The sale of paper models of technology products, such as mobile phones, tablets and smartphones has soared this year in Guangzhou, the capital of China's Guangdong Province. The reason is the traditional Qinming (literally "clear and bright") festival that took place last Saturday.
The festival, also known as 'Tomb Sweeping Day', is the equivalent of the Italian day of the dead and is an occasion to commemorate one's dead. To do this, the Chinese visit cemeteries and burn paper offerings and joss sticks on the graves of their loved ones. Traditionally, paper images depict villas, cars, money, cosmetics, cigarettes and wine, but the figures of the latest technological models are growing rapidly.
“The iPad set, which costs 20 yuan (US$3,26), is new this year. It includes an Apple iPad, a wi-fi router and a charger,” says Chen, the manager of a shop along Guangxiao road. This street, located in the Yuexiu District (home to the famous Guangxiao Temple) is full of shops specializing in paper offerings for the deceased. "With technological progress" continues Chen "the taste of customers also changes". According to Chen, the 'tech' offerings especially appeal to younger customers.
For example, Li Chongzhen, an office worker, bought iPhone and iPad products for her father, who died a decade ago. "My father didn't have the opportunity to use an iPhone, but I'm sure he would soon learn how to use it, because he was a man interested in the latest scientific findings." According to many Chinese ancestors use the burnt products for them during the festival.
The price of paper offerings has risen 10 to 20 percent this year due to rising paper and labor costs. According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, about 120 million Chinese visit the graves of ancestors every year during the festival.
