Blog

By Eleanor Wong

Being in China at Christmas time would look a little different from how it looks here in the UK. Although you would see some familiar faces; Santa (圣诞老人), he may present a little differently.

Only 3-5% of the population in China is Christian, so Christmas is not celebrated as a national holiday. Some rural villages may not mark the day at all, as it holds no relevance. Students don’t get the day off and much of the country just continues as usual.

This does vary however, in Hong Kong and Macau, as there is a heavy Portuguese and British influence in both places, Christmas is marked with a 2 day public holiday, as it is here.

Christmas day for those who celebrate, is a day for family to be together, or for friends to spend time hanging out doing activities together, such as karaoke or going to the cinema. In China you will see the same kind of shopping centre sales happening, as gifting and eating together is important for those celebrating a traditional Christmas. Families will often eat together and swap gifts. A traditional gift would be that of a ‘Peace Apple’. This much loved tradition is an apple wrapped in decorative cellophane. If you eat the apple it is thought to bring you peace and safety in the upcoming year.

Peace Apple, taken from https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/833712.shtml

One familiar face you would recognise, is that of Santa, who still plays his part in the festivities. Although, you are likely to see a whole group of Santas going around the streets together. All accompanied by women in Christmas costumes. You’ll often see Santa displaying his musical skills, playing instruments like a saxophone or a horn, spreading Christmas Joy through music. Santa and music go hand-in-hand all over China.

Photo taken from https://studycli.org/chinese-holidays/christmas-in-china/

As with all celebrations in China, food plays an important role. Turkey is not particularly easy to obtain in China but there are many foods that are commonly eaten at this time of year. It is fare similar to what you would find adorning tables at Spring Festival; Roast pork, Peking duck, chicken chow mein, dumplings and fried rice, to name a few. All served banquet style for family and friends to enjoy together.

Most Chinese Restaurants in the UK are closed on Christmas day, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy that vast choice of Dim Sum or banquet style menus around the festive period. Chung Ying, in the heart of Birmingham’s China town, been delivering award winning menus since 1981. There’s nowhere you can trust more to offer a tasty, generous festive banquet menu. This year’s festive menu offers classics, with a nod to UK traditions.

Click here to view dining menu

Available every day except Christmas day, throughout the festive season, you wont find a better place to gather with family or friends for delicious food and fun times!

Whatever traditions you celebrate, I hope you enjoy lots of wonderful food, shared with those you love. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!