As the mainland economy continues to grow, cultural interaction is also catching up.
The city of Guangzhou was immersed in a strong Christmas spirit last month. Hotels were decked with shining ornaments and Christmas trees, and shoppers flocked to shops for Christmas sales. Many parties were held.
Some mainlanders, however, question whether it is appropriate to celebrate considering Christmas is not even an official holiday.
'It is not a legal holiday for people on the mainland. We still have to work and study,' says Lotus Wu from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GUDFS).
'These western holidays have nothing to do with us Chinese. I don't think it is necessary for us to have grand celebrations on the day.'
But others find Christmas fascinating. Qiu Jialiang, a student at Foshan University, says he usually goes out for karaoke or to a party with friends at Christmas.