Get Your REAL Xmas Tree From One of These Places

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When I think of Christmas I think of shiny balls dangling from kitchen cupboards, pinecone garlands, scented candles, sugar cookies, holiday movies and a beautifully decorated ceiling-tall tree. I’m what you’d call a total Christmas freak – I go overboard with the decor and lights, start planning Christmas dinner two months ahead, have Hallmark movies and Christmas music on day and night, visit every Christmas bazaar there is, keep my ornaments sorted by color and individually bubble wrapped. So although since living in Beijing I’ve grown quite accustomed to not seeing and feeling Christmas on every corner, for me having a real tree is a MUST.

I do understand the logic behind going for a fake tree, and yes, those little needles finding their way onto my carpet can be a huge nuisance , but there’s nothing as magical as the smell of a real Christmas tree. Thankfully, there are quite a few options in Beijing if you decide to get yourself a living tree this year.

The Christmas Tree Market

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Mr. Wang Xu has been my go-to guy for Christmas trees three years in a row. All trees have been lush and beautiful and come with a root and in a pot, so if you water them regularly they can last you for a long time. You can also choose to replant it after the holidays. The free pot they come with is plastic, but if you want to go for the rustic look, you can add RMB 200 and have your tree delivered in a wooden barrel pot.

You can visit the Christmas Tree Market in Shunyi to choose your perfect tree or order online based on photos. You just need to decide how big the tree needs to be and choose accordingly. Price is RMB 3.5/cm. Delivery within Beijing is free. The market will be open from Nov 24 until Dec 24, 10am-6pm. WeChat or call Mr. Wang Xu for more info: 150 1100 0219.

SHOPSMITH

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Another option if you’re looking into getting a real tree is Shopsmith. Trees come in six different sizes: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 and 3.5 meters, with prices ranging from RMB 135-798. It is an affordable option, but the trees do come in a temporary pot so if you’re planning on keeping your tree nice and fresh, you ‘ll have to purchase a separate pot and extra soil, all available via their WeChat mini program.

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EXPAT SERVICES SHOP

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Nothing says Christmas like a Norway Spruce with its classic look, and that’s exactly what you’ll get if you order your tree from the Expat Services shop. The trees come with a root in six different sizes, the smallest being 80cm and the tallest 2.1m. If you’re in need of a taller tree it can be arranged. Get in touch with customer service and they’ll be able to answer your request. Prices start from RMB 249 for an 80cm Spruce and go up to RMB 549 for a 2.1m tree. Shipping is included and available nation-wide. To order, scan the QR code in the poster.

My Peng You

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A friend to every foreigner here in Beijing, MyPengYou has been offering expat-friendly services – whether you need your washing machine repaired, you’re looking for a storage space for your stuff, or need personalized gift ideas, they have it all. Naturally, they also have real Christmas trees and wreaths with free delivery within the 5th ring road, although you might need to pay extra if you live in a building without an elevator. The trees come planted in a pot and cost RMB 459 for a 1m-tall Norway Spruce, RMB 599 for 1.5m, RMB 899 for 2m, and RMB 1,199 for a 2.5m-tall tree. The last day for placing an order is Dec 23.

Taobao and JD

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Lastly, you can find your Christmas tree on Taobao or JD. If you’re into artificial trees, they come in a variety of sizes, shapes and even colors. You can buy them pre-decorated or choose to decorate them yourself. Prices also vary depending on the size and material you choose. If you’re looking for a real tree, there are also options, although limited. Prices on Taobao start from around RMB 75 for a 80cm tree and can go up to RMB 850 for a 4m-tall tree. A 2m tree costs around RMB 250. JD is a bit more pricey, where you would need to pay around RMB 530 for a 2.1m-2.3m tree. Just search 真的圣诞树 (Zhēn de shèngdànshù) for the best results.

Images: Sanja Stojkov, courtesy of the vendors, Taobao, JD

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