They actually sold more iPhone 5 than the two previous models. It's a new record for first weekend sales in China. There weren't lines because Apple managed to

They actually sold more iPhone 5 than the two previous models. It's a new record for first weekend sales in China. There weren't lines because Apple managed to make enough iPhones and by letting other retailers and carriers sell, whereas when iPhone 4 and 4s were first launched here the Apple Store was pretty much the only place you can get them.