Shanzhai: Creative Imitation of China in Highland Myanmar

Abstract The Wa State of Myanmar is often called “shanzhai China,” that is, a lesser imitation China. This essay unpacks the material and symbolic implications creative at Chinese periphery, embodied in shanzhai 山寨 practices. Literally “mountain fortress,” refers to provenience cheap brand imitations, made by mountain dwellers who cannot afford original. term commonly used describe ironic People's Republic China today. Until 1950s, inhabitants hills did indeed live fortresses—both pragmatic necessity as well miniature repetition imperial rule. limitations potential imitating are shown for cases Maoism, authoritarian capitalism, contemporary nationhood. Rather than an essentialized feature cultural practice, practices reveal recombination essential imitation.