Alipay's Annual 'Fu' Card Collection Event Excites Chinese Social Media Ahead of Chinese New Year

With the Year of the Rabbit just around the corner, Chinese social media platforms are buzzing with excitement over the annual Alipay "Fu" Card Collection event. The event, which began on January 10th, has become a beloved tradition in China, with participants eagerly sharing tips and tricks on how to maximize their chances of collecting all five "Fu" cards and earning a share of the prize money.

The five "Fu" cards - representing prosperity (wealth), longevity, happiness, virtue, and wisdom - are randomly distributed among participants. Each card can be collected by engaging in various activities, such as scanning QR codes, visiting partner websites, or participating in special events. This year, the event has expanded to include "brand Fu" cards, which are available for collecting on partner websites like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Zara.

Netizens on Weibo have been enthusiastic in their participation, with many expressing their excitement and sharing creative ways to collect the "Fu" cards. "New Year's Eve is just around the corner," wrote one user, "and it's time to get together with friends and family to collect Alipay's 'Fu'." Another user shared a photo of their collection of "Fu" cards and expressed hope that they would be able to collect all five and win a share of the prize money.

However, not all users are happy with the event. Some have criticized the difficulty of collecting all five "Fu" cards, while others have accused Alipay of using the event as a way to promote their brand. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of users seem to be enjoying the event and looking forward to the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

As of now, Alipay has not revealed the total amount of prize money that will be distributed among the winners. However, based on previous years' events, it is expected to be in the millions of yuan. The event's popularity has also caught the attention of foreign media outlets, with some calling it "the world's largest online lottery."

While the event may seem like a simple marketing ploy on the surface, it has become a beloved tradition for many Chinese people. It has provided an opportunity for them to connect with their loved ones and celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year together. And who knows? Maybe this year, one lucky participant will walk away with the grand prize.