Since China started its Reforming and Opening-up Policy 改革开放政策 in the 1970s, the planned economy 计划经济 has given way to a market economy 市场经济. A wide range of foreign brands are now available on the Chinese market competing with domestic brands. Among the domestic survivors, some have become classic brands and secured a large market share nationally and internationally.

回力运动鞋

Established in 1927, Huili is the most popular sports shoes brand in China. 回力 implies 'the power to conquer difficulty', hence the English name of the brand: 'Warrior'. A pair of 'Warrior' shoes sold for approximately 20 yuan in China can be sold for at least twenty times more in Europe or America!

凤凰自行车

'Phoenix Bicycles' was established in the 1960s. In the 'bicycle kingdom' of China, the ownership of a 'Phoenix' bike used to be a symbol of wealth and privilege. It could even be a decent dowry piece in the 1970s. Nowadays the brand is still a guarantee of quality and is sold in over 50 countries.

海尔家电

'Established in 1984, Haier is the world’s No.1 brand of major home appliances and was the official home appliances sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. As of 2010, the Haier Group has established a total of 61 trading companies (19 located overseas), 29 manufacturing plants (24 overseas), 8 R&D centres (5 overseas) and 16 industrial parks (4 overseas). Consistent with Haier’s position as a global brand, the company employs over 60,000 people around the world. In addition, Haier boasts a 80,990-strong sales network.'

Official company description

红双喜乒乓球拍

Established in 1957 the company DHS specialises mainly in making table tennis bats and table tennis balls. It was named 'Double Happiness' after the first table tennis world championship won by China in 1959. It has been associated with Chinese table tennis teams excellence worldwide ever since.

贵州茅台酒

Maotai is a Chinese liqueur made of sorghum and wheat, which contains 52%-54% alcohol by volume. It is regarded as one of the three most famous alcohols in the world, together with Scotch whisky and French brandy. A bottle of eighty-year old Maotai can cost up to 50,000 yuan.

青岛啤酒

Created in 1903 by German settlers in Qingdao, Tsingtao is the most popular Chinese beer at home and abroad. It is the No.1 branded consumer product exported from China. The 'Tsingtao' brand spelling, instead of 'Qingdao', follows the old Wade-Giles romanisation system used prior to the pinyin system.