Last Call: 2025 Baiguan China Tour & Program Upgrades

Only 5 Seats Left on the 2025 Baiguan China Tour!

Sep 20, 2025

This is a final call for our upcoming 2025 China Tour (Oct 27 Monday to Oct 30 Thursday in Shanghai & Hangzhou). We have only about 5 seats remaining, and we will be closing the signup form as soon as they are filled. If you are still considering joining, now is the time to secure your spot.

Why is this tour different?

The dominant narrative in global media is that China is facing deflation and deep structural challenges—and long gone are the days when every sector posted double-digit growth. In this new phase of the Chinese economy, identifying structural investment opportunities requires a sharper lens and a deeper presence on the ground.

While the macro picture feels uncertain, specific sectors are thriving—driven by generational shifts in behavior, demand for domestic cultural identity, and a new wave of tech innovation. But these are not always the trends you’ll find in boardrooms or equity research reports.

We believe that the best way to deepen your strategic understanding of China is to come and see it for yourself. Meet the founders and operators of tomorrow’s Pop Mart and Deepseek. Hear directly from the companies shaping China’s next growth cycle.

This tour takes you beyond glossy surfaces. You’ll meet both listed and pre-IPO companies, dine with local founders and investors, and visit the spaces—both digital and physical—where real consumer behavior takes shape.

If your investment thesis depends on understanding where China is going, not where it was, this trip is for you.

Program Updates

We’ve also been working to make this itinerary even more impactful, and we're thrilled to announce a few key updates:

1 Upgrade: On the last day in Hangzhou, we will now visit Deep Robotics (云深处) instead of ROKID AI. Deep Robotics is one of Hangzhou’s famous “Six Little Dragons” tech startups — a grouping that also includes DeepSeek, Unitree, and Game Science. The company develops quadruped and humanoid robots that have already been commercially deployed in sectors such as power & energy, emergency response, security patrol, and education & research. We think Deep Robotics offers a strong lens for understanding China’s AI, robotics, and hardware supply chain. We have been eager to confirm a visit with one of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons,” as it offers a rare view into Hangzhou’s innovation ecosystem, private business, and start-up culture — arguably the most important takeaway from the city and what sets it apart from other affluent Chinese cities. We’re thrilled to have this visit confirmed.
1 Addition: We are also adding Westlake University (西湖大学) to our Hangzhou agenda. Westlake is a pioneering private research university that aims to build a world-class research hub. During our visit, we will meet with research teams, tour labs, and see cutting-edge scientific work in action. Westlake University is significant for two key reasons: it offers a window into China’s future innovation ecosystem, showcasing how science and technology are advancing beyond tech giants and commercial sectors, and it represents a bold experiment in China’s higher education system as a private, research-focused university that emphasizes science, medicine, and engineering while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This visit provides a rare opportunity to understand both Hangzhou’s role as a hub for innovation and China’s broader efforts to reform education and cultivate its next generation of innovation talent.
1 Change: Instead of visiting NetEase Games, we will now visit FunPlus in Shanghai — a leading global game studio with teams across multiple Chinese cities and a strong overseas presence. FunPlus is behind blockbuster titles such as King of Avalon and is a great case study of how Chinese companies are building locally but competing successfully worldwide.

✈️ Tour Itinerary

Throughout the program, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand and gain a deep understanding of four important themes that highlight key social changes and future opportunities in China:

Understanding the Daily Life of China’s Young Consumers: How a typical urban professional in their 20s–30s works, eats, and shops in 2025 China.
Digital Culture and Entertainment in Transition: How content, entertainment, and commerce intersect in a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.
Culture, Identity & Chinese Brands’ Global Ambition: Explore how Chinese brands fuse heritage and product innovation to succeed at home and expand globally.
Tech and Innovation: China’s AI and robotics landscape, and how her education and research system is cultivating innovative talent for the decades ahead.

