Christians make up less than two percent of China's population, but Christmas has quickly gained popularity in the country. Department stores, shops and markets are cashing in by selling a large variety of festive gifts and decorations.

 

Without much religious significance attached to it as in the West, Christmas has become a day for Chinese to shop and enjoy.

Shop owner Chen Zhenfen said, "The business during Christmas is much better than the Chinese New Year. Because celebrating Christmas is a popular trend in China. Christmas goods have become very important to customers such as clubs and restaurants."

Chen says she makes about 100,000 yuan a day in sales during the Christmas season.

Li Jin, Property Management Co. Employee, said, "I just bought some decorations and Christmas trees, mainly for creating a kind of Christmas atmosphere and decking the residence compound. I've spent about one thousand yuan."

For most residents in Beijing, Christmas offers them another good reason to celebrate.

Beijing resident Li Ya said, "Chinese new year is a traditional festival for all the Chinese, but Christmas has become an important holiday for the young people."

Some people also believe that celebrating the festival is also a sign of China going international.

According to a report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, the Christian religion is spreading quickly in China. Among all Christians in the country, about 73.4 percent became Christian after 1993.