Core Viewpoint - The piano industry in China is experiencing a significant downturn, with declining sales and financial losses for major companies like Hailun Piano, which reported a revenue drop of 46.47% in 2024 and a record net loss of 97.92 million yuan [9][27]. Group 1: Industry Background - The number of children learning piano in China peaked at 40 million in 2019, with a growth rate of 29.3% from 2008 to 2013 [6][9]. - Hailun Piano, founded in 2001, capitalized on the "piano craze" and became one of the leading companies in the industry, going public in 2012 [8][21]. - The piano was once seen as a symbol of cultural sophistication among middle-class families, with significant investments made in children's piano education [12][16]. Group 2: Market Changes - The "piano craze" began to decline in 2019, with a notable drop in demand due to changes in educational policies that reduced the emphasis on arts in school admissions [22][24]. - Piano sales in China fell from 356,000 units in 2018 to 128,000 units in 2023, representing a staggering decline of 64% [24][25]. - The economic downturn has led consumers to downgrade their spending, with pianos being seen as a luxury item that families can no longer afford [25]. Group 3: Company Performance - Hailun Piano's revenue for 2024 was 159 million yuan, down 46.47% year-on-year, and the company faced its largest loss in history [9][27]. - The company has been forced to increase its marketing expenses by 57.92% to maintain market share amid declining sales [27]. - The control of Hailun Piano is set to change hands, with founder Chen Hailun planning to transfer control to a new entity for 548 million yuan [30]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The industry consensus suggests a shift towards "music+" strategies, with companies exploring diversification into digital and smart pianos [32][34]. - The market for digital pianos is projected to grow from 1.072 billion USD in 2023 to 1.839 billion USD by 2033, indicating potential opportunities for innovation [34]. - There is a growing interest among older adults in learning piano, with their purchasing rate increasing from 10% in 2022 to 38% in 2023, suggesting a new demographic for market growth [35].