Beijing - Hotels across China have suffered a sudden attack of modesty - and are desperately trying to ditch their five-star ratings.
They are just the latest examples of a nationwide obsession with toning down the “bling”.
Despite an unprecedented economic boom, with growth of seven percent a year, China is still a Communist country. And keen to remain on official government registers of “prudently priced” accommodation, more than 50 hotels last year asked to be awarded four stars instead of five.
Others simply “suspended” their top ratings, according to the country’s state-run news agency.
After just over 12 months in office, President Xi Jinping has resolved to crack down on lavish spending in party ranks, and luxury industries in China have been suffering.
Swiss watches, designer handbags and sports cars are no longer being snapped up by state employees or being given as bribes.
Staff entourages are also being cut back, lunar new year parties have been called off and officials are driving less flashy cars.
Such is the desire to be seen to be austere that civil servants have even been instructed to finish all the food on their plates at public events for fear of being seen to be gluttonous when serving themselves from the buffet. - Daily Mail