It's that most wonderful time of the year again, when lonely singletons nationwide gather around their computers to shop away their sorrows on Alibaba-operated online marketplace Taobao.
Singles' Day, a modern holiday/consumerfest fest celebrated on November 11 (because one is the loneliest number — even when there's four of them) comes but once a year; but as if selling USD2 billion worth of goods in just one hour weren't enough, Alibaba CEO Jack Ma has apparently become the holiday's new patron saint.
Shrines dedicated to China's richest man have seemingly become a must-have for the more devout amongst China's diaosi class.
Festooned with paper scrolls bearing auspicious couplets, Ma sits resplendent upon his throne like a modern-day Yellow Emperor.
Alters adorned with offering to Lord Ma stand below his benevolent effigy. Instead of the traditional offerings however, they've been substituted with ones for familiar to Chinese singles: cup noodles, chips, gum, instant coffee and sports drinks.
Instead of incense sticks, cigarettes are burned as ritual offerings.
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