Day 0 Oct 26: Shanghai - Welcome Dinner

We will host a complimentary welcome dinner on the evening of the 26th, giving everyone a chance to get to know each other. We’d love to see you there if your travel plans allow!

Day 1 Oct 27: Shanghai

Atour Hotels (NASDAQ: ATAT): Atour is one of the most loved hotel chains among Chinese in their 20s to 40s. Beyond being a reliable choice for both business and leisure travel, Atour has successfully expanded into retail, with its household product line now contributing ~39% of group sales. It’s one of the first hotel brands in China to transform into a "lifestyle brand." A visit to Atour offers insights into how young Chinese consumers think about travel, home, and lifestyle.

Lunch @ Super Bowl: Super Bowl is a popular healthy fast-casual chain among China’s young office workers. Its grain bowls, lean proteins, and app-based ordering reflect a rising awareness of health and convenience, localized for Chinese tastes. Lunch here highlights how “clean eating” concepts are evolving into scalable restaurant models. We’ve invited an early investor in Super Bowl—who has also backed several successful consumer startups—for a conversation on the evolving dynamics of China’s consumption landscape.

M&G Stationery (SHA: 603899), founded in 1997, is etched into the childhood memories of nearly every Chinese student. Once known simply as a trusted stationery maker, it is now reinventing itself into a creative, globally-oriented brand. From IP collaborations to ESG initiatives—such as launching China’s first carbon-neutral stationery—M&G exemplifies how China’s “time-honored” companies are innovating and building brand power to stay competitive.

FunPlus, founded in 2010, has left its mark on millions of players with its globally popular strategy games. Once part of a new wave of ambitious Chinese tech startups, it is now a proven leader on the international stage. With blockbuster titles like King of Avalon topping charts in overseas markets, FunPlus is an excellent case study of how Chinese companies can build locally while competing successfully worldwide.

Transport: Private coach transfer to Hangzhou (~2.5 hrs)

Lunch and dinner will be provided today.

Day 2 Oct 28 Hangzhou

Foshan Yowant Technology (002291.SZ): Livestreaming is one of China’s most influential retail formats, blending product discovery, trust-based marketing, and instant conversion. Yowant remains the industry leader, with top celebrity hosts, collaborations with 25,000+ brands, and the highest number of livestreams surpassing RMB 100 million in single-session sales. We will step inside a livestreaming room to see how it works in practice, and explore how new technologies—AI-powered content and digital marketing—are reshaping creator-led commerce.

Westlake University (西湖大学): Westlake is a pioneering private research university that aims to build a world-class research hub. During our visit, we will meet with research teams, tour labs, and see cutting-edge scientific work in action. Westlake University is significant for two key reasons: it offers a window into China’s future innovation ecosystem, showcasing how science and technology are advancing beyond tech giants and commercial sectors, and it represents a bold experiment in China’s higher education system as a private, research-focused university that emphasizes science, medicine, and engineering while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This visit provides a rare opportunity to understand both Hangzhou’s role as a hub for innovation and China’s broader efforts to reform education and cultivate its next generation of innovation talent.

JNBY Group (3306.HK): JNBY is a prime example of how a Chinese designer brand tells the story of China’s fashion. It blends modern taste with subtle Chinese design elements, cultivating loyal followers both at home and abroad. The brand exemplifies the rise of Guochao (“China Chic”) brands that balance product innovation with cultural identity.

Lunch will be provided today. Once you arrive, we’ll give you some dinner suggestions featuring local flavors.

Day 3 Oct 29 Hangzhou

Saint Bella (2508.HK): If you follow China’s news, you’ve likely seen headlines about declining birth rates. A key question is how consumer brands continue to adapt and stay competitive in this environment. We will visit Saint Bella, the largest postpartum and family care group in China and Asia, to see how it builds a strong portfolio of both services and retail products, domestically and overseas. More importantly, this visit offers a chance to explore how Chinese mother & baby brands are responding to changing demographics and what this signals for the industry’s future.

