Double 11 2026: What's New in China's Singles' Day Shopping Festival

The highly anticipated annual Double 11 shopping carnival is here again! This year, it’s the 18th 双十一 (shuāng shíyī / Double 11) since it first came out.

Many of you might have heard of it already or even have been participating in it, but I still would like to share with you some interesting stories behind it to help you know better about its development. In this post, let’s have a closer look at 双十一!

The Origin of 双十一

双十一 is originally a festival called Bachelor’s Day, also known as The Singles’ Day (光棍节 Guānggùn Jié). On this day, many people on the Internet will play jokes, whining about a lack of romance in their life.

The date, November 11th (11/11), was chosen because the numeral “1” resembles a bare stick (光棍 guānggùn), which is Chinese Internet slang for an unmarried man who does not add “branches” to the family “tree”.

There are many versions about who invented 光棍节. The widely recognized one is that it was born on the campus of Nanjing University in the 1990s. The four boys who were chatting in the dorm joking about that “11.11 should be 光棍节!” may have never thought that it would become so popular today!

A Humble Start of 双十一 in 2009

With all the Internet revelry, 光棍节 gradually became an opportunity for business.

In 2009, Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (the parent company of Tmall, Taobao, AliExpress, etc.) created a shopping festival named “Double 11” with the reason to celebrate 光棍节. Alibaba promoted the festival with the slogan: Even if you don’t have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can at least shop like crazy!

By emphasizing that singles who are often shamed over their status should treat themselves on this special day, Alibaba created a kind of party feeling for this festival.

Now in its 18th year, this hyped-up shopping festival has grown into the most important online shopping festival in China, attracting more and more companies and brands around the world to participate, even overshadowing Black Friday.

A yearly 11.11 shopping festival-themed TV gala.

A Huge Success in 2025

China’s biggest shopping festival has once again demonstrated the scale and resilience of its digital economy. During the 2025 Double 11 shopping festival (October 7 – November 11), total online GMV reached RMB 1.695 trillion, marking a 14.2% year-on-year increase.

Traditional e-commerce platforms continued to dominate, generating RMB 1.619 trillion in sales, with Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin ranking among the top performers. Meanwhile, instant retail emerged as a major growth driver, reaching RMB 67 billion, an impressive 138.4% year-on-year increase.

Beyond sales figures, the 2025 festival highlighted two major industry shifts: the rapid expansion of instant retail and the growing integration of AI technology. From AI-powered shopping assistants and virtual try-ons to faster, on-demand delivery, platforms are transforming the shopping experience and redefining how consumers discover and purchase products.

As competition moves beyond discounts and traffic acquisition, Double 11 is evolving into a broader contest of technology, consumer experience, and retail innovation — reflecting the continued transformation and growing sophistication of China’s digital commerce landscape.

Data source: Syntun 2025 Double 11 Shopping Festival Report

Related Internet Buzzwords

Due to the popularity of 双十一, a new internet vocabulary related to it has emerged. Here I just list 3 of them to show you an example:

剁手 [duò shǒu]: chop hands off

People who are obsessed with online shopping and always regret buying. They joke that they need to chop off their hands to stop buying.

E.g.: 今天我买了很多东西，我要剁手了。

Jīntiān wǒ mǎi le hěn duō dōngxi, wǒ yào duòshǒu le.

I bought a lot of things today, and I need to cut my hands off.

吃土 [chī tǔ]: eat dirt, be broke

If you spend all the money on shopping and have no money for food, there is only dirt left to eat for free.

E.g.: 这个月没钱了，我只能吃土。

Zhè gè yuè méi qián le, wǒ zhǐ néng chītǔ.

I don’t have money left this month, so I have to eat dirt.

种草 [zhòng cǎo]: plant grass

Recommend a product and attract people to like it too.

E.g.: 我今天种草了朋友的一双鞋！

Wǒ jīntiān zhòngcǎo le péngyou de yì shuāng xié!

I like a pair of shoes that my friend recommended to me today!

A Shopping Spree or a Strategy Session?

