 What's so special about the term 'shanzhai?' Literally translated it means 'mountain village,' and it has been making headlines everywhere. So what is it? Before we reveal its meaning, a recent survey about 'shanzhai' culture was conducted by China Central Television showing that 50% of netizens expressed support for it. The result sparked a heated debate.
Let's take a closer look at the media opinions.
An opinion from 'Red Net' says that in China, 'shanzhai' is an modifier usually put before electronic products such as mobile phones and MP3s, to indicate that these products, though with similar brand names or appearances as with famous products, are actually manufactured in village workshops. 'Shanzhai' products are low-cost products which unfairly challenge the original companies. They are also often of poor quality. But 'shanzhai' culture such as 'shanzhai' MTV, most of which are significantly different from the originals, are just good entertainment and useful supplements for mainstream culture. The article says that for 'shanzhai' electronic products, people should remain rational. But for 'shanzhai' MTV, creative diversity should be welcomed.
One 'China Youth Daily' article comments that 'shanzhai' culture is actually a culture of piracy, of infringement of rights, and of thievery. 'Shanzhai' products are manufactured without approval from the authorities, saving hundreds of thousands of yuan in license fees. They are packaged similar to genuine products to flood the market with low prices. Since 'shanzhai' products have become popular under the title 'shanzhai' culture, they sway the public's judgment about how to choose the best product. However, it adds that since pirated products are never as good as genuine versions, they won't exist too long.
An article from the 'Qianjiang Evening News' says that certain products are always used by wealthy people before they spread to the lower levels of society. 'Shanzhai' culture breaks the chain and offers high-tech products directly to ordinary people. Shanzhai products have been popular at grassroots level for a long time, now it has even attracted mainstream attention.
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