China delivery firm offers kneeling service to send Lunar New Year greetings for customers
Paid for holiday festival package includes door cleaning, couplet hanging; critics say offer cheapens sanctity of filial piety, is disrespectful
A delivery company in central China has sparked controversy by introducing a range of services including kneeling and kowtowing to replace in-person family visits during the Spring Festival.
On February 9, UU Paotui, based in Henan province, launched a time-limited service on its app, offering three packages for customers to send Lunar New Year greetings.
The first option includes the purchase and hanging of couplets and the Fu character, along with basic door cleaning which costs 39 yuan (US$6) for one hour.
The second includes gift-buying, delivering short blessings and collecting laisee from elders, which is priced at 199 yuan (US$30) for two hours. Couriers transfer the received amounts to the customer.
The third most eye-catching option combines the first two, adds a one-minute auspicious blessing and includes the traditional kowtow ceremony for elders.
Priced at 999 yuan (US$145) for two hours, it also allows customers to remotely watch the ritual live via video streaming.
As of writing, the app shows 175 orders have been placed for the services, which are available nationwide and can be ordered like a delivery of food.