For the 2026 edition of Double 11, it’s less of a wild bargain dash and more of a planned mission — thanks to earlier starts, simplified rules, and massive cross-platform integrations.

The full process now looks like this:

1) Deposit payment (定金 dìngjīn)

The campaigns kick off early. For example, many platforms opened pre-sales as early as mid-October, giving shoppers plenty of time.

2) Coupon & red packet grab (优惠券 yōuhuìquàn / 红包 hóngbāo)

These are more central than ever. Platforms offer “red-packet rain”, energy-accumulation tasks, search-code bonuses, and more.

3) Balance payment (尾款 wěikuǎn)

Then you pay the remainder, often during designated “golden hour” windows (e.g., evening 20:00). Pricing is more transparent: many items show official immediate discounts and platform-wide 10% off coupons.

What’s new and noteworthy in 2026:

1) Simpler discounts, less complicated shopping: Major platforms are moving away from complicated cross-store discounts and deposit-based pre-sales. Instead, direct price cuts (“official direct discounts” and “single-item discounts”) are becoming the main promotion methods. On JD.com and Douyin, shoppers can increasingly enjoy discounts on in-stock products without waiting for a final payment.

2) AI is becoming part of the shopping experience: From AI-powered shopping assistants and virtual try-ons to personalized product recommendations, AI is changing how people discover and choose products. More interestingly, AI-related products and services, including AI laptops and computing credits, have become new shopping categories this year.

3) From product discounts to quality and service-driven consumption: Double 11 is no longer just about buying things at lower prices. Platforms are expanding into lifestyle services such as housekeeping, home maintenance, and pet care, while putting more emphasis on new product launches, product quality, and customer experience.

So, what does this mean for shoppers? Double 11 is becoming less about mastering complicated discount formulas and more about finding the right products, services, and deals. While each platform still has its own schedule and promotional rules, understanding the basics will help you shop smarter and make the most of the shopping festival.

Happy shopping this Double 11!

Russian Student in Jinan Settles E-Bike Crash Compensation After Court Mediation

A Russian university student in Jinan, Shandong Province, has reached a settlement with a local resident after injuring them in an electric bicycle accident, following a dispute over compensation that raised concerns about whether the foreign student might leave China without paying.

The accident occurred in June 2026, when the student, then a fourth-year undergraduate in Jinan, collided with the plaintiff while improperly overtaking on an electric bicycle. Traffic police determined that the student was entirely at fault. However, the two parties failed to agree on the amount of compensation, prompting the injured party to take the case to court.

After receiving the court’s notice that the case had been filed, the plaintiff contacted the presiding judge, Wang Fudong, expressing concern that the Russian student might return home before fulfilling his compensation obligations.

The plaintiff said they were particularly worried about being left without compensation for the injury and any subsequent treatment. They insisted that they should not have to bear the consequences of the accident without receiving proper compensation.

The judge promptly contacted the student, who had a basic understanding of everyday Chinese, and arranged for him to attend court with someone who could help translate.

The following day, the student arrived at the court with his Russian wife. He appeared nervous and explained that the couple had recently married and were living on a limited budget. His parents in Russia were also not financially well-off. He was worried that the injured party might demand an excessive amount of compensation, leaving him feeling guilty about the financial burden on his family.

Court mediation in Jinan. Image source: Yanshan Court.

During the discussions, the student also raised questions about the compensation items listed in the court’s road traffic accident guidance booklet. In particular, he could not understand why he was required to pay both a hospital meal allowance and nutrition expenses after already covering the medical bills. He questioned whether the two items amounted to charging twice for food.

The judge explained that the two types of compensation served different purposes: the hospital meal allowance covered the injured person’s basic meals during hospitalization, while nutrition expenses covered additional nutritional support to aid recovery. He illustrated the distinction by comparing the latter to buying extra chicken legs to help someone recover from an injury.

After the student understood the compensation requirements and expressed his willingness to address the matter, the court invited the injured party to further discussions.

Having learned about the young couple’s financial circumstances and the student’s willingness to take responsibility, the plaintiff became more understanding.

The plaintiff acknowledged that the main concern had initially been that the foreign student might leave China without paying compensation. However, seeing his sincere attitude changed that perception.

