Press "PandaGuides" above to follow us!
A Chinese blogger, Lu Kewen, recently gained attention after comparing prices in France to those in China. While attempting to highlight the differences in cost of living between the two countries, his observations were met with skepticism and criticism from netizens who accused him of selective comparisons.
During his research trip in France, Lu Kewen shared his experiences on social media, emphasizing the high cost of basic necessities compared to wages. At a train station in Marseille, he purchased a bottle of mineral water for €2.5 (approximately 19 RMB). He noted that with an average monthly income of €2,500, a typical French citizen could afford 1,000 bottles of water. In contrast, Lu argued that with a 5,000 RMB monthly income, a Chinese individual could buy 2,000 bottles of water, suggesting that life in China might be more affordable despite lower wages.
Lu also referenced train ticket prices in France to illustrate the higher cost of travel. For instance, a high-speed rail ticket from Paris to Lyon costs around 500 RMB, while other routes, such as Bordeaux to Paris (770 RMB) and Marseille to Toulouse (254 RMB via slower trains), further reinforced his point about the expense of living in France.
However, Lu's conclusions faced a wave of backlash from netizens who accused him of cherry-picking data and ignoring key factors that paint a more nuanced picture of the cost of living in France.
"He deliberately chose an expensive bottle of water. In France, you can find water for as little as €0.3 per bottle, with most brands ranging between €1 and €2. Additionally, many cities in France offer free drinking water in public spaces, so buying bottled water isn’t even necessary. He also failed to mention the affordable healthcare system in France, where serious illnesses like cancer are treated for free, and the mandatory paid vacations that French workers enjoy annually."
The conversation took a turn as some users questioned the relevance of comparing prices without considering societal and cultural differences.
One user asked: "Does Europe have dowries of €20,000 to €30,000? Do small towns in Europe have housing prices starting at €1 million? Are European women demanding men own fully paid homes, provide dowries, and earn €20,000 to €30,000 annually?"
"Lu should also compare water prices at Chinese high-speed rail stations to maintain consistency. Many of these comparisons use Europe’s high-end supermarkets to contrast with Chinese wet markets, creating misleading conclusions."
While Lu's claims about purchasing power in China versus France have sparked debate, economic data shows a more complex reality. According to a 2023 report on French income, the average post-tax monthly income for middle-class citizens in France is under €2,000, with individuals aged 50 to 64 earning slightly more. Critics argue that such figures highlight the difficulty of living in France despite its social benefits, but they caution against oversimplifying the situation.
This isn’t the first time similar comparisons have drawn criticism. As one commenter recalled: "Years ago, someone claimed beef was several times more expensive in Australia than in China. They conveniently filmed high-end steak cuts in Australian supermarkets while ignoring the fact that most Chinese people didn’t even buy steak at the time."
Another user likened Wen's choice to buying a premium Evian water bottle and inflating average wages in China, stating: "This is equivalent to choosing an 15 RMB Evian bottle and then exaggerating China’s average income to make the comparison."
38-year-old woman’s marriage requirements stir debate online
Chinese woman chooses African partner, left broke after cancer
Chinese man shares photos with German girlfriend, gets bullied
Foreign woman fined for dating on tourist visa in China
Chinese man marries African girl 12 years his junior for ¥9,000
My friend chose to end her life in Zurich on October 24, 2024
Long press or scan the QR CODE below to follow us!
