[Vox pop] How much hongbao money do people give in China?
In China, a red packet or hongbao is a gift of money symbolising good luck and blessings for the New Year. However, the customs surrounding red packets vary widely across regions. ThinkChina’s Lu Lingming and Yi Jina get people from different regions of China to share their experiences.
In China, it is clear that red packet customs differ significantly, even between neighbouring provinces. In Guangdong, red packets are usually more symbolic, with even close relatives typically giving amounts between 100 and 200 RMB (approximately US$15-30). In contrast, neighbouring Fujian province has a tradition of more generous gifting, with the amount of money received in red packets possibly being ten to 100 times higher than in Guangdong. Meanwhile, residents from Sichuan, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing and other regions have their own practices as well.
When asked whether the sums of money to prepare for red packets would create financial pressures, opinions varied. Many young people felt that receiving hongbaos would not feel burdensome. However, for those giving out hongbaos, some admitted feeling some financial strain, maybe due to the overall economic downturn or the transition from being a student to an adult.
As for the future of this tradition, individuals from different age groups had varying views. Older individuals believed that red packets would continue as an integral part of Chinese culture, while younger people suggested that the custom may lose its ceremonial significance or evolve into new forms in the digital age.
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