Apple products are extremely popular in China where people queue for hours to get their hands on the latest devices. — Reuters Photo

BEIJING: Paper replicas of Apple's iPad and iPhone are selling like hot cakes in China this year as millions prepare to honour their ancestors in an age-old annual festival that has taken on a modern twist.

Tomb Sweeping Day, which falls on April 4 this year, sees families remember their ancestors by laying out food at their grave sites and burning paper replicas of daily necessities such as clothes, money, cars and houses.

The tradition - which dates back thousands of years - dictates that the paper goods can be used by their ancestors in the afterlife, and the offerings have evolved to fit in with modern life.

As such, paper replicas of iPhones and iPads - which are hugely popular in China - have become all the rage.

“The paper iPhones and iPads sold are the same size as the real ones with a whole complete package of components like headphones,” an online retailer known by his surname, Tang, told AFP.

“I have run this online shop for four years, and started to sell paper iPhones and iPads two years ago.

“These... are quite popular. Many people ask about them especially when Tomb Sweeping Day is approaching.”

Another online retailer, who did not want to be named, also told AFP there has been an increase in orders for iPhone paper replicas ahead of the festival next week.

Retailers said a paper iPad sells for 538 yuan ($85) including delivery while an iPhone version costs around 22 yuan.

Apple products are extremely popular in China where people queue for hours to get their hands on the latest devices.

Tomb Sweeping day - or Qing Ming - is also widely celebrated by ethnic Chinese in Southeast Asia, where most of them consider it an important occasion to pay respect to their ancestors.

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...