The modern meaning of `风口` is inseparable from one of the most famous quotes in contemporary Chinese business culture, attributed to Lei Jun (雷军), the founder of tech giant Xiaomi:
站在风口上，猪都能飞起来。
(Zhàn zài fēngkǒu shàng, zhū dōu néng fēi qǐlái.)
“If you stand in the right spot during a hurricane, even a pig can fly.”
This single sentence captures the essence of the `风口` philosophy that has dominated China's tech and venture capital scene for the last decade. It suggests that timing and positioning within a powerful trend are more critical than the inherent qualities of the individual or company (the “pig”). Comparison to Western Concepts: A similar Western concept might be “catching a wave” or “getting in on the ground floor.” However, there's a key cultural difference. Western entrepreneurial narratives often lionize the visionary founder whose unique genius creates success (e.g., Steve Jobs, Elon Musk). The `风口` concept, while not dismissing skill, places a much stronger emphasis on the power of the environment. It reflects a pragmatic, perhaps more collectivist, view that success is often about correctly identifying and aligning with massive external forces rather than generating them yourself. The “flying pig” isn't a genius; it's just smart (or lucky) enough to be in the right place at the right time.
`风口` is used extensively in conversations about business, technology, investment, and even career planning.