publications, willing collaborators can readily be found). But the restrictions on foreign control of distribution networks will be lifted in December this year.

Yet, for all its air of cosmopolitan chic, Shanghai is not yet quite used to the idea of large, grand, western-style parties, photographs of which are the meat and drink of Tatlers elsewhere. The very rich, says Mr Yu, avoid being photographed because they fear demands for donations or, worse still, visits from tax inspectors. Most Chinese businessmen prefer to entertain in restaurants or karaoke parlours. After Shanghai Tatler ran a piece recently on lesser-known billionaires in the city, some of those mentioned were “not happy”, he says.

妖妖UID: 149770

yes, it is true that the east changed grealty these days.  There more and more changes in Shanghai and other parts of china.

Shanghai is always a wonderful city. When we came back to the history of this city at the beginning of last century, we can see a city gathering many people from different parts of the world. Many films and books adapted this city as the background.


"After Shanghai Tatler ran a piece recently on lesser-known billionaires in the city, some of those mentioned were “not happy”, he says."   i  am poor, and i am also unhappy. :D All i  had done these yeatrs is trying to make me rich in the future. if i had enough money, i will happy or not? :rolleyes: