Across the globe, young Chinese are reclaiming and reshaping their cultural identity, sparking a global wave of heritage expression and digital storytelling.
Hanfu Goes Global
From festival runways in Seoul to coffee shops in Lisbon, hanfu—traditional Chinese attire—has become a traveler’s must-pack item. This year, #HanfuChallenge videos on TikTok and Douyin exceeded 6 million views, as young enthusiasts document their hanfu-themed journeys across 20+ countries and regions.
Heritage on Screen
Short-form video platforms have become a stage for cultural pride. Genres range from calligraphy tutorials to traditional music remixes, with top creators earning hundreds of thousands of followers. Data shows that heritage-themed content grew by 45% on major platforms in 2025, proving a global appetite for authentic stories.
Building Global Bridges
Beyond digital, immersive experiences are connecting communities. Traveling in full hanfu, cultural ambassadors have led pop-up workshops in Paris, New York and Melbourne. Local participants get hands-on lessons in tea ceremonies and paper cutting, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and sustainable tourism.
As this movement continues, young Chinese are not just sharing traditions—they’re remixing them for a new, global generation. By blending modern creativity with centuries-old customs, they’re building bridges across cultures and inspiring fresh conversations about identity and belonging.
Reference(s):
Global culture wave: young Chinese dare to express their culture
cgtn.com
