If you've been on TikTok lately, you might have spotted something both curious and calming: videos of people simmering apples, sipping warm water, and easing into slow stretches. Don't worry, your feed isn't acting up. You've just landed in what many are calling "a very Chinese time in my life."
Dubbed the "Becoming Chinese" trend, it's one of the latest—and perhaps most wholesome—waves sweeping the app. It borrows a line from Fight Club, playfully tweaked to "you met me at a very Chinese time in my life." More than just a meme, it reflects a genuine shift toward habits inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and a mindful daily rhythm. At its heart, it's not about switching identities—it's about embracing routines that bring balance and ease, offering a gentle reset in today's burnout culture.
What's behind the trend?
The trend is driven by creators of Chinese heritage sharing intimate glimpses of their daily wellness practices. Think winter-nourishing routines, herbal teas, always wearing slippers indoors, and foods like congee or apples boiled with red dates and goji berries. In response, followers often joke that by adopting these habits, they too are "turning Chinese."
A central figure is Chinese-American TikToker Sherry (@sherryxiiruii), whose viral video declared, "Starting tomorrow, you're going to become Chinese. I know that sounds intimidating, but there's no point in fighting it now." Her blend of dry humor and cultural insight has struck a chord.
Unlike trends that risk cultural appropriation, this one has been met with broad approval from Chinese online communities. The tone is one of appreciation. "We're appreciating their culture, not shaming it and then claiming we invented it," noted one commenter. The trend has even moved offline, with anecdotes like people bonding over a shared preference for hot water at a lacrosse tournament breakfast.
How to step into your "Chinese time"?
If you're feeling depleted, perpetually chilly, or generally rundown—that classic winter fatigue—this trend might offer the gentle reset you need. Here is a starting guide:
Embrace Warmth Over Cold: According to TCM customs, cold beverages are considered taxing on the digestive system. Opt instead for a flask of hot water or herbal tea.
Prioritize Cozy Feet: Keeping your feet warm is seen as essential for preserving vitality. House slippers are a must—bare feet on cold floors are a definite no.
Choose Nourishing, Cooked Foods: Swap out raw salads for warming dishes like congee, soups, or stir-fries. A standout favorite is boiled apples with goji berries and red dates, hailed as a gentle treat for gut health.
Move with Gentle Intention: Rather than high-intensity gym sessions, consider practices like baduanjin (a traditional exercise), tai chi, or even light bouncing in the morning, as some "Chinese lifestyle" guides suggest.
Treat Rest as Essential: Preserving jingqi, or vital energy, is paramount. This means prioritizing early nights, minimizing stress, and allowing yourself to slow down.
So, why is this catching on now?
After years of non-stop hustle culture, many are exhausted and looking for a gentler way to live. It's less about "self-optimization" and more about self-care.
As TikTok creator Emma Peng (@emmapeng0619) puts it: "I'm proud of you. I am so glad I met you at such a Chinese stage of your life." Other users agree—one even joked, "Now when I see 'Made in China,' I just think it was made nearby." This isn't about exotic fascination; it's about real, relatable habits becoming part of everyday life.
This resonance is bolstered by China's growing soft power. According to the 2025 Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index, China ranked second worldwide, with young adults (aged 18-24) showing particularly high affinity for its culture and lifestyle.
From habit to philosophy
What started as copying routines is becoming a quiet philosophy. It's not just drinking hot water—it's about balance, living with nature, and valuing tomorrow over today's quick fix.
Reflecting on her experience with the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, one TikTok user shared, "Our Chinese sisters were so welcoming, and I learned so much about taking care of my health." Others echoed this sentiment, with comments such as, "This is why we need the internet—to bring us together so we can care for each other." Another observer succinctly remarked, "This is culture. Not a trend."
This soft power runs on small, shared rituals. "Wearing red for Chinese New Year luck," wrote a blogger.
In the end, "Becoming Chinese" isn't about swapping identities. It's about adding what many are missing: warmth, balance, and the freedom to slow down.
Author | Feng Huiting
Editor | Huang Qini, James Campion, Shen He
