This Christmas is a very special one for me, because it's the first time i'll experience Christmas with Steemit in my life!
During December, the month of Christmas, I was very lucky to have travelled to 4 different places, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Hainan and Xi'an. Each place has it's own way of creating the Christmas atmosphere, each it's own spirit.
Let's take a look at the Christmas spirit in each of these places and soak up the energy of this festive period.
In the west, Christmas is the special time of year where time is spent with family. Usually over a wonderful Christmas dinner. As the festival spread it's way to Asia, the way it is celebrated is seemingly the polar opposite. Christmas eve's silent night is contrasted with the Asian carnivals and lively night parties. In the west, the streets and roads become empty, while in Asia, they become more lively and roads filled with cars.
In China, the Christmas festival has taken on elements of Chinese tradition. One example is the tradition of using homonyms. 'Ping An Guo' is infact just an Apple (Ping Guo) but the first two characters 'Ping An' mean safe and sound. So the gift of some Ping An Guo (Apples) symbolise being safe and sound.
Source
Usually these "Safe and Sound" Apples are imported for their vibrant red Christmas colour and then decorated. Friends will usually gift these apples to each other as a thoughtful blessing.
Source
Today at a Hangzhou supermarket, I was surprised to find some apples priced at 39,888 RMB, each of the apples were 3 to 4 times bigger than a regular apple. Each apple was distinguished by different designs on the front. There were pictures of Dragons, Tigers and Eagles on the apples. So, what does a super expensive apple like this taste like?
Source
Below, I invite all my Steemit friends to take a look at my Christmas photos from all the places i've travelled to this Christmas.
Hong Kong：
Central District's : The Landmark Square
They've retained the European traditional feel of Christmas with this classic Christmas Tree.
This year's theme is the Wonderous Circus
This place is filled with over 100 different stuffed animal toys.
A famous French illustrator, Eric Giriat designed this display full of interesting acts from the wonderous circus.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Tsim Sha Tsui's Canton Road with the 1881 Heritage – Dream Snowman
In the middle of the public square is this huge 15m tall snowman. You can walk through the snowman's tummy and enjoy some pretty snow effects.
This year, the 1881 store will be having it's own Cold Fireworks show!
The scepter held by the giant snowman will actually fire out some sparklers 20m into the air!
My luck ran out as I arrived to late to see the ceremony !
So.. some photos with these dream snowmen will have to do.
This is Tsim Sha Tsui's peninsula Hotel
1
2
3
At the front entrance, there was a couple having Wedding photos taken. It's so romantic!
1
2
3
4
Of course, there were plenty of Christmas decorations to capture the hearts of children.
A cartoon style chocolate Christmas tree.
1
Shenzhen：
The Christmas tree in the Hotel.
1
Even a Christmas tree by the swimming pool
1
2
Hainan：
In Hainan, there were many examples of handmade artistic Christmas sculptures.
1
2
3
Xi'an：
Xi'an's Christmas decorations are a children's paradise. There are many decorations designed to be like children's playgrounds.
Of course, there are some traditional Christmas decorations too. In this hotel, the Christmas tree is set up on the auspicious cloud style floor tiles.
Traditional chinese ink wash paintings
These are the traditional ink wash paintings on folding fans next to the Santa Claus
The ancient style city wall gates have a Santa Claus hanging by the knockers
1
Old style Pulled Rickshaw
1
2
Thanks for joining me on my very long Christmas travel adventure! I wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy holidays!
这是我和Steemit一起度过的第一个圣诞节，祝所有Steemit的朋友圣诞快乐，度过一个美好的圣诞假期。在12月这个圣诞月中，我很幸运去了4个不同的地方，香港，深圳，海南，西安，感受了他们的圣诞气氛。现在就带大家来看一看具有亚洲特色的圣诞节吧。圣诞节在西方，是与家人团聚，一起享受圣诞大餐的日子，而圣诞节流传入中国之后，变成了热闹的狂欢节，并且中国人在这个节日里添加了中国的传统元素，在中国非常注重谐音，中国人取谐音“平安果”(苹果)，平安夜吃苹果意味着，平平安安的意思。 “平安果”一般是一个个色泽鲜艳、样子好看的进口苹果装扮而成。中人觉得把有着“平安”意义的平安果送给朋友、亲人都是美好的祝福。下面请Steemit的朋友们一起来看看我拍摄的各个地方的圣诞节吧！香港：中环The Landmark置地广场 。保留了传统欧洲嘉年华的气氛。奇妙马戏团是今年的主题。场内有超过100个动物玩偶。法国插画师 Eric Giriat设计许多有趣的角色和场景。尖沙咀广东道1881 Heritage – 夢幻雪人。广场中央立着一个高达15米的巨型雪人，人们可以走进雪人肚子欣赏馒头飘雪的特技。今年的1881会有冷烟花汇演。巨型雪人手中的权杖会发射20米高的冷烟花。可惜我去的时候没有赶上。就和梦幻的雪人合影吧。尖沙咀半岛酒店。门口有人在拍婚纱照，场景很浪漫。还有充满童趣的圣诞装饰。卡通巧克力圣诞树。深圳：酒店里的圣诞树。游泳池边的圣诞树。海南：在海南看到了很多手工制作的创意圣诞树。西安：西安的圣诞节也是孩子们狂欢的天堂，有很多儿童乐园的游戏。并且西安的圣诞装饰加入了很多中国元素，吉祥云彩的地板。圣诞老人边上的折扇。古典的城墙门上挂着圣诞老人。谢谢大家看完我长长圣诞旅程，希望大家有一个开心的圣诞假期！