Lunch@Home Original Chicken 老乡鸡 (HK Pre-IPO): Home Original Chicken is one of China’s most recognizable fast-casual chains, famous for its homestyle chicken dishes and grassroots brand image. It thrives on a uniquely Chinese formula: down-to-earth marketing, approachable prices, and comfort food rooted in local traditions. Now preparing for its IPO, Home Original Chicken raises an intriguing question—could it become China’s own version of KFC or McDonald’s? Experiencing it firsthand in China offers an authenticity and scale that no overseas case study could replicate.

Proya Cosmetics (603605.SH): Proya is a leading example of a domestic beauty and skincare brand successfully shedding the “cheap, low-quality” stereotype. Through strong R&D, effective digital marketing, and culturally resonant products, Proya competes head-to-head with global giants while driving the localization and upgrade of China’s cosmetics industry.

Private Welcome Dinner with Family Offices & Founders An English-friendly gathering with founders, second-generation leaders of family businesses, and local investors. This is a unique opportunity to network and exchange perspectives on brand-building, challenges, and investment trends in China.

Lunch and dinner will be provided today.

Day 4 Oct 30 Hangzhou

Alibaba AI (NYSE:BABA): Visit Alibaba’s AI Labs to learn about their cutting-edge AI developments, including China’s leading large language model, Qwen, which uniquely integrates AI capabilities directly with e-commerce operations. Gain insights into how Alibaba’s foundational research supports commerce, logistics, and cloud services, and understand where China is innovating or diverging in the AI landscape.

Deep Robotics (云深处): Deep Robotics is one of Hangzhou’s famous “Six Little Dragons” tech startups — a grouping that also includes DeepSeek, Unitree, and Game Science. The company develops quadruped and humanoid robots that have already been commercially deployed in sectors such as power & energy, emergency response, security patrol, and education & research. Deep Robotics offers a strong lens for understanding China’s AI, robotics, and hardware supply chain, and a rare view into Hangzhou’s innovation ecosystem, private business, and start-up culture — arguably the most important takeaway from the city and what sets it apart from other affluent Chinese cities.

Lunch will be provided today. Last day will conclude before dinner time, around 4pm to 5pm.

Cultural & Experiential Stop

In addition to company visits, we will also include curated cultural and experiential stops in Hangzhou—designed to give participants a first-hand feel of China’s unique cultural environment. The exact activity will be confirmed closer to departure.

Who exactly will we meet?

What sets the Baiguan China Tour apart is the quality of our access. Our itinerary is curated to ensure you go beyond the standard corporate pitch.

Throughout the tour, you will engage directly with: founders & C-level executives, key division heads who are directly responsible for business units and product strategy, and second-generation family office leaders.

We bypass the PR teams to connect you with the individuals driving the business, ensuring you receive unfiltered insights into their strategies, challenges, and vision.

*A quick logistical note: While we have confirmed these visits, the final company list, company representatives and hour-by-hour schedule are subject to minor changes depending on the final availability of our hosts. A detailed handout will be provided prior to departure.

💳 Registration & Fees

This tour is strictly limited to 20 seats to ensure an interactive and high-value experience. Spots are confirmed only after successful payment and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

👉 To begin your registration, please fill out this google form.

(The RSVP form will close once all seats are filled.)

Our team will send you a secure payment link via Stripe within 1 day, which accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Link.

Standard Price: $4,280 USD

*Please note that the international airfare and accommodation will be at your own expense.

We do realize that sometimes our email can get into your spam box. Please help us check if that's the case if you don't hear from us within 1 day.

*If you are traveling with others, each participant must register and complete payment separately to ensure accurate details for everyone.

✅ Confirmation Process and What to Expect Next

Once your payment is successfully completed, here’s what you can expect:

Upon successful payment, you will receive an immediate payment receipt from Stripe. This confirms your seat and registration.

