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Hello TWOC readers!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Christmas in China, which gained popularity in the 1990s, has always been more of a consumption-driven celebration rather than a religious holiday. For many, it’s an excuse for shopping sprees, promotions, get-togethers with friends, and some simple fun.
Young people have embraced the holiday in creative and playful ways. Online jokes even playfully cast the 17th-century general Oboi (鳌拜) as a Chinese Santa Claus, referencing his iconic white beard and red cap from his portrayal in the 1994 comedy Hail the Judge. Others draw tongue-in-cheek reference to Hong Xiuquan (洪秀全), the 19th-century leader of the Taiping Rebellion, who famously claimed to be the younger brother of Jesus, turning the festival into a canvas for local humor and historical allusions.
Here are some highlights of how Christmas is celebrated this year across China’s cities, and a bit of the holiday’s history in the country.
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Mahjong, Bread, and Blind Boxes: China’s Local Spin on Christmas This Year
From mahjong-tile Christmas trees to bread decorations that become winter treats for local sparrows, this is a snapshot of how Christmas is being celebrated across China. Read more
The Surprisingly Ancient Origins of Christmas in China
From Christians in the Tang dynasty to all-night parties in early 1900s Shanghai, the Western holiday has a longer history in China than most people think. Read more
Chinese-Language Christmas Movies To Stream Right Now
Tired of “Love Actually” and “Home Alone”? Here are four Chinese-language Christmas movies to watch this festive season. Read more
Chinese You Need
What to Say When Squirrels Take Over the Office
After discovering that employees at one of China’s biggest snack companies are imbued with squirrel-related names, netizens have begun concocting their own. But is there a darker side to this seemingly playful trend? Find out in our latest language column.
Where We’re Traveling
A Century After Its Founding, Milan’s Chinatown Faces an Uncertain Future
Chinese migrants helped shape Milan’s Sarpi–Canonica district for a century, but soaring rents, shifting urban planning, and cultural tensions are now eroding the enclave’s diaspora-driven character. A new generation of Italian-Chinese entrepreneurs may determine whether it endures. Read more
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Urban Renewal: China’s Urbanization Is Entering a New Phase
As high-rise residential complexes age and the real estate market cools, residents face the pressing challenge of maintaining and repairing their buildings. Traditional shopping centers are also losing ground to online retail. Discover how Chinese cities are entering a new phase, driven by the urgent need for upgrade. All this and more in our latest magazine issue. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!
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