Connecting with the Chinese community

More than 680,000 Chinese people visit Victoria each year, spending more than $3 billion. Is your business capitalising on this important market?

Our top tips to build better connections:

• Get your menu translated: consider having key customer resources translated for your Chinese visitors. Consider menus, size guides and opening/closing times. In hospitality, Chinese customers really like visual menus with images and extra detail on any local ingredients.
• Employ staff who also speak Mandarin: do you know how to say hello in Mandarin? Consider employing someone who does. Having a bilingual staff member could really help to ensure things don’t get lost in translation. And you could also provide cultural training to staff.
• Use Chinese promotional platforms: investigate promotional opportunities on Chinese social media platforms, like WeChat or other popular platforms, such as travel sites Ctrip, Fliggy, Qunar or Mafengwo. Also consider cross-border sales opportunities through major e-commerce platforms, such as Taobao, Tmall Global, Pinduoduo, JD.com, Kaola, Suning, VIP.com.

Download our 'Five ways to connect with Chinese visitors' checklist

Subscribe to our official WeChat account

Melbourne was the first Australian capital city to launch an official WeChat account. WeChat is China’s most popular social media platform, with more than one billion active users.

Our WeChat account helps us better engage the local and international Chinese community, providing regular updates on what's going on in Melbourne, including upcoming events and opportunities – particularly for business, students and visitors.

Explore Melbourne in Chinese. Search 'CityofMelb' or scan the QR code below in the WeChat app to subscribe.

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How to be featured on City of Melbourne's WeChat channel

If you’d like to be featured on our WeChat channel:

1. List your businessOpens in new tab on the City of Melbourne What’s On websiteOpens in new tab to have it featured.
2. Contact us via global@melbourne.vic.gov.au to express your interest in additional promotion on WeChat. We prefer stories that update readers on what’s on in Melbourne, such as events, free activities and city activations.
3. Our WeChat team will consider your content and contact you for further information.