Finding A Tree To Trim In Beijing

I am not a Christmas all year-’round kind of girl. In my opinion, the holidays are magical precisely because they’re for a limited time only. Having said that, when December does roll around, I am a go-all-in, deck every hall, play Bing Crosby on repeat, watch all the old ABC stop motion holiday specials, bake, eat, and repeat for one month out of the year kind of girl. And for me, the festivities start with an epic Christmas tree. Shocker, they are hard to find here in Beijing. Especially if you want a live one, and I do!

There is nothing like the smell of pine and cinnamon to make you feel jolly and bright. I know you can get special candles and scented sticks that make the fake trees smell authentic but it’s just not the same. So last year I went on the hunt for a real tree and wound up finding three places to buy one.

Shopsmith: Ellen at Shopsmith heard the plight of the stranded expat last year and began offering live tree delivery. Not only are they beautiful spruces but they come with the roots attached so they can be replanted at the end of the season. Pick up after the holidays can be arranged. This does mean you need to buy a pot and soil as well as the tree but that is all available on their WeChat mini-program. A two-meter tree, soil, pot, and delivery will run you RMB 322. But the trees range in price from RMB 135 for one meter all the way up to RMB 798 for three and a half meters. Go to the Mini program by searching ‘shopsmith’ to order.

My PengYou: This year they are offering a tree service as well. The tree comes potted and prices include delivery. They start at 1meter for RMB 469 and go to 2.5m for RMB 1319 with taller trees available but prices unlisted. Scan the QR code in the flyer for more information.

Studio Flowers: If you are in the market for mini Studio Flowers is running a trim your tree workshop for table-sized pines. It’s a little pricey at Rmb 418 but it does include all the decorations. They also have wreath workshops! Scan the QR code in the poster below for more information.

Taobao: The only other option I found for a live tree was a shop on Taobao. These trees also appear to come with the roots attached but I got no response when I asked if I needed a pot or a stand. A 40-centimeter tree starts at RMB 110.28 and prices go up until you get to four meters, which run RMB 975.

If you aren’t a snob like me then an artificial tree might be better and more convenient. Luckily, there are several options.

Roundabout: Every expat’s favorite resale store is having a holiday blowout sale that includes, you guessed it, Christmas trees! Not only will you get a great deal but you will also be keeping trash out of landfills and giving back to the community, as profits from Roundabout go to local charitable causes. Prices vary.

Ikea: The Siyuanqiao location carries a broad array of artificial options ranging from desktop-sized to 210cm. Aside from trees, they also have plenty of decorations and even some Swedish treats for stockings. Prices range from RMB 299-RMB 799. You can check availability by visiting their website here.

And of course, back to Taobao: So many options. This particular store offers 100cm artificial trees starting at RMB 35 and going all the way up to a 600cm tree for RMB 3,873.93. Decorations can also be found at the same store and some trees have options to come pre-decorated.