Halloween celebrations are a relatively new phenomenon in China, but authorities in several major cities reportedly cracked down on public costume events this year. Officials expressed concerns that participants might use their outfits to send subtle messages of dissent toward the government.
Under President Xi Jinping, China’s cultural environment has been tightly controlled, with Western holidays like Halloween facing increased scrutiny. Authorities have imposed sweeping restrictions on cultural expression and political dissent, remaining particularly cautious about ideas that could undermine loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party.
In 2023, young people in Shanghai and other cities embraced Halloween with costumes that hinted at frustrations over COVID-19 restrictions, including hazmat suits and security camera-inspired outfits.
This year, however, the atmosphere was quieter, though police maintained a noticeable presence. In downtown Shanghai, officers lined the streets, checked IDs, and, in some cases, instructed individuals to change out of their costumes. In other cities like Hangzhou, police dispersed crowds, reportedly in response to noise complaints.
Despite these restrictions, Halloween continues to serve as a rare outlet for young Chinese to express themselves through costumes, often with a clever, symbolic twist. This year’s costumes focused less on political themes, incorporating references to historical figures, Chinese folklore, and popular memes, such as Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone.
However, costumes with lighthearted themes occasionally drew police attention.
Attendees noted the unpredictability of police actions, with officers making on-the-spot judgments regarding certain costumes. In one instance, a bar owner reported that authorities advised against hosting Halloween parties entirely.
Shanghai, often seen as a hub of cultural openness in China, has found its Halloween celebrations revealing ongoing tensions between the desire for self-expression and government control.
For some young people, Halloween represents one of the last opportunities for “revenge entertainment,” a chance to break free, if briefly, from the constraints of daily life under government oversight.