TOP 5 Business Books on China

Article by XIANEASE

Business books are more common than successful businesses and that should tell you something of the genre. Generally, book on business in China are not much better, as they are full of outdated advice and business advice that tends to work only if you are willing to pump in a lot of money at the very beginning. For the purpose of this list, we also excluded the tales of titanic CEOs of huge multinational companies, because theirs in not a relatable kind of experience. As always, take business book advice with a grain of salt.

01 One Billion Customers: Lessons from the Front Lines of Doing Business in China

This one often makes the list when it comes to China-related business books, as it offers up a more grounded look at how businesses is conducted in the Middle Kingdom from an author who has extensive experience doing business here. The book covers a range of topics, from how deals are made to lessons that will keep you from emptying your wallet for lost causes. Definitely one to read, despite being over a decade old.

02 The One Hour China Book (2017 Edition)

This book, written by two Peking University professor, offers up six different lessons to understand about doing business in China. Using specific stories as case studies, this book will give you better insight into urbanization, rising consumerism, and navigating the Chinese internet so that you will be better prepared for doing business in China.

03 China’s Super Consumers: What 1 Billion Customers Want and How to Sell it to Them

Published in 2014, this book covers some of the history of consumption in China and how it affects the purchasing habits of people today. It also examines e-commerce, tourism, and luxury purchases, and talks a bit about how to sell products to the different markets with in China. Though some parts are a bit outdates (no book can really keep up with the pace), there is still quite a bit that can be gleaned from this book.

04 China’s Mobile Economy:
Opportunities in the Largest and Fastest Information Consumption Boom

This book largely centers around the development and expansion of China’s rapid integration of mobile technology into everyday life and the essential role that it plays in modern businesses. From digital entertainments to the e-commerce consumption boom, this book takes a close look at how the digital transformation has happened in China and its implications for the current economy and its impact on the future.

05 Country Driving:
A Journey Through China from Farm to Factory

Peter Hessler had written many award-winning books on China, giving a very human touch to the stories of his travels and life in China. While not a business book persay, in this book, Hessler takes a 7,000-mile trip around the country and depicts how things were changing in both the countryside and the urban landscape and how life was evolving at the time of his writing it in 2010. To compare the China of that time to the China of today provides some insights into where we may be headed next.5

What are your thoughts on these books? Do you have a favorite book that you have read on business in China? Let us know by messaging us at our official WeChat account or by emailing us a info@xianease.com