Foreign visitors seeking Christmas spirit in China

• Source: Global Times
• [00:40 December 25 2009]
• Comments

"It is more expensive to eat out on Christmas night in downtown Moscow than to take a flight and spend Christmas in Beijing, where plane tickets and dining out would cost about $100 less," said Konstantin Shepin, a Russian journalist who has been living China for more than 5 years.

Shopping plazas around Beijing have dressed up their buildings with snow, dazzling lights, Santa Clauses and are offering discounts to customers.

The festival may be less popular in China but the malls make it too commercialized for some people.

Some Chinese residents feel it's a good time to give cheer and friendship to others.

"It's a good idea to present Chinese hospitality to the whole world, and to share the joy of the season," said Zeng Weihao, a Shenzhen resident.

Zeng's girlfriend will probably feel some joy because Zeng plans to buy her gifts.

However, for some foreigners who have to stay in China, a Chinese Christmas makes them feel like a turkey.

Jack Wells, a British teaching English in Beijing, said he feels like a poor turkey on the table: everyone is happy but him.

"I'm occupied with my job here," he said. "Moreover, I can't afford a plane ticket to go home."