'Homebound' lifestyle takes off nationwide

Changba said it plans to hold a live online session with Modern Sky, one of China's largest independent record companies, to attract more viewers during the outbreak. The project, which aims to introduce singers at online concerts, is highly likely to continue after the epidemic.

Xu Linfeng, a senior analyst at Huaxi Securities, said, "With many people stuck at home for a long time, there is the possibility that once the epidemic is over, offline consumption will see explosive growth, which in turn will lead to a downturn in online demand."

Zhang, from Sinovation Ventures, said it will be difficult for companies to retain users on a sustainable basis and for them to become loyal customers after the epidemic. For example, the online education sector is unlikely to replace offline businesses in the long run, she said.

"Offline education will once again be the priority for many parents. Some of them don't have the time and energy to take care of their children all day in front of a computer, while others want to protect their children's eyesight (from computer screens)," she said.

Wu Jincao, senior analyst at Sinolink Securities in Shanghai, said the fresh food and e-commerce sectors will see rapid changes after the outbreak.

"Not all companies will survive. Only those with sufficient cash flow who can gain a lead in the supply chain are likely to succeed," Wu said.