China's Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), referred to as e-CNY or the digital yuan, has found limited adoption among the masses since its launch in 2019, despite significant efforts by the Chinese government to promote its use. A substantial portion of the Chinese population uses mobile-based payments and favours existing payment applications for their transactions. The widespread use of these platforms creates a disincentive for both consumers and merchants to switch to a new digital currency, due to an absence of additional benefits. Concerns about heightened surveillance by the Chinese government have further compounded resistance to adoption. The China example serves as a pertinent case study for the upcoming launch of India’s digital currency, the e-Rupee. With comparable levels of digital payment adoption, the Chinese CBDC pilot highlights the importance of assessing consumer preferences and motivations, before introducing a new technology.