Bored in Beijing? Looking for somewhere to just hang out, kick back and maybe even take a nap? If you’re like many Chinese peeps in Beijing, it sounds like it’s time to head to IKEA. Yup, IKEA the Swedish company famous for its modern and affordable furniture, has become a hugely popular hangout for locals looking to maximize on the free flow soda and ample seating.
Not that they buy much though. Lizzy Hou, 25, a university graduate who moved to Beijing in May from neighboring Hebei province for a teaching job tells the LA Times, “We want to be modern. I think IKEA stands for a kind of lifestyle. People don’t necessarily want to buy it, but they want to at least experience it.”
Indeed, the place seems a lot more like a theme park than a store, with people going there to read a book, kick off their shoes on a comfy couch, or grab a cheap and tasty lunch at the cafeteria. Others even go there to take photos, using the furniture sets as a cool and modern backdrop.
Really, only in China!
Suzie
P.S. Read the full article and check out the great photo gallery! Thanks to my cousin, Darrin, for the link!