The injured party agreed to a settlement under which the compensation could be paid in installments. In an additional gesture, the plaintiff offered to introduce the student to companies involved in cross-border trade through personal connections, potentially helping him find employment and earn money to repay the compensation.

After an afternoon of mediation, the two parties finally reached a settlement, resolving the dispute without further litigation.

Growing Up at Concordia Shanghai: How One School Community Shapes Lives

At every high school graduation at Concordia International School Shanghai, there is a special moment when students who have attended the school since their early childhood years are asked to stand and be recognized.

For these students, Concordia is where they grew up, formed lasting friendships, discovered their interests, and built relationships with teachers who came to know them as individuals and supported them along the way.

Their stories offer a glimpse into the lasting value of growing up in a school community where students are known, nurtured, and encouraged to reach their potential.

Room to Explore and Grow

Monica Xie joined Concordia in Kindergarten. Growing up in a close-knit community where teachers knew her well gave her the confidence to ask questions, seek help, and explore new interests.

A Middle School Maker Design elective sparked her interest in collaborative problem-solving and business. She built on that foundation through Concordia's High School Applied Learning Business & Finance course, the Wharton Global Youth Program, and leadership roles in student-led social enterprises and CISSMUN (Model United Nations).

By graduation, Monica had received university offers from Carnegie Mellon, UC Irvine, and Cornell before choosing to pursue her passion for business at NYU Stern.

Cathy Tu, who joined Concordia in Preschool, followed a different path. Now studying Applied Mathematics at Harvard University, Cathy developed interests extending well beyond mathematics.

At Concordia, she served as copy editor of Zeitgeist magazine, co-led the SUM math club and Girls in STEMM club, explored journalism in class, and delved into gender equality and social entrepreneurship during after-school hours.

As students discover their interests, having a community that knows and supports them can give them the confidence to take those interests further, turning curiosity into initiative.

Turning Passion Into Purpose

For Marcus Chu and Shreyas Sharma, both Class of 2025, who joined Concordia in early elementary school, a shared passion for aerospace engineering became an opportunity to create something together.

With guidance from High School mathematics teacher Dr. Tong, the two students founded Concordia's Aerospace Club. Together, they explored drone technology, visited industry research centers, built an autonomous drone, and introduced younger students to the field.

Today, Shreyas is studying at Carnegie Mellon University, while Marcus is pursuing his passion for aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world's oldest and largest fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace.

Looking back, Marcus reflects on the encouragement he received:

“My time at Concordia has taught me that the sky is the limit. The school's support has enabled me to reach new heights in my passion for drones that I once thought impossible, and has allowed me to fulfill a lifelong dream of experiencing advanced drone technology and bring it to other students.”

For Marcus, that encouragement helped turn a personal passion into an opportunity to share his knowledge with younger students. And it's often these relationships, with teachers and fellow students, that leave the longest-lasting impression.

Connections That Last

For many graduates, the influence of Concordia extends beyond academics to the relationships and values they carry into adulthood.

Han Sea Kim, Class of 2011, who spent ten years at Concordia, went on to study at KAIST and Korea University and is now a medical resident at Montefiore. His formative years at Concordia remain an important part of his identity.

Andrew Zhang, Class of 2021, joined Concordia in Grade 3 and went on to become a Cornell Merrill Scholar before beginning his career at Bain & Company. Among his lasting memories is the influence of his High School Social Science teacher, Mr. Paulson, who taught him the importance of leading with integrity and humanity.

Sophia Lim, who enrolled at Concordia at age six, went on to graduate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and now serves as a McKinsey Transformation Vice President. She credits her Concordia teachers with helping build her confidence as a life-long learner.

Their experiences are a reminder that while students graduate from Concordia, the lessons, relationships, and sense of belonging developed over the years can stay with them long after graduation.

A Foundation for Life Success

Every Concordia graduate follows a different path, but for those who spent much of their childhood at the school, their journeys share a common foundation: a community that offered continuity, meaningful relationships, academic challenges, and opportunities to discover who they could become.

