The prawns are off, but keep your hair on! China’s Communist Party trims the frills at Beijing congress
Thrift overcomes extravagance at twice-a-decade event as organisers call time on banquets, bouquets and barbers
They say there is no such thing as a free lunch, and while that is not exactly true for delegates to this week’s Communist Party congress in Beijing, there certainly will not be any free prawns or haircuts.
In the spirit of frugality – one of the watchwords of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first term in charge – the 19th national party congress will be noticeably lacking in the frills, treats and indulgences that have characterised previous gatherings.
Gone are the balloons and banners from the delegates’ hotels – along with the flowers and fruit baskets from their rooms – gone are the plump prawns and succulent sea cucumbers from the dinner and lunch menus, and gone are the complimentary tailoring and coiffing services.
The move away from all things expensive and extravagant, which was announced on Sunday by Wang Lilian, an official from a works committee under the party’s powerful Central Committee, is unlikely to come as a surprise to anyone attending the twice-a-decade event.
Since coming to power, Xi has been keen to promote thriftiness in all aspects of party life.
