As viral trends come and go, Chinese-American creator Sherry Zhu – an early pioneer of the 'Becoming Chinese' movement – tells NewspaperAmigo why cultural curiosity outlives hashtag hype. 'Trends fade, but doors stay open,' she says, reflecting on how her viral tea ceremony tutorials and Mandarin wordplay videos sparked global interest in 2025.
📈 While analytics show 'Becoming Chinese' content dipped 22% this January compared to its 2025 peak, Zhu highlights a quiet revolution: 'My DMs are full of people asking about Qingming Festival traditions or Uygur embroidery techniques. That’s the real win.'
🌐 From London students hosting huāyǔ jié (Chinese language nights) to Bali cafes featuring Sichuan peppercorn lattes, the trend’s legacy lives through cross-cultural exchanges. 'We’re not chasing views anymore,' Zhu notes. 'We’re building bridges.'
💡 For Asian diaspora communities, the movement hits different. 'Finally seeing my ABC [American-Born Chinese] experience validated through memes? Priceless,' comments @NoodleQueen_LA on Zhu’s latest Douyin post.
As we navigate 2026, one thing’s clear: When trends tap into genuine cultural connection, their impact lasts long after the algorithm moves on. 🎋
