'Authentic Christmas' in China – another shopping holiday
Christmas, the biggest celebration in the Western hemisphere, has spread its wings to China. Hotels and shopping malls compete in ostentatious decoration, from exuberant Christmas trees to unique Chinese-style garlands. Fairy lights added to the usual spectacle on China's skyscrapers are mingling to a sparkling scene. Although it brings a warm and festive atmosphere, the commercial undertones are omnipresent. Many brands take the chance and integrate their products into the cheer. German glass specialist Schott, for example, has turned the entrance of central Shanghai's Joinbuy Century Plaza into an enormous festive platform promoting their crystal wine glasses.
China is the biggest provider of Christmas goods, with its ‘Christmas Village’ Yiwu in Zhejiang province being the largest production site worldwide. Xinhua claimed that more than 60% of the global Christmas decorations and 90% of festive supplies were made in Yiwu factories in 2013. Another claim to fame for the town of 2 million is that it is connected directly with Madrid via train. Arriving in the Spanish capital on 9 December, 1400 tons of cargo containing stationary, craft products, Christmas balls and saxophone-playing Santas completed a journey of 13,052km, the longest train journey in history.
Despite China’s contribution to the holy event, the traditional background of the festivities is not observed by most locals. There are an estimated 100 million Christians in China - eclipsing the 86.7 million-strong membership of the ruling Communist Party, and at its current growth rates, China will likely have the world's largest Christian population within 15 years.Nevertheless, Chinese generally associate Christmas with shopping discounts and the occasion of spending time with friends. Decoration and gifts have become popular among the younger consumers, pushing ecommerce platforms to promote Christmas goods. Searching for ‘Christmas’ in Chinese and English on Taobao delivers 105,000 results, with decorations and ‘Merry Christmas’-banners being particularly popular.
For those who want to escape the commercial Christmas and experience a rather laid back and peaceful time, villages and townships are promoting themselves as just that. Miyun in the north of Beijing promises dreamy scenery close to the Great Wall with special activities during the holidays. From Christmas choirs to Santa Claus and clowns on bicycles to making pizza – everything is included for Chinese consumers to enjoy a 'genuine' Christmas.
Whether you are taking in the buzz of the cities or will head for romantic days in the countryside, China Skinny wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