For families, the value of this journey lies not only in where their children may go after graduation, but in the people, experiences, and community that help shape who they become along the way.

That's the lasting impact of growing up at Concordia.

Nanjing's Free Noodle Shops Serve 3,000 Bowls a Day — and Nearby Restaurants Are Feeling It

A bowl of plain noodles, completely free. Just walk in and help yourself.

Recently, two “zero-yuan noodle shops” in Nanjing made headlines one after another, drawing widespread attention online.

The “zero-yuan noodle shop” in Nanjing. Image source: Douyin account “公民说”.

The owner, surnamed Zhang, has opened two such shops in the city. The first opened on October 8, 2026, in Yinxiang, Jiangning District; the second followed later that month in Daishan, Yuhuatai District. There are no eligibility checks or registration requirements. The shops serve only plain noodles, with a limit of one bowl per person. Customers need to bring their own bowls and chopsticks, and the shops are closed on Tuesdays.

Together, the two locations give away more than 3,000 bowls a day — roughly 80,000 bowls a month.

Free plain noodles served at the “zero-yuan noodle shop.” Image source: Douyin account “王老虎下馆子”.

Zhang says his intention was simply to do something charitable. He wanted to make sure elderly residents, sanitation workers and food delivery riders could all enjoy a hot meal. He personally covers all the costs, including ingredients, rent and staff wages. His goal is to serve 5,000 bowls a day, and he has said the shops will never charge.

But not everyone in the neighborhood sees it the same way.

Yang, who runs a fried noodle shop next door, says his restaurant is now almost empty during lunchtime. Customers are flocking to the neighboring shop for free noodles, often lining up outside.

A long queue forms outside the “zero-yuan noodle shop.” Image source: Douyin account “王老虎下馆子”.

Yang’s business has always operated on thin margins. After deducting rent, utilities and ingredient costs, he makes just over one yuan in profit on each serving. He has relied on high sales volumes to support his family for the past 15 years. Now, with customer numbers falling sharply, he is already wondering whether to renew his lease when it expires.

Other noodle shop owners nearby have reported similar losses. Some say their daily revenue used to reach more than 10,000 yuan (around $1,400), but has dropped by around 2,000 yuan (around $280) a day since the free noodle shop opened.

Others, whose businesses are farther away, say the impact has been limited because their customers have different preferences, and not everyone wants plain noodles.

An act of kindness has therefore become a very real business challenge for some neighboring shop owners.

There are other concerns, too. With no eligibility requirements, the free food may attract people simply looking to save money, rather than those genuinely in need.

And with long queues forming outside every day, the people the initiative was originally meant to help — such as elderly people living alone and those currently out of work — may not necessarily be the ones benefiting most.

So how can charitable efforts be balanced with the interests of other businesses? It is a question worth considering.

A Lanzhou beef noodle restaurant in Nanjing’s Jianye District offers a different approach. It also provides free meals to people going through difficult times, but uses a discreet arrangement between the restaurant and those in need. Customers simply have to say, “I’d like a traditional beef noodle soup,” to receive a free meal.

This simple code helps identify those who genuinely need assistance while also keeping the number of free meals manageable.

Zhang’s decision to fund the initiative entirely out of his own pocket, without setting any conditions, is certainly admirable. But if he hopes to keep the shops running over the long term, there may be something worth learning from this alternative approach.

Shanghai's 91-Year-Old Red House Restaurant Reopens on Huaihai Road

One of Shanghai's most beloved restaurants is back. Red House Western Restaurant, a 91-year-old institution on Huaihai Road, officially reopened on November 8 after a months-long renovation — and longtime customers have been returning for the flavors they grew up with.

A Shanghai Landmark Reopens on Huaihai Road

Founded in 1935 — originally as the Luo Wei Restaurant, named for its red facade — Red House became a fixture of Shanghai dining and was officially recognized as a China Time-Honored Brand in 2011. It sits at 845 Huaihai Middle Road.

The restaurant closed for its upgrade in March and returned for trial operations on September 30. Since the reopening, regulars have been coming back for the memories as much as the food.

