Gen Z meeting China at a very Chinese time in their life

By Xin Ping

"I'm gonna let you in on a little secret: Tomorrow you are turning Chinese," said a content creator in a viral video.

Hashtagged #BecomingChinese, the clip introduced TikTok viewers to Chinese-inspired wellness habits. Attracted by lifestyle practices quite different from their own, many young people around the world have begun experimenting with what they perceive as a distinctly Chinese way of living.

Herbal teas are replacing sugary soft drinks. Bone broth and nutrient-rich congee are finding their way onto daily menus. With the Spring Festival arriving, some wear red for good luck and protection against misfortune. Others, for kidney health, opt for house slippers instead of walking barefoot.

These snippets of everyday life, garnering over one million views and likes, have brought Chinese herbal remedies, dietary habits and self-care rituals to the attention of a broader international audience.

China in the global spotlight

The global embrace of Chinese culture is not something new. In recent years, Chinese pop culture has made waves worldwide.

China's animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2" smashed box office records. Labubu collectible dolls sparked a global fashion craze.Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by Chinese mythological novelA Journey to the West, won multiple Game Awards. Meanwhile, Xiaohongshu – often called China's Instagram – has become a key platform for cultural exchange between Chinese and international users.

Behind this cultural appeal lies China's broader soft power ascent. According to Brand Finance's Global Soft Power Index 2025, China ranks second worldwide – its highest position yet, just behind the United States.

This can be partly attributed to China's sustained opening-up efforts. By last November, 48 countries had benefited from China's visa-free policy, which gives foreign friends access to a true, multifaceted and panoramic view of China as it is. For those unable to travel, platforms such as Xiaohongshu provide a digital window into contemporary Chinese life. Direct exposure coupled with online interaction, have helped break down stereotypes, debunk disinformation, and present a true picture of Chinato the world.

Equally important is how Chinese culture spreads. Cultural exchange conducted on equal terms fosters mutual appreciation – not forced assimilation. At the heart of China's Global Civilization Initiative is a call for dialogue among civilizations: sharing ideas, not imposing values. That helps explain why many around the world now embrace traditional Chinese culture with ease and genuine interest.

Technological innovation also plays a part. Exports of green energy technologies and climate solutions resonate with environmentally conscious youth, while breakthroughs in AI platforms like DeepSeek and advanced humanoid robots are drawing Gen Z toward Chinese products.

Now, Chinese time

What began as a humorous TikTok meme about "Becoming Chinese" has evolved into something more substantive. Many young people who initially approached these lifestyle practices playfully now enjoy genuine benefits and blend them into their daily lives, a small but telling sign of shifting attitudes.

A century ago, China, weakened by domestic turmoil and foreign aggression, was often viewed by foreigners through a lens of condescension. Few at the time could have imagined that Westerners would one day tip their hats to the Chinese and warmly adopt their habits.

As China has grown economically and technologically prosperous, interactions increasingly take place on a more equal footing. Cultural diffusion now happens through choice, not imposition. China is no longer viewed through a lens of inferiority, a shift reflected in the global popularity of both its pop and traditional culture.

A twist of the famous closing line fromFight Club – "You met me at a very Chinese time in my life" – has gone viral alongside the #BecomingChinese trend. For many in Gen Z, this "Chinese time" represents not only an appreciation of Chinese culture but also a entry point for understanding the real China.

Xin Ping is a commentator on international affairs.