In times of economic uncertainty and a lack of alternatives, more and more Chinese are investing in gold. According to the China Gold Association, retail sales of gold products rose by almost nine percent year-on-year to 1,090 tons in 2023. Particularly popular are traditional lucky charms cast in gold, such as this dragon from a jewelry store in Nanjing. However, since the younger generation cannot afford such status symbols, so-called gold beans are the new trend. These small pieces of gold sold in a jar cost around 76 euros per gram.