Cultural currents: how ‘Becoming Chinese’ trend is transforming Western lifestyles

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 2 min read 100% complete by Zoey ZhangFebruary 7, 2026 at 07:00 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

A TikTok trend called "Becoming Chinese" is gaining popularity globally, driven by an influencer's videos showcasing Chinese lifestyle habits. Sherry Zhu Xirui, a Chinese-American influencer, unintentionally started the movement in January, with her videos attracting over 20 million views. The trend involves adopting practices like drinking hot water, practicing tai chi, enjoying foot baths, and favoring traditional Chinese cuisine. Participants are sharing their experiences online, documenting their shift towards these habits, often citing benefits like stress relief and improved well-being. The trend highlights a growing interest in Chinese wellness practices and cultural traditions among Western audiences.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

SCMP 30% Pinghu 30% New Jersey ×230% Guizhou ×240% Zhejiang province ×250% United States ×260% TikTok ×270% China ×480% Sherry Zhu Xirui ×590%

Keywords

becoming chinese 100% chinese lifestyle 90% tiktok trend 80% wellness habits 70% cultural adoption 60% tai chi 60% hot water 50% herbal tea 50% acupuncture 40% cupping 40%