街头小贩成为社会业余消遣

Street vendors are a common sight in China and for some peddling is a full-time job. But more white-collar workers are street peddling not for money but for enjoyment.

Marketing specialist Michelle Xu leaves her office in Beijing’s financial hub. But unlike many of her fellow white-collar workers, her day is not quite over yet. By nightfall she is part of a bustling street market. Xu sells socks and jewelry to passersby on the street.

“I live nearby. The community is very close to this night market. Every night I take a walk with my husband, Michelle Xu said. “One night he said, ‘You are an outspoken person. Why don’t you start selling this stuff. I think people will buy it from you.’ I said, ‘Yeah that’s a good idea.’”

Xu’s situation reflects a growing socio-economic trend in China’s cities.

According to a recent survey by China Youth Daily, 80 percent of about 1,900 interviewees reported seeing white-collar workers moonlighting as street vendors. Furthermore, the majority, about 35 percent, were from big cities like Beijing.

Xu says she only makes 10 yuan or about $1.50 a night. But earning money isn’t her main objective.

“I am really energetic, and I want to experience different things. I do this not because I am dedicated to this business but to have fun and see how my selling skills are. When I sell things to people I feel really happy. I even make friends with other street vendors,” Michelle Xu said.

Another vendor selling everything from lizards to lobsters is also a white-collar worker.

“I work for a Hong Kong-based jewelry company during the day. I come out here to make some extra money. It’s also a great way for people in the community to get to know each other since a lot of the vendors live around here.”

He also says the street market provides a festive atmosphere that lasts the whole evening.

Cultural Sociologist Rui Gao says white-collar workers’ interest in street vending could be a reprieve from today’s high-tech lifestyle.

Rui Gao, cultural sociologist with Beijing Foreign Studies University, said, “With the saturation of social media people are actually kind of disconnected with real people. Maybe this is a good way for them to have real interactions with real people. Maybe that is why they love it.”

From corporate office buildings during the daytime to residential street corners at night, more white-collar workers are finding joy in street peddling. In doing so they’re turning a once lowly trade into a social hobby.