Becoming Chinese

From drinking hot water to practicing Baduanjin, the social media trend Becoming Chinese is capturing hearts around the world. It's not about changing who you are — it's about embracing a more holistic, relaxed, and genuinely fun way of living.

Not long ago, anything "China-related" triggered suspicion or anxiety. Now people are actively trying Chinese ways of living and sharing the results. So what changed?

The trend may seem sudden, but in fact, it feels natural. After last year's TikTok ban scare, many users explored Chinese platforms like RedNote. Meanwhile, China's visa-free transit policy brought more visitors in — and for some, real-life experiences quickly replaced old assumptions.

What started as curiosity turned into imitation. Imitation turned into routine. And routine led to real improvements in how they felt. For a long time, Asian cultures were portrayed in the West as strange or even threatening. Now, more people are recognizing a basic truth — different cultural practices don't make something weird or wrong.

That's what cultural exchange looks like when it's natural. No preaching. No forcing. My culture can be your culture. I'm so glad I met you at such a Chinese stage of your life.