Forget economy hotels, as the real money in lodging in China is to be made in mid-range business hotels. So argues Hanting Hotels, which has just received $85m in first-round VC funding to expand its network of hotels in China...   more »

Starbucks has reportedly chosen to close its controversial coffee shop in Beijing's Forbidden City. Authorities told Starbucks that its only option to continue trading there was to relinquish control and share space in a new store with other drinks. The Seattle-based chain decided that was unacceptable. It is tempting to read a lot into this move but Starbucks has plenty of other stores in Beijing...    more »

Here's one western company that won't be engaging with China. Food for Health International, a US health food company, will label its products "China-Free" to ease concerns about contamination. I suspect Chinese officials will take a dim view of a foreign company trumpeting the supposed superiority of western products...   more »

NYSE-listed Xinhua Finance Media, the Chinese media company, has bought Convey Advertising Company. It is a shrewd move given XFMedia's focus on "high net worth" individuals as Convey owns billboard sites passed by millions of Chinese on their way to the prime shopping and gambling destinations of HK and Macau...   more »