Beware of Yellow Peril

We interrupt our normal programming to bring you this news flash!
Well, maybe not exactly a news flash and it does wander quite some way from what we would call “usual” items. But we can – just – squeeze it into a business theme as it does give you insight, not just into the fickleness of China’s weather, rather like any where else really, but also the character of the people.

Beware of the yellow peril might be judged as racist or discriminatory today. It was a term used back in its day to talk about the threat from Japan. Today however, we’re using it to refer to THAT sandstorm that swept across northern China yesterday – Monday – obliterating everything in its path. At least, visibility wise.

Just across the road from our office is a very brightly lit Sichuan hot pot restaurant. It all but disappeared from view. Of course, this is the “Clayton’s” anti China news, the sort of criticism you make when you are not, seemly, criticising. So, we won’t repeat what has already been gleefully covered by mass media other than a quick back drop,

As reported globally, it began up in North West China as huge winds off the Gobi Desert picked up sand and swept it south east. The resulting fine yellow sand covers huge areas of China.
When the Bic was working in Korea back in 2000, such sand storms were a fairly common, and cursed, occurrence. Despite today’s sealed, almost air tight offices, come Monday morning our dark wood top tables were covered in a fine gold dust. Sadly it wasn’t.

As noted above and in every publication since, this is not a new phenomenon. In fact, there are paintings and sketches dating back to the Song Dynasty recording them. Thankfully though, they are now less regular. Let’s hope that yesterday will not be repeated for another decade at least. Despite the unpleasant and unhealthy conditions, people, especially those in Beijing, took it in their stride. This article from Heather Mowbray at the Caixin Daily takes a closer look and at the dark humour that the dark sandstorm inspired.

This is one of Caixin’s member only articles, but, if you are not yet a member, you can easily, and freely, become one simply by subscribing with an email address. If you have a real interest in China, either business or casually this is a great, economical option. For those who are serious about indepth research, business analysis and much more, we do suggest a fee based subscription.
If you have questions about real time, coal face business or marketing in China, please chat with our own Everlyne Yu.

Introducing Everlyne YU

China Website Baidu Optimisation

In 2003 Everlyne Yu co-founded WPBeijing Marketing Studio with Englishman Peter Bic, now known as Bic Brands.

She began Uengager, as a SaaS MarTech company focused on customer engagement in 2017.

Hello, Nihao, I’m Everlyne

“I love to talk about and help people understand the amazing ways MarTech and SaaS can work to strengthen your business engagement with Chinese consumers.
I know you have questions or want to talk about your brand or business in China so please, drop me a line opposite. If you prefer live chat, call and talk to me live, in person direct.“

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Everlyne is also a key note speaker, lecturer and KOL on MarTech in China. She is CEO of Uengager, business development officer for Bicyu.

Everlyne hs been privileged to work with a variety of international organisations, from VW, Cushman Wakefield, Sodexo, Bristol Myers Squibb to local Chinese firms such as Midea, and OK Order.

If you’re looking for guidance, tips, advice on any aspect of starting or growing a business in China or training, coaching your existing China marketing team for excellence, be sure to check out Uengager. Home page and base for Everlyne Yu. Read her short bio – opposite left – or contact her direct – below – for a free, heart to heart chat.