By Tracy Zhang
Holiday festivities in the People’s Republic of China differ in various provinces, cities, counties and even villages. In the past ten years, due particularly to China becoming the manufacturer of commercial Christmas commodities such as lights, ornaments, wreaths, artificial trees, and toys, all of China has taken to decorating for this unusual Western holiday.
Anyone who does business in China knows that Yiwu, Zhejiang Province, is the international epicenter for Christmas product manufacturing and distribution. This makes nearby Hangzhou, the provincial capital, a major consumer of readily available Christmas decorations.
The city, one of China’s most beautiful spots, boasts tea, silk, and tourism as major industries. As December approaches rather than becoming “lit up” with the red and green and gold colors of Christmas, Hangzhou becomes even “more lit up,” adding only additional nuance to its already attractively decorated streets.
By the time December rolls around, Hangzhou is just starting to bristle with the energy that leads into Chunjie or Spring Festival, when the entire city explodes with the celebration of the Chinese New Year. With that perspective, Christmas in Hangzhou seems like a B-team warm up for the truly important month long holiday that is Spring Festival.
For the holidays, Hangzhou’s old city around the West Lake takes on the look of a town that has the penultimate commercial spirit of Christmas. All the shops, as well as kiosks around the Lake and the boats on the Lake, sparkle with the traditional reds and greens of Christmas.
Throughout December, shops light up with strands of Christmas lights and wreaths. Outdoors, lovely trees, both natural and artificial, are strung with lights and ornaments. The broad avenues lined with old poplar trees have long banners strung over the roads between the trees to welcome all into and throughout the city during the Christmas season.
All in all, Hangzhou celebrates the “look” of Christmas in a more abundant and luxurious way than do most Western cities. If you are an ex-pat in China and in need of a seasonal holiday boost, Hangzhou is the place to visit!
About the author: Tracy Zhang recently retired and now spends her time downsizing and helping others do the same. Visit her shop at www.charliebear.etsy.com to check out her patterns, e-books, and vintage items.
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