As the phrase "become Chinese" continues to trend across global social media, it is often simplified into easily imitated habits — drinking hot water or soaking one's feet. Yet traditional Chinese wellness is far more layered, rooted in everyday choices shaped by climate, food culture, and philosophy.
This depth was on full display on February 7 in Yangjiang, Guangdong, where a large-scale New Year market opened as part of the 2026 China Cultural and Tourism Gala. Bringing together all 21 cities of Guangdong Province, the market showcased regional specialties that locals prepare for the Chinese New Year, many of them closely tied to wellness.
One thing that stood out to me was the variety of wellness teas. These are not just "herbal teas" — each blend is designed for a different need. I tried one tea made specifically for better sleep. It combines ingredients like poria, red dates, mulberries, barley, licorice root, sour jujube seed, and lily bulb. In Chinese wellness culture, it's believed that different ingredients work together to calm the mind and help the body relax. It feels more like a gentle nighttime ritual than a remedy.
Another product I explored was Huajuhong, a traditional dried citrus peel from Maoming. Locals often recommend it to smokers or people who drink beer frequently. In Chinese food philosophy, beer is considered "cooling," while Huajuhong is "warming," helping to restore balance. It's also commonly used to soothe the throat and support the lungs.
I was also fascinated by golden tremella, a mushroom with a unique shape that looks almost like a golden brain. It's rich in natural collagen and is especially popular among women for skin nourishment. Locals use it in slow-cooked chicken soups or even sweet desserts. This reflects a key idea in Chinese wellness: beauty and health come from daily food.
Finally, I explored traditional herbal sachets from Hailing Island. Each sachet contains a different combination of herbs, designed for specific purposes — some to calm the mind and improve sleep, others to repel insects or simply refresh the senses. Wearing or placing these sachets around the home is a quiet, everyday way people connect scent with well-being.
For locals, these items are familiar New Year goods. For visitors spending the holidays in Guangdong, they become meaningful gifts to take home. And perhaps "becoming Chinese" isn't about copying habits. It's about understanding how wellness is woven into daily life.
Reporter, Video, Photo & Poster: Li Fangwang
