Sam Blumenthal

Earlier this year, Wei, known as Viya, used Taobao to sell a commercial rocket for 40 million yuan, or $5.6 million. The hashtag #WeiYaSellsARocket went viral on the Chinese social platform Weibo after the incredible feat.

“The Chinese consumer embraces technology a lot quicker, unfortunately, than the Western world,” said Bruno Schiavi, co-founder of Uncle Bud’s, which makes hemp and CBD topicals and lotions. “And I think the influencers in China really are true influencers. ... The Chinese consumers really trust these people, and it’s just the way of life in China... See more