The Bund in Shanghai lit up last night as fireworks paid homage to Valentine's Day. Western festivals are becoming so popular in China that some are eclipsing traditional Chinese celebrations. And spending on Valentine's Day is maintaining an upward trend.

 

A recent survey by noted headhunter group Zhaopin.com found that 42.6 percent of respondents had budgeted up to 500 yuan (US$62.50) to spend on their loved one, up nearly 30 percent from a year earlier. A third had planned to spend more than 500 yuan on the big day.

 

(Shanghai Daily February 15, 2007)