A viral TikTok video by a Chinese American girl has sparked widespread acceptance of Chinese lifestyles among overseas users. Many are sharing habits like drinking hot water and cooking congee, viewing them as symbols of Eastern wisdom. This trend is quietly reshaping global perceptions of Chinese culture through short videos.
A TikTok video by user Sherry, a Chinese American girl, features her saying "Tomorrow you're turning Chinese," amassing over 2.4 million views and 445,800 likes. The comments reflect broad international acceptance of Chinese lifestyles. User Danielle commented, "I love hotpot. I love drinking hot water. I love wearing my house slippers. It's my time to shine," earning more than 7,000 likes. Another user, "softely__slowly," shared, "I've been Chinese for a week and now I crave congee for breakfast," along with a congee recipe.
Users from various countries soon posted videos showcasing "Chinese-style living," including drinking hot water, simmering soups, and cooking congee, embracing these as symbols of "Eastern wisdom." A viral American meme states, "You met me at a very Chinese time of my life." Importantly, "turning Chinese" does not imply a nationality change but highlights an online trend where overseas users proudly display elements of Chinese daily life. Some have started livestream challenges to compare "whose daily routine is the most Chinese."
An American woman reported that regularly drinking hot water and ginger tea alleviated her long-standing stomach issues. Foreign vloggers have adopted Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese fitness routine, praising it for building strength and enhancing well-being. Travel experiences are also shifting perceptions. China's new 144-hour visa-free transit policy has helped dispel long-held stereotypes. Visitors have encountered not just tai chi and calligraphy, but smart vehicles, smart kitchen appliances, seamless digital payments, and practical wisdom in everyday life. This evolution underscores growing international curiosity about China and its way of life.
For years, the idea that "the foreign moon shines brighter" led some Chinese to undervalue their cultural traditions. Today, overseas enthusiasm for Chinese-style living serves as a mirror, spotlighting the universal appeal of elements often taken for granted at home. This contrasts sharply with persistent negative portrayals in Western media. As more people visit China, stereotypes are fading quickly. Yet, some outlets continue to critique Chinese society and lifestyles. In this context, the popularity of Chinese daily life content offers a fresh social media channel to reveal the real China.
By emphasizing ordinary routines over abstract debates, these short videos sidestep ideological clashes, allowing Chinese culture a "soft landing" abroad. As one American commenter noted, "We think being Chinese is cool and healthy." Rooted in lived experiences, this exchange is subtly reshaping global views of China through the universal language of daily life.
(By Gong Weiwei)
