"Who needs a shopping center if you have Taobao in your smart phone?" says Wang Lin, 28, a writer in Beijing. Taobao, China's largest online shopping website(网站), has become an important part of Wang Lin's life. She spends lots of money on Taobao.
A growing number of Chinese Internet users like Wang have found the joys of online shopping. Most online shoppers are students or young workers. More women shop online than men. Clothing and home-use products are the most popular online.
It was reported that people spent more than 250 billion (十亿) yuan on online shopping last year, 80% through Taobao. Taobao means "looking for treasure" in Chinese. People can find almost everything they need on Taobao, from clothes to books, from candies to DVD players.
You may worry about the security of online shopping. Wang Lin said, "It's very safe and convenient (便利的). Unless you receive the products from the sellers and are satisfied with them, the shop owner will not get the money. You can also get your money back if you want to return the products."