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K5 X-Pedition: 
Chinese Retail Innovation 2025

Your Hosts: Ed Sander | Jochen Krisch | Sven Rittau
TOUR: Beijing - Hangzhou - ShanghaiWHEN: 12. - 18. October 2025
Your Price: EUR 7290.- (excl. VAT)*

K5X Circle

*Travel Arrangement to Beijing / From Shanghai are not part of the Package. Every participant will organize their own flights in / out of China
20 PARTICIPANTS MAX | THE POWER OF YOUR NETWORK | EXPERT PROGRAM | COMFORTABLE STAYS |
20 PARTICIPANTS MAX | THE POWER OF YOUR NETWORK | EXPERT PROGRAM | COMFORTABLE STAYS |
Recap China X-Pedition 2024

Experience China's Digital Innovation

China is years ahead of us in digital innovations such as e-commerce, mobile payments, live commerce, sharing economy, social commerce, new retail, instant retail, and more. The experiences, insights, and new business models from China can inspire your company to think outside the box and implement innovative solutions.
Apply now for 2025
© Photo Credits: Matthias Mattes Schrader

Unlock Unparalleled Insights and Cultural Riches in China

Join us on this exceptional journey to China and immerse yourself in the forefront of digital innovation and cultural richness. This trip offers unparalleled access to industry experts, exclusive site visits, and authentic cultural experiences, all while being guided by knowledgeable professionals. 

Whether you're looking to gain insights for your business, explore new opportunities, or simply experience China like never before, this trip is designed to provide maximum value and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss the chance to expand your horizons and be inspired by the dynamic landscape of China.
Apply now
© Photo Credits: Matthias Mattes Schrader

What you can Expect

Onsite Experiences
Dive into the heart of Chinese retail & culture with site visits to instant retail & grocery delivery, home delivery & live shopping, Factory/Farmer-to-Consumer, Western flagship stores, the forbidden city and many more.
Expert Program
Our trip features a carefully curated program developed by ChinaTechTrip and inspected by Ed Sander. Expect unique masterclasses led by experts Ed Sander, Jochen Krisch, and Sven Rittau, designed to provide deep insights into China's digital landscape.
Comprehensive Travel
Travel in comfort with private and public transport arrangements, including high-speed train tickets (first class if available) and public transport cards for Beijing and Shanghai. All tips for guides and drivers are covered for your convenience.
Comfortable Stays
Enjoy comfortable accommodations with a stay of 2 nights each in carefully selected hotels in Beijing, Hangzhou, and Shanghai. Begin each day with a delicious breakfast provided by the hotel, giving you the energy needed for the day's activities.
Convenience & Comfort
Stay informed and prepared with headsets, background articles, and an online travel guide. An online pre-tour briefing session will help you get ready for the journey.
Meals included
All meals are provided, including 6 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 packed lunches, snacks, and beverages. Daily water and coffee breaks ensure you stay refreshed.
Guidance & Support
Benefit from English-speaking guidance by Ed Sander and a local Chinese guide, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience throughout your journey.
The K5X-Circle is your network of like-minded entrepreneurial personalities who are eager for exchange, networking, and mutual growth.
Apply now

Meet the Industry Visionaries

Gain unparalleled insights from leading experts like Jochen Krisch and Ed Sander. Learn from their extensive experience in e-commerce, digital innovation, and market analysis. These industry visionaries will share their knowledge, provide strategic guidance, and offer exclusive access to the latest trends and business models shaping the future of online retail. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and be inspired by the best in the field.

Preliminary Agenda

12. - 18. October 2025

Please note that this is a preliminary agenda for October 2025 tours and is subject to changes.

 

Saturday – Optional: Welcome Dinner
  • Kick off the week with a networking dinner featuring Beijing specialties.

 

Sunday – Arrival & Historical Beijing
  • Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park.
  • Dinner introduces Dongbei cuisine, a gateway to regional Chinese flavors.

 

Monday – China’s Economic Rejuvenation & Business Cases
  • Masterclass: China’s Economic Rejuvenation by Ed Sander.
  • Visit Luckin Coffee and Starbucks to understand China’s competitive appetite for innovation.
  • Dinner: Traditional Peking Duck with a cultural surprise.

 

Tuesday – Omnichannel & Instant Retail
  • Masterclass: Chinese Internet Ecosystems & Instant Retail.
  • Visits: Traditional wet market and Alibaba’s Hema stores.
  • Evening: High-speed train to Hangzhou.

 

Wednesday – Live Commerce & Rural Innovation
  • Masterclass: Live Commerce & E-Commerce Trends in China.
  • Visit tea fields to see livestream-based rural business models.
  • Evening: Jiangnan cuisine and a spectacular lake show.

 

Thursday – C2M & Cross-Border E-Com to Europe
  • Masterclass: Pinduoduo’s C2M Model and Global E-Commerce Effects.
  • Visit a leading MCN to see live commerce on a massive scale.
  • Evening: High-speed train to Shanghai, with Sichuan cuisine dinner.

