1. Why do different places in China have their own popular products?

Well, I guess it5s because China is a huge country with a ton of different regions. And people living in each region are not always the same in terms of lifestyle, habits, and even culture. For example, in my hometown in Sichuan Province, we all like spicy and numbing482 food. So most snacks and local specialties are in that flavor and it has become an icon of the province483.

2. What food is popular in China?

Chinese people eat a wide variety of food. But when it comes one particular food that most people like, I think hotpot seems to be pretty popular. If you had hotpot, you would notice how flexible and inclusive it is. No matter where you go in China, you can see tons of hotpot restaurants. The flavor of soup base484 varies from person to person though, like some people prefer spicy but others love sour. Everyone can find the right flavor for them eventually.

3. What products from western countries are popular in China?

Honestly, there are countless kinds of western products that are popular in China, from cars to food to makeup. Practically485 every kind of product has a popular western brand selling in China, especially those top level brands like Apple, Coca-Cola, and Louis Vuitton. These years, even furniture from western countries, like IKEA5s furniture from Sweden, is well received486 by a ton of Chinese consumers. Not to mention western fast food from McDonald’s and KFC.

4. Why do people use imported products?

Well, it’s true that Chinese people now show a growing willingness to487 buy imported goods. I think the increase of people’s income is definitely the top reason. With an increase of income, Chinese people tend to buy higher-quality products. A lot of them have a perception that488 imported products have ensured quality, especially when it comes to daily supplies like shoes, food, or cosmetics. So it’s not a surprise that489 lots of Chinese families are willing to pay for imported goods.

5. Do international brands have influence on consumers?

I suppose that there are certain international brands that influence consumers, especially some of the most recognizable brands in the world like Apple, Nike, and LV. The famous brands of those business giants are usually able to market on a global scale. So basically people from every country know them. Even though those products are usually more expensive, there isn’t a lack of customers for them. To some extent, those brands give consumers a perception that they are raising their living standards490 by purchasing them. And many of those top brands have become symbols of a luxurious lifestyle. You wouldn’t assume someone wearing a pair of Nike shoes is poor, right?

482 numbing:麻的
483 an icon of the province: —个省的标志
484 soup base:汤料，汤底
485 Practically:几乎
486 is well received:广受欢迎
487 show a growing willingness to:有越来越强的意愿
488 have a perception that：认为…
489 it’s not a surprise that:…并不奇怪
490 raising their living standards:提高生活质量