The number of Chinese people who buy products online has increased dramatically in the past five years. As China Daily reported this week, sales increased more than twelvefold between 2010 and 2015. The increase was particularly strong in rural regions.

Despite the weakening economy, the number of Chinese Internet users who purchase products via e-commerce platforms such as Taobao, TMall, or JD continued to increase last year. A study by the market research company Ant Financial, which recorded the online activities of 450 million Internet users and 22 industries, found that rural regions in particular recorded strong growth last year.

Online purchases in rural areas rose by 96 percent within a year to a total of 353 billion yuan (55 billion US dollars). Nationwide, there was an increase of 33.3 percent to 3.88 trillion yuan. At 29.1 percent, e-commerce played a significant role in the growth of China’s gross domestic product.

3,000 commercial websites for rural areas

When it comes to purchasing behavior, there are clear differences between female and male consumers. Women spend significantly more money on cosmetics and household appliances. Men, on the other hand, prefer electronic devices and products that help improve their social standing.

According to Wang Bingnan, the Chinese deputy minister of commerce, there are now 3,000 commercial websites that specialize in rural areas. However, poorly trained staff and inadequate infrastructure remain a problem. The minister sees a clear need for improvement here. But despite all the problems, platforms such as JD and TMall ensure that luxury goods reach remote regions and improve prosperity in rural areas.