This paper introduces the reader to the Chinese contemporary phenomenon shanzhai. At least since 2006, the Chinese term shanzhai has become an epitome for copycat and imitation, but also parody. The author retraces the origins of shanzhai and its development from an economic to a cultural phenomenon. Shanzhai has been an object of study to scholars in the East and West, the most relevant viewpoints being presented and discussed in this paper. The author particularly highlights how shanzhai has emerged in the special context of consumer culture and authoritative discourses in China. Taking shanzhai movies as a case in point, the author exemplifies how cultural shanzhai objects, while being deeply embedded in the system of mainstream culture, can be viewed as an expression of alternative culture. Overall, the interdisciplinary approach undertaken by the author contributes to a better understanding of the correlation between culture, politics, economics and globalization.