Christmas markets bring holiday spirit to Beijing

BEIJING - The Strasbourg Christmas Market at Beijing's landmark Solana international shopping park has given thousands in the capital a taste of holiday tradition.

The event is part of the cultural activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France and was co-founded by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism and Strasbourg Tourism Board.

The oldest Christmas market in France, the Strasbourg Christmas Market debuted in Beijing on Dec. 5 and will last until January 4 next year.

Dozens of traditional chalets lined the walkways of the shopping center, offering Christmas gifts, gourmet European food and drinks, special holiday commodities and handicrafts.

A French vendor named Marion said more than 150 people have stopped by to buy her chocolates and macarons every day since it started. Business has been particularly good on Christmas eve.

Though Chinese do not take time off for Christmas, the holiday has growing appeal in China, especially among the younger generation.

On Thursday, many kindergartens and schools in Beijing held or planned to hold Christmas parties. Couriers donned Santa Claus outfits while zipping through the city to deliver packages. Buyers swarmed roadside booths to buy wrapped boxes of apples as gifts. Apples, or pingguo, sounds similar to the world for Christmas Eve, ping'anye, meaning silent night.

Several Christmas markets and fairs have helped bring the holiday spirit to the Chinese capital this year.

"The Christmas markets each carry an original flavor and the essence of Christmas. It is much more fun than simple copycat Xmas decorations. The cultural experience it brought is nice," said Beijing local resident Huang Yu, 27.

Chinese, mostly non-Christian, see the festivals as a merry time to shop and gather with their friends and significant others.

In Shanghai, about 20 mini Christmas markets have been set up since the beginning of December.