Within 24–48 hours: You will receive a personal welcome email asking for the following information:

Personal information: Legal name, phone number, dietary restrictions/allergies, arrival & departure flights, a short personal introduction (optional, for cohort networking), and emergency contact.
Private group access: We’ll invite you to a WeChat group for timely communication and a more personal connection before and during the tour.
Recommended hotel: Local transportation will be arranged throughout the trip. Please note that while shuttles will be provided, pickup will only be available from the recommended hotel each morning before the day’s activities begin. If you choose to stay elsewhere, please plan to meet the shuttle at the recommended hotel each morning.
- Shanghai: Atour Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Shuicheng Road (view on booking.com).
  - Instead of a 5-star hotel, we recommend Atour Hotel—a lifestyle brand and hotel chain that has become one of the most popular among young Chinese consumers. It is known for its smart and modern room design. This particular location is close to Hongqiao Railway Station, making it convenient if you are arriving by train.
  - If you are arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Oct 26, please let us know your flight details, and we will assist with pickup and transfer to the recommended hotel.
- Hangzhou: Sheraton Grand Hangzhou Wetland Park Resort (View on booking.com).
  - This hotel is recommended because it sits close to companies that we will visit (Alibaba AI, Rokid, Yowant etc.). It is also located next to the Xixi National Wetland Park and inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, offering landscape views of the signature gardens of Hangzhou.

Follow-up communications:

Mid-to-late September: A dedicated newsletter will feature company hosts, guest highlights, and itinerary details. You’ll find out who you’ll meet at each company, along with early insights into the discussion topics and key business highlights.
Mid October: You’ll receive the detailed hour-by-hour schedule and join a pre-tour Zoom briefing to meet fellow participants and the Baiguan team, and to have any questions answered.

📌 Important Policies

Refunds & Cancellations:
- Cancel ≥30 days before the tour start date → Full Refund
- Cancel <30 days before the start date (any reason, including visa issues) → No Refund
- Requests must be sent in writing to baiguan@bigonelab.com
Urgent Action Required for Visa Application: We strongly urge all non-Chinese passport holders to begin their visa application process immediately upon registration. Participants are responsible for securing valid passports and visas. Failure to obtain a visa is not an exception to the refund policy. To be eligible for a full refund, you must cancel before September 26, 2025. Please plan your visa application accordingly.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended to protect against unexpected events (medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage, etc.).
What’s Not Included: International airfare, accommodation, meals (except those noted in itinerary), visa fees, and personal expenses.

🎁 Perks

All participants will receive a free 1-year Baiguan subscription. Already a paid subscriber? We’ll extend your subscription by 12 months.

We look forward to welcoming you to China in 2025!

Warm regards, The Baiguan Team baiguan@bigonelab.com

Other FAQ

🧾 Invoice Requests

If your organization requires an invoice, simply email baiguan@bigonelab.com after completing your payment. We’ll issue a Stripe invoice (example attached).

Alternative payment methods

If your organization needs a different payment arrangement (such as bank/wire transfer), please contact us at baiguan@bigonelab.com with the subject line: “China Tour Payment Request.” Please note that it may take up to 24 business hours for us to process and respond to your inquiry.

Will there be English translation?

Yes, all company visits and official sessions will have English translation available.

What if I don’t stay at the recommended hotel?

Shuttle service will only operate from the recommended hotel. If you choose to stay elsewhere, please plan to meet the shuttle at the recommended hotel each morning before the day’s activities.

When does the program end on Oct 30?

Last Day October 30 will be a full-day experience, concluding before dinner (around 4:00–5:00 PM, depending on how company visits go).

Will transportation be arranged from Hangzhou back to Shanghai on Oct 30?

We recommend taking the high-speed train, which is much faster than driving (about 1 hour versus 2–3 hours by car, especially during rush hour). Trains run frequently between Hangzhou and Shanghai—about every 15 minutes until around 22:30pm. But we are collecting details from participants and can arrange a group ride for those who prefer that option. Once you have your flights booked, please let us know so we can coordinate any assistance if needed.