From a Restaurant to a Place to Stay

The renovated restaurant covers nearly 1,000 square metres across four floors. The first floor holds a bakery and coffee area, the second floor has the main dining room and a bar, and private rooms occupy the third and fourth floors.

The new layout brings coffee, baking, full meals, and social dining together under one red-brick roof. The idea is for the brand to be more than a place for a single meal — a space where customers can linger and experience the building itself.

Classic Shanghai Western Food, Plus New Dishes

The menu keeps the restaurant's classic trio: potato salad, borscht, and fried pork chop, alongside long-time favorites such as baked escargots and baked clams.

More than 20 new dishes have been added, including braised beef and herb-roasted chicken, and the restaurant has created around 12 cocktails for the updated dining experience.

For Shanghai residents, Red House is part of the city's food memory. For international visitors, it offers a taste of how Shanghai developed its own style of Western food — and how a historic restaurant is working to stay part of everyday life in the city.

The restaurant's return is also part of the wider renewal of Huaihai Road, where historic brands are being woven together with retail, culture, and new lifestyle experiences.

Source: Kankanews

Do Foreigners Really Love Chinese Food, or Is It Just for the Views?

A Kazakhstani influencer who has lived in China for 11 years has sparked a lively online debate after questioning whether the enthusiasm for Chinese food displayed by many foreign content creators on social media reflects what they actually eat in their daily lives — or whether it is mostly a performance for the camera.

Source: OT-Team; Lea 丽雅在中国

In a recently posted short video, Lea (丽雅) argued that while many foreigners enjoy trying Chinese dishes, most do not regularly eat Chinese food as part of their daily diet. She suggested that some foreign influencers exaggerate their enthusiasm for Chinese cuisine to attract views and generate traffic — and that their on-camera reactions do not necessarily reflect what they eat in private.

Her comments quickly gained traction on Chinese social media, prompting widespread discussion about cultural differences in food preferences, the authenticity of food-related content, and whether foreigners genuinely enjoy Chinese cuisine.

On Camera vs. Off Camera: Do Foreigners Really Eat Chinese Food Every Day?

Videos featuring foreigners enthusiastically eating hotpot, luosifen (river snail rice noodles), and other Chinese dishes have become a familiar sight on social media. Their excited reactions and repeated praise for the food often leave viewers with the impression that foreigners are increasingly falling in love with Chinese cuisine.

Lea suggested that what viewers see online may not always reflect reality. Some foreign content creators, she argued, deliberately produce videos showing foreigners enthusiastically praising Chinese food because such content appeals to Chinese audiences and attracts views. Once filming ends, some may simply return to familiar Western meals such as burgers and pasta.

Lea was not dismissing Chinese food, nor suggesting that foreigners cannot enjoy it. Rather, she emphasized the difference between trying unfamiliar dishes out of curiosity and adopting an entirely different cuisine as part of one's everyday diet.

Having lived in China for 11 years, she also pointed out that food preferences are deeply shaped by childhood experiences and long-established eating habits. Even within China, people from different regions may struggle to adapt to one another's local cuisines. Across national borders, differences in taste preferences and dietary habits can be even greater.

Trying Chinese Food Is Not the Same as Eating It Every Day

Chinese cuisine features a wide range of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. For people accustomed to Western diets, some traditional dishes — particularly those with strong spices, rich flavors, or unfamiliar ingredients — may take time to get used to.

Some foreigners may enjoy an authentic Chinese meal as a new experience and genuinely appreciate its flavors, yet still prefer the food they grew up eating for their regular meals.

Another factor complicating the discussion is the difference between authentic Chinese cuisine and its overseas adaptations. Many popular Chinese restaurants abroad serve localized versions of Chinese dishes, adjusting flavors and ingredients to suit local preferences. Dishes such as General Tso's chicken and cheese-filled spring rolls, for example, reflect adaptations that may differ considerably from traditional Chinese cooking.

As a result, enjoying Chinese-inspired food abroad does not necessarily mean someone is equally familiar with, or accustomed to, the full range of traditional Chinese cuisine.

