Beijing's Old Department Stores Face Struggle Between Tradition and Innovation
Beijing's traditional department stores grapple with modernisation, as some transform into tourist hotspots while others retain original operations. Meanwhile, China combats 'online hitmen' extorting through negative reviews, and France's anti-fast fashion law targets Chinese cross-border e-commerce
Beijing's historic department stores are navigating a delicate balance between tradition and innovation amid changing times. While some have chosen to reinvent themselves as popular tourist attractions and social media check-in spots, others steadfastly maintain their original business models, becoming distinctive landmarks in the urban landscape.
Meanwhile, authorities are cracking down on a growing trend of 'online hitmen' who fabricate negative reviews to extort money from their targets. These cyber extortionists demand payment in exchange for deleting harmful content. Police have conducted arrests, and academics recommend using technology to identify such 'public opinion extortion' early and deal with it decisively.
In a related development, France recently passed a revised Anti-Ultra-Fast Fashion Law, which the government frames as environmental policy. Beijing's Ministry of Commerce has urged Paris to recognise China's position and immediately stop actions that harm the legitimate rights of Chinese companies. Experts say the French legislation primarily targets Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms.
On a lighter note, Zhejiang's Qiantang River tidal bore continues to draw tourists nationwide each year, with a unique natural phenomenon known as 'tidal trees' forming in Haining's Qiantang tides. Separately, in Changsha, Hunan province, a female sanitation worker rediscovered her passion for writing after a chance encounter, eventually publishing her own collection of works, proving that love for literature transcends age and social class.