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8-part Series: Chinese Commodities: Past and Present

Do you remember the old Chinese-made products decades ago? Those old-brand products that were familiar to us have been faded away silently under the impact of the market economy. However, memories can be picked up. Now, the old brand products are resurrecting and becoming popular. Can you still recall those days that the Chinese-made products accompanied with? Now let´s stay tuned on the 8-part special "Chinese Commodities- Past and Present", to have a date with our cherished old possessions.

Watch Episodes

Part 1- Resurrection

Foreign brands quickly became popular when they appeared on the Chinese market. But it´s time past.

Part 2- A most beautiful life

This calendar was made in the early 20th century from Guangsheng, the first modern cosmetic manufacturer in China. The two charming girls have all the features of beautiful women at that time.

Part 3- Kingdom of bicycles

A stream of bicycles passes Tian´anmen inand photographs taken during the 1960s and the 1970s. The bicycle was the primary means of local transport for most people of that time

Part 4- Treasured old possessions

In the 1960th and the 1970s, the bicycle, wrist watch, sewing machine, and the radio were all known as the "3+1" treasured possessions.

Part 5- The big three

Electronic applies are common household possession considered indispensible to life. However, more than 30 years ago, the big three were luxuries for ordinary people in China.

Part 6- Photogenic years

Even in the most difficult times, Chinese families will spend some of there carefully conserved money on the family photo for the holiday. The pictures would then hang in the most obvious place in their home.

Part 7- Childhood impressions

From childhood we carry memories that will last a lifetime. We recall our impressions of clothes, toys and hobbies. We shared food with friends, but would get into a fight with a game of ping- pong.

Part 8- Unforgettable Past

Once popular in China, the harmonica, accordian and guitar had faded into the past. Still, when the familiar melodies again reach the years of the old generation, the rhythm revives memories of happy year times.

Old Brands
Memories of Chinese Commodities

Wang Wenlin, Comedian

"I had heard of "Warrior" sneakers but never had a pair of them. My family couldn´t afford 10 yuan price which was the living cost of one person a month."

Chen Ailian, Dancer

"Very few of my schoolmates, had wristwatches. It was not very common. A friend helped me realize my dream. Her parents gave me a wristwatch. It was a Shanghai brand. I loved it. it was so precious."

Lai Shengchuan, Director

"Your private life would be over if you had a TV in your house. The neighbors would come to watch. Then many other people would come. Your home might be filled every day.”

Cheng Fangyuan, China´s First Class Singer

"I remember buying a "Red Cotton" guitar with 37 yuan. It was a month´s salary at that time. I treasured it and played it everyday."

Collecting Chinese Commodities

Chen Guotai, Toy Collector

"I began collecting toys in 1989. I realized I was collecting toys made in other cuntries. I wondered if I could collect something that was really Chinese. It was the begginning of the collection."

Jiang Yafen, Owner of a small store

"I started if for the sake of old memories, to remind people of their childhood, the days they spent with their mother. I feel emotionally connected to these brands. Many old brands are good, but unknown. I feel anxious about this..."

Jin Pengyuan, Collector of Chinese Commodities

"I looked at it carefully. It aroused in tremendous interest in the industrial design of the 60s and 70s. After that I became crazy about the old goods..."

Pang Kuan, Designer

"It seemed to be the sole companion that grew up with you. They were with you all the time, just like your best friends. You cannot discard your old friends. You carry them with you all the time..."

Poll: Homemade brands     （Total Votes：Loading）
1.Can you recall those old-brand Chinese-made products you had when you were a kid?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Only a little
2.Do you still use those old-brand products?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Sometimes
3.How do you like the Chinese commodities?
A. They are not expensive, and have good quality.
B. They don’t look modern at all.
C. They have their own features which make them different from foreign products.
D. Other (you can comment here)
4.Will you buy more classic Chinese-made products to support homemade brands?
A. Yes
B. No
C. It depends
Do You Remember These Moments
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