SHANGHAI -- Hot pot restaurants in China are rolling out dishes priced at just 9.9 yuan ($1.40) to woo penny-pinching customers hit by the country's real estate slowdown and a tough labor market.
9.9-yuan ingredients served on conveyor belt to cut labor expense

At Yi Wei hot pot restaurants, customers are served ingredients on a conveyor belt, which help keeps costs down. (Photo by Noriyuki Doi)
SHANGHAI -- Hot pot restaurants in China are rolling out dishes priced at just 9.9 yuan ($1.40) to woo penny-pinching customers hit by the country's real estate slowdown and a tough labor market.