Half of the rooms in China's first ever "five-star" hospital in Shanghai that provides postnatal care to new mothers and babies have been booked up ahead of its inauguration on Christmas Day.s.

Xiyue (happiness in Chinese) Postnatal Hospital is more like a holiday resort with its well-furnished rooms for mothers and children and a swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts and karaoke bars for visitors.

Traditionally, new mothers have to spend a month in confinement after giving birth in keeping with a Chinese ancient belief that the mother and child are particularly vulnerable to evil spirits during this period.

But luxury comes at a price. The cheapest room in the hospital costs 5,000 US dollars a month while the luxury suite charges nearly 1,250 US dollars a day. Even the luxury suite is worth the money; they say, given the comfortable environment, luxury furniture and quality services.

The two-storey suite has separate bedrooms for the new mother, baby and babysitter as well as a kitchen and a karaoke bar. Despite this glowing reference, the luxury suite remains available for now.

The hospital predicts business will be good next year as the Chinese 'Year of the Pig' is believed to be auspicious for having a baby.

Source:佚名