 Chinese
people are welcoming this year's Cupid visit with great enthusiasm.
Money cannot buy you love on Valentine's Day, but Beijing people are
spending millions of yuan on flowers, cards, chocolates and romantic
outings, which are classic means to celebrate the western holiday.
Many department stores and restaurants launched Valentine's Day
promotion campaigns weeks ago.
Beijing's flower markets also witness shopping binge around this
special day for lovers. Daily sales have doubled in various flower
markets across Beijing since February 10, according to market sources.
To attract more lovers, some hotels recently adopted the gimmick
of offering discounts for the night of Valentine's Day.
"No lies need to be told about being married when couples
check in at the hotel tonight -- Valentine's Day," said an
employee of the hotel, who revealed many couples had already reserved
rooms at the price of 488 yuan (approximately US$59) per night for
a double room.
Although some people considered those kind of hotel promotions
as an encouragement to cohabitation out of wedlock, it is undeniable
that social norms in China are so quickly changing that more space
are allowed to lovers.
Western holidays such as Christmas and Valentine's day have found
their positions on Chinese people's calendars. Cupid 's annual tour
to China has given people an opportunity to express their feelings,
which are traditionally reserved in Chinese people's hearts.
(People's Daily 02/14/01)
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