Executive Summary

The Coresight Research team was invited to attend Alibaba’s Taobao Maker Festival 2019 in Hangzhou, China, on September 12, the fourth year for the event. The Taobao Maker Festival will be of the largest scale with longest exhibition time from September 12-25. The Taobao Maker Festival has become a signature event to celebrate innovation and the creativity of Chinese merchants and designers.

• The New Technology Zone showcased ideas and innovation by Chinese merchants related to lifestyle, entertainment, transportation and education.
• The China Cool Zone leveraged the growing trend of “China Pride” among millennials and Gen Zers, with a modern interpretation and a re-invention of traditional culture.
• Sneaker customization is growing rapidly as a way for China’s young generation to express individuality.