Genuine Fans Exist, Too

Lea's remarks have resonated with many social media users, but others have cautioned against treating her observations as universally applicable. Not all foreign influencers' enthusiasm is staged, and not all foreigners who praise Chinese food are doing so for views.

Some foreigners who have lived in China for years have genuinely developed a strong appreciation for its cuisine. They actively seek out local restaurants and street food, cook Chinese dishes themselves, and continue to miss these flavors even after leaving the country.

Overseas Chinese communities have also shared mixed experiences. While some foreigners regularly visit Chinese restaurants and enjoy dishes such as fried noodles and hotpot, others remain more comfortable with the food they grew up eating.

In other words, both genuine appreciation and limited dietary adaptation exist. Social media, however, tends to highlight the most entertaining and enthusiastic reactions, potentially creating an impression that does not fully reflect everyday reality.

Food Preferences Are Personal, Not a Measure of Cultural Appreciation

The discussion has also prompted a broader question: why do some people place so much importance on foreigners' praise of Chinese food?

For many commentators, Chinese cuisine does not need external validation to establish its value. With its long history, diverse regional traditions, and extensive range of cooking methods, it is already an integral part of Chinese culture and everyday life.

The same principle applies in reverse. Chinese people living abroad may miss familiar home-cooked meals and struggle to adapt to local food. Foreigners experiencing Chinese cuisine can have similar feelings.

As some online commentators pointed out, if people within China can have difficulty adapting to food from other regions, it is hardly surprising that someone from another country might not immediately enjoy every aspect of Chinese cuisine.

Ultimately, liking or disliking a particular food is a matter of personal taste and habit — not a judgment on the culture behind it.

They Wore the Costumes, Then Sent Them Back: 22 Students Test China's 7-Day Return Rule

Twenty-two students at a vocational college in Guangzhou ordered performance costumes online for a singing competition. They wore the costumes for the event — and then sent them all back, asking for refunds under China's seven-day no-reason return policy.

When the clothes arrived back at the shop, the seller said the collars were covered in sweat and makeup stains. The costumes could no longer be sold to anyone else, so the entire batch had to be thrown away.

After the story attracted attention online, the school stepped in. The students apologized and paid compensation to the seller.

Image from the report on the costume-return dispute.

Why Did the Return Become a Dispute?

China's seven-day return rule exists so that online shoppers — who cannot see or try on a product before buying it — can shop with more confidence. But the rule comes with a condition: the item being returned is still expected to be in good condition.

According to the report, clothing with obvious stains, damage, missing labels, or strong odors may no longer qualify as a normal unconditional return. A costume worn through a full performance, complete with sweat and stage makeup, is hard to describe as "as new."

For sellers of costumes and traditional clothing, return rates can be punishingly high. One seller told the media that some businesses see return rates of around 30%, while more than 20% of returned items show clear signs of use and cannot be resold.

For low-margin businesses, the loss can be significant. If a returned product can never be sold again, the seller may lose almost the full cost of making it.

The Bigger "Refund Without Returning" Problem

The dispute is part of a wider debate about 仅退款 ("refund-only"), a platform policy that can allow buyers to receive a refund without sending the product back at all.

The policy can make sense for low-value goods, damaged deliveries, or products whose return shipping would cost more than the item itself. But sellers interviewed for the report said it is increasingly being applied to a much wider range of products.

Some sellers said platforms may approve refunds automatically, leaving the merchant to submit evidence and appeal the decision afterward. In those cases, a business can lose both the product and the payment.

Why Are Platforms Under Pressure?

The report noted that sellers often need a complete chain of evidence — including unboxing videos, before-and-after comparisons, and return-shipping records — to challenge a refund.

Consumer-rights experts quoted in the report said the purpose of the seven-day rule was to help people shop with confidence, not to turn clothing into free short-term rentals. They also said a product that has been clearly used, stained, or damaged may not meet the legal standard for an unconditional return.

The case involving the 22 students ended with apologies and compensation. But it has raised a larger question for China's online shopping economy:

When a platform makes refunds easy for buyers, who should bear the cost when the product can no longer be sold?

Source: The Paper / CCTV News