The majority of China's internet users are under the age of 25, have at least secondary education, and are living in cities. They are not necessarily wealthy, though; as the figure below shows, approximately 74% percent of internet users have a monthly income of less than RMB 2,000 (~USD 300).
The Internet Bar Phenomenon
One of the main causes of the conflicting numbers of internet users derived by surveys is the predominant use of Internet bars in China. Internet bars in China remain the only internet access points for many of China's youth, as ownership of a personal computer is not common outside China's most industrialized cities.
Below are some pictures of typical internet bars in China. It is not uncommon for a single internet bar to hold several hundred people at the same time, and many bars have a steady clientele 24 hours a day.
The importance of internet bars in China's rural areas is arguably even greater. Although many small villages will not always have running water and a functioning sewage system in all houses, more often than not an Internet bar will still be available.
Next: Taobao and the Dominance of the Alibaba Group
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