On TikTok, we're all Chinese – but the trend doesn't paint the full picture

A TikTok trend called "Chinamaxxing" has emerged in the West, particularly among Americans, involving the adoption of Chinese wellness practices and aesthetics. Users share videos of themselves engaging in activities like drinking warm apple-boiled water and performing longevity exercises, often with captions referencing a "very Chinese time" in their lives. This trend has been interpreted as a boost to Chinese soft power, with some suggesting it stems from American disenchantment with their own country. While some Chinese youth find the trend amusing or even offensive, others see it as a positive shift from previous derogatory jokes about Chinese culture. Chinese-American TikTok creator Sherry Zhu is a prominent figure in the trend, sharing traditional wellness tips with her followers. The trend highlights a specific, often idealized, slice of Chinese life, while overlooking the complex realities faced by young people in China.

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