Infographic: The Dark Side of China’s Massive Gift Economy

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It’s that special time in China, when the confluence of both the Mid-Autumn Festival and Chinese National Day permits family reunions, vacation-going, and gift-giving. In particular, eating and giving mooncakes of all sizes and flavors constitutes a staple of Mid-Autumn celebration. 

But there’s a darker side to those tasty cakes. As depicted in a recent infographic that Sohu Business tweeted on Sina Weibo, China’s Twitter, China is home to a massive, multi-multi-billion dollar economy; yes, that’s two “multis.” Conveniently enough, this gift economy allows “givers” and “recipients” to launder bribe money. It also generates immense amounts of packaging waste. 

Tea Leaf nation translates this troubling infographic, and includes a bonus image at bottom. 

Bonus Image via Kai-Fu Lee (@李开复):

The many phases of the moon. Clever, huh?

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