Recently, a lighthearted TikTok video by Chinese American creator Sherry Xiiruii has sparked a global trend, with millions playfully declaring they are 'becoming Chinese.'
In the clip, posted earlier this month, Sherry mock-seriously announces, 'Tomorrow, you're turning Chinese. I know it sounds intimidating, but there's no point fighting it now.' Viewers around the world responded by sharing their own takes on everyday Chinese mainland lifestyle habits.
Social platforms quickly filled with user videos showcasing 'Chinese daily life': sipping warm water instead of iced drinks, cooking nourishing soups and porridge, slipping into cozy slippers at home, soaking goji berries and red dates in insulated bottles, and even practicing Baduanjin, a traditional fitness routine, at dawn.
While no one is actually changing nationality, the trend reflects an enthusiastic embrace of cultural routines. Some users are hosting livestream challenges to see whose morning ritual best captures 'authentic' daily life from the Chinese mainland, turning the phenomenon into a shared cultural celebration rather than mere imitation.
Beyond laughs, the 'Becoming Chinese' trend highlights the Chinese mainland's growing soft power. By blending humor, tradition, and social media engagement, creators are driving a form of cultural exchange that's both accessible and entertaining, and proving that a simple video can spark global curiosity about everyday life halfway across the world.
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'Becoming Chinese' goes viral, showcasing China's growing soft power
cgtn.com
