I sometimes watch webisodes of Thoughtful China a show about advertising in China.  The show features leading players in China’s advertising world.  This episode asked its guests to show and explain “China’s Best Ads in 2012.”  You can link through to the 28 minute show to get more details.  Below, you can see some of the ads that I liked best:

The first one is just powerful storytelling at its best — and from a bank no less.

The next ad is one of a series of ads for Taiwan’s Isabelle Wedding cakes.  Apparently an older, staid brand, that was looking to change its image.  There are a series of 12 ads — one for each sign of the zodiac.  You can search Isabelle Wedding cakes on YouTube for more.

Finally, an ad that just kind of surprised me.  It looks like an Axe ad that would run in the U.S.  I guess it demonstrates how China has been affected by Western culture.  Sex sells almost anywhere.

In some ways these ads can be used to demonstrate the quality and similarity of advertising in China as compared to the U.S. (or Europe).  These ads are elaborately produced, provide powerful stories that capture hearts.  You might also use them as a fun interlude when discussing global demographics and/or the family life cycle — as the first addresses an aging population, the second the (almost) young married no kids, and the third the young single.