Some Hongkongers have embraced a festive twist this Christmas season by choosing to celebrate the holiday in mainland China, drawn by the open spaces and wallet-friendly options.
Although Christmas is not an official holiday on the mainland, many shopping centres joined in the festivities with elaborate decorations and setting up themed photo spots.
In Nanshan district, MixC World mall offers a winter wonderland with snowscapes, reindeer and huge Christmas trees. The shopping centre features hourly artificial snow showers from 3pm to 8pm.
Raymond Chan Bik-wah, 59, a corporate consultant, relished a quiet family holiday away from the crowds in Hong Kong during a five-day getaway to Shenzhen with his wife and 25-year-old son after their winter solstice dinner last Saturday.
“Big malls are everywhere in Shenzhen where budget-friendly options are widely available with quality service. Most importantly, I don’t feel claustrophobic at all,” Chan said.
“Apart from hotels which cost around HK$1,000 [US$129] per night, other expenses are relatively more budget-friendly than in Hong Kong with more choices in terms of dining and leisure activities,” Chan said.