 

Friday – Peer Learning & Shanghai Retail Innovation
  • Peer learning / group discussion over tea.
  • Visits: Deep Dive Shopping Malls & Cutting-Edge Chinese Offline Experiences.
  • Farewell dinner at Haidilao Hotpot, followed by KTV.

 

Saturday – Departure or Optional Dinner
  • Official end after breakfast.
  • Optional: Explore and deploy your new perspective on Shanghai on your own.
  • Optional: Yunnan cuisine dinner at Lost Heaven for those staying in Shanghai.
Apply now

Your Tour hosts

ED SANDER

ANALYST OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN CHINA | INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER | WRITER | SPEAKER | CO-FOUNDER OF CHINATALK | CONTRIBUTOR @TECH BUZZ CHINA
Ed Sander is an analyst of digital technology in China. On days when he is not guiding tours, he is an independent researcher, writer and speaker.

Ed explains the latest digital and innovative developments in China and shares his personal experiences. He lived in China for several years and worked as a marketing consultant for Chinese NGOs in the central city of Xi’an, where he married a Chinese woman. He still spends several months a year in China.

Ed has published hundreds of articles on Chinese digital technology and cultural differences between the West and China. He publishes his work on ChinaTalk, an initiative he runs with his wife, and on Tech Buzz China.

JOCHEN KRISCH

E-COMMERCE EXPERT | INDUSTRY ANALYST | CONSULTANT | FOUNDER OF EXCITING COMMERCE | CO-HOST @EXCHANGES PODCAST | INITIATOR @K5 FUTURE RETAIL CONFERENCE | ADVISOR @GLOBAL ONLINE RETAIL FUND | BUSINESS ANGEL
Jochen Krisch is a leading expert in e-commerce, specializing in growth strategies and new business models for online retail. With a background in computer science, he has been involved in trading and sales concepts in electronic media since 1995 and has been an independent industry analyst and consultant since 2001.

From 1995 to 2001, Jochen led the planning and analysis departments at the shopping channel HSE. In 2005, he launched the influential blog Exciting Commerce, providing daily insights into the future of retail, and in 2012, he co-founded the Exchanges podcast with Marcel Weiß.

Jochen initiated the K5 Future Retail Conference in 2011, now Germany's largest retail conference, and helped launch the Global Online Retail Fund in 2015, where he advises on company selection and weighting. He also supports ambitious startups as an advisor, coach, and business angel, and serves on the board of Flaschenpost.ch.

SVEN RITTAU

E-COMMERCE PIONEER | ZOOPLUS CO-FOUNDER | HOST @K5 BERLIN & CHEFTREFF PODCAST | INVESTOR @FURE CAPITAL & GLORE50 | CO-INITIATOR OF GLOBAL ONLINE RETAIL FUND
Sven Rittau is a renowned e-commerce entrepreneur who co-founded Zooplus AG in 1999, helping it grow into Europe’s leading online pet supply retailer as COO. Following this, he successfully launched and scaled Shirtinator AG.
Since 2014, Sven has led the K5 Future Retail Conference as CEO, the biggest and most influential event shaping the future of online retail, and co-founded the Global Online Retail Fund.
With over 25 years at the forefront of e-commerce, entrepreneurship, and investment, Sven brings unique access to his extensive network of industry leaders and innovators, along with exclusive insights into the ever-evolving world of online retail.

Who Should Join the K5 X-pedition to China?

© Photo Credits: Matthias Mattes Schrader
RETAIL DECISION MAKERS
Discover the latest developments in digitalization and e-commerce, bringing fresh ideas and strategies back to your company to enhance its competitiveness.
E-COMMERCE ENTREPRENEURS
Gain deep insights into the most innovative digital trends and business models, helping you to take your company to the next level and gaining competitive advantage.
INVESTORS & INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Obtain valuable background information about China as an investment market and the mechanism fostering speed scaling & growth in one of the most dynamic retail areas globally.

What Former Participants Are Saying

Do you want to join? Then apply now:

FAQ K5 X-Pedition

What is included in the cost of the trip?

The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals (6 dinners, 2 lunches, 3 packed lunches, snacks, and beverages), daily water and coffee breaks, private and public transport arrangements, high-speed train tickets (first class if available), public transport cards for Beijing and Shanghai, guidance from Ed Sander and a local Chinese guide, all tips for guides and drivers, and event and liability insurance.

Do I need to speak Chinese to join the trip?

No, you do not need to speak Chinese. The trip includes English-speaking guidance by Ed Sander and a local Chinese guide, ensuring smooth communication and a rich understanding of the experiences throughout the journey.

How physically demanding is the trip?

The trip involves a fair amount of walking and exploring during city safaris and site visits. However, it is designed to be manageable for most people in good health. If you have specific concerns or mobility issues, please let us know in advance so we can accommodate your needs.

What should I pack for the trip?

It's recommended to pack comfortable clothing and shoes for daily activities and walking tours. Wear anything you're comfortable in. Don't forget essentials like travel adapters, personal medications, and any specific items you need for your comfort. We will provide a detailed packing list prior to the trip to ensure you are well-prepared.
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