Young man from Taiwan seizes e-commerce opportunity on Chinese mainland

(ECNS) -- Zhang Yousheng from Taiwan has seized an e-commerce opportunity on the Chinese mainland by selling dim sum in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

Zhang is from Zhanghua and came to Hangzhou with his parents when he was nine years old.

Zhang was admitted to Zhejiang Sci-Tech University where he tried out internet sales. Inspired by friends who asked him to help buy clothes that sold in Taiwan, Zhang tried to set up sales channels in Taiwan and sold goods through the Chinese mainland’s e-commerce platform Taobao.

He then worked for his family enterprise selling handmade dim sum.

“My mom gave Taiwan-flavor rice dumplings to friends and neighbors as gifts before the Dragon Boat Festival at first, then people decided to buy them so our business gradually expanded,” said Zhang.

The young man made the crucial decision of setting up an e-commerce company in April 2021, hoping to promote and sell the handmade dim sum online.

In Zhang’s opinion, Hangzhou has a complete industrial chain of e-commerce, including live streaming conditions, technical talents, and supply chains. The building where his company is located supports young entrepreneurs, reducing their courier service and office rental costs, while providing them a space and equipment for live streaming.

The time and labor cost of handmade dim sum has restricted its output, with the overall cost being higher than assembly line equivalents, said Zhang.

To solve this problem, Zhang decided to further tap the special Taiwan flavor and tell brand stories online. He hired art majors to design new packaging, highlighting a festive flavor and traditional Chinese characteristics.

He also served as the vice president of the Hangzhou Association of Taiwan Compatriots Investment Enterprise, hoping to help more young people study and start a business in Hangzhou.