What drives the growing trend of Western bloggers sharing their tips on traditional Chinese wellness habits on social media?
Recently, many TikTok users have noticed a curious trend: young Western creators sipping hot water on camera. In their videos, they say, “I feel newly Chinese.”
The trend began when a Chinese American blogger shared tips on traditional Chinese wellness habits. Soon, creators started posting under the hashtag #NewlyChinese, playfully embracing everyday Chinese lifestyle practices. Chinese users quickly joined the conversation, adding their own tips and sharing daily experiences from life in China.
Beyond humour, the trend highlights how social media is enabling more direct, people-to-people exchanges between Chinese and Western users. It also became a topic of discussion at a recent media salon titled “Rhythms of China’s Social Media,” hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to China. Participants explored new developments in social media and the evolving dynamics of cross-cultural communication.
Social Media Bridges East and West
European sinologist Manya Koetse noted that China’s presence on overseas platforms has changed significantly in recent years. Around 2016, more Chinese videos and English-language accounts began appearing on Twitter, now known as X. Following major global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, many official Chinese accounts joined these platforms, sharing China’s stories while also responding to Western media narratives.
“I think it’s very noteworthy not only to see official voices couan increasing number of foreign bloggers have become curious about China and have entered Western narratives on China, but also to see more Chinese self-media creators forming their own voices,” Koetse said.
As a result, an increasing number of foreign bloggers have become curious about China and have started sharing their personal experiences. Koetse cited American YouTuber IShowSpeed.His livestreamed trip to China last year attracted millions of viewers.
“I do think he really showed that social media has a huge influence on how people perceive China,” she said.
With the expansion of China’s visa-free travel policies, more online followers have begun visiting the country in person. In the past, China-related content often centred on pandas. Today, cities such as Chongqing and Zhangjiajie are gaining popularity online, with foreign vloggers helping to introduce these destinations to global audiences.
“I’ve seen a lot of people who are interested in China travel. They travel by themselves and share their experiences,” Koetse said.“Perhaps this trend first received official support, but there is definitely a real and organic movement now.”
At the same time, cross-platform interaction has increased direct communication among users. Zhang Xuezi, co-founder and COO of digital marketing and social commerce agency DFC Studio, observed that policy changes on some overseas platforms have pushed foreign users toward Chinese social media apps.
“This shows cultural exchange in action,” Zhang said.
A Passing Trend or a Deeper Shift?
Some observers question whether trends like “Newly Chinese” are fleeting or part of a broader, long-term change.
Online phrases such as “I’m feeling very Chinese” may fade, but the cultural influence behind them continues to grow. Koetse noted that in the post-pandemic era, China’s soft power has expanded through games, films, and music. She added that she herself is a fan of the animated film Nezha 2.
“We’ve never seen China’s influence on pop culture in the West. We are now seeing it and becoming Chinese. Or you’re catching me at a very Chinese moment in my life,” she said.
Written by Feifei.
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