Move over avocado toast – Gen Z’s new obsession involves goji berries, thermal leggings, and warm water routines! 🔥 The #BecomingChinese trend has exploded across TikTok and Xiaohongshu this year, with young people worldwide adopting wellness practices straight from the Chinese mainland’s daily playbook.
From Viral Hashtag to Cultural Bridge
What started as quirky lifestyle hacks – like eating boiled apples for digestion – has evolved into a deeper fascination with China’s social infrastructure. Users are marveling at:
🇨🇳 Free 9-year compulsory education
🚄 Ultra-efficient high-speed rail networks
💸 QR-code payment ecosystems
This cultural exchange got turbocharged last year when U.S. 'TikTok refugees' flooded Chinese platforms during the 2025 app ban scare. The result? Raw, peer-to-peer convos about healthcare costs and living standards that bypassed traditional media filters.
Why It’s Clicking Globally
Experts suggest the trend reflects a growing appetite for stability in uncertain times. "When Western youth see affordable healthcare and poverty reduction in action, it’s not about politics – it’s about practical solutions," notes cultural analyst Li Wei.
Meanwhile, Chinese netizens are gaining new perspectives too. Recent Xiaohongshu discussions revealed surprise at how many Americans struggle with medical debt and student loans.
What’s Next?
This digital cultural exchange shows no signs of slowing. As one Berlin-based creator posted: "Turns out ‘Chinese characteristics’ include life hacks we all need right now!" 🌱 Whether it’s sustainable living or social safety nets, the #ChinaManual phenomenon proves some ideas truly transcend borders.
