A new trend has emerged on TikTok, with users claiming to be embracing Chinese culture, sparking a phenomenon known as "Chinamaxxing".

This trend has taken the West by storm, with many individuals sharing their experiences of adopting Chinese wellness practices, which were previously perceived as outdated, on the social media platform.

There has been a significant shift in the perception of Chinese culture in the US, with many Americans now embracing traditional practices such as drinking warm apple-boiled water, wearing indoor slippers, and performing longevity exercises.

TikTok users are sharing videos of themselves participating in these activities, often accompanied by captions like "you met me at a very Chinese time in my life" or the hashtag #newlychinese, as they learn to incorporate Chinese customs into their daily lives.

The Chinese Communist Party has welcomed this surge in interest in Chinese culture, which comes at a time when the global order is being reshaped by figures like Donald Trump.

The rise of Chinamaxxing has contributed to the growing influence of Chinese soft power, with the world witnessing a surge in popularity of Chinese products like Labubu dolls, Mixue bubble tea, and Luckin coffee, as well as a fascination with cities like Chongqing.

Some attribute the popularity of Chinamaxxing to the disillusionment of young Americans with their own country, although the extent to which this is driving the trend is uncertain.

However, it is essential to note that this trend only showcases a limited aspect of Chinese life, focusing on memes and fleeting moments, while overlooking the concerns and challenges faced by young people in China, such as a sluggish economy and a rapidly changing world.

Some Chinese individuals may find it perplexing that aspects of their culture, long regarded as uncool in the Western imagination, have become the subject of fascination, while others may be offended by Westerners jokingly claiming to have been "diagnosed as Chinese" on TikTok.

In contrast to derogatory jokes and memes that have been used to mock Chinese culture in the past, Chinamaxxing is seen by some as a more positive and inclusive trend, with Chinese people being in on the joke rather than being the target of it.

This shift in dynamics is notable, as Chinese individuals are now actively participating in and shaping the narrative around their culture, rather than being the subject of ridicule or stereotyping.

One of the key figures behind the Chinamaxxing trend is Sherry Zhu, a Chinese-American TikTok creator who shares traditional wellness tips with her large following, known as her "Chinese baddies".

Zhu tells her 740,000 followers, "Tomorrow you're turning Chinese," and encourages them to embrace the culture, suggesting that it is inevitable and that there is no point in resisting it.

The sudden emergence of Chinamaxxing has caught many by surprise, given the recent history of Sinophobia and anti-Chinese sentiment sparked by the Covid pandemic.

It was not long ago that the Chinese diaspora community faced racism and avoidance, with many people shunning Chinese businesses and communities due to fear and misinformation.

The world witnessed the strict lockdowns imposed by Beijing, which led to reports of residents struggling to access food and other essential supplies, and the subsequent protests that ultimately led to the easing of restrictions in early 2023.

The exodus of expats from China and the strain on the relationship between China and the West, particularly in the context of Hong Kong, have also had a significant impact on the global perception of China.

However, as China has reopened and relaxed its visa rules, the country's investments in tech, infrastructure, and exports have become more visible, showcasing its growth and development to the world.

The transformation of cities like Chongqing, once known for corruption and scandal, into thriving metropolises with modern infrastructure and a booming economy, has been particularly striking.

Other signs of China's growing influence include the popularity of Adidas Tang-style jackets, Chinese micro-dramas, and traditional makeup looks among young people worldwide.

For some Chinese individuals, like Claire, a Chinese-Canadian TikTok user, the shift in mainstream opinion towards China has been a welcome change, offering a more positive and nuanced representation of Chinese culture.

Claire, who shares political content on TikTok and preferred to remain anonymous, notes that the past year has been a critical juncture in this shift, with a significant increase in interest and engagement with Chinese culture.

The arrival of American users on Chinese social media platforms like RedNote, ahead of a potential TikTok ban in the US, has also contributed to the growing exchange and interaction between Chinese and American online communities.

The resulting memes and online content have become a key aspect of this cultural exchange, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to connect and share their experiences.

According to Afra Wang, a tech writer and podcaster, the fascination with Chinese culture and infrastructure is not surprising, given the significant developments and advancements that China has made in recent years.

Wang suggests that the appeal of Chinese culture and technology lies in its ability to showcase a vision of the future, with high-speed rail, advanced infrastructure, and innovative technologies, which is particularly alluring to young people in the US who are looking for a sense of progress and development.

The rise of Chinamaxxing coincides with a perceived decline in the American Dream, with many young Americans facing a challenging job market and an uncertain future.

Wang notes that this generation of Americans has grown up in a post-Iraq War, post-2008 financial crisis world, where the notion of American exceptionalism is no longer a lived reality, and as a result, they are more open to exploring and embracing other cultures and ideas.

In China, the reaction to Chinamaxxing has been relatively muted, with limited discussion and engagement on social media platforms.

Instead, many Chinese people seem to be focusing on their own country's development and growth, with some expressing a sense of disillusionment with the US, which is no longer seen as a beacon of success and opportunity.

As Wang observes, while the US is experiencing a "Chinamaxxing moment," China is undergoing its own "America-minimising moment," with a growing sense of self-confidence and a decreasing interest in emulating American culture and values.

On Chinese social media, the concept of the "US kill line" has gained traction, referring to the perceived decline of the US and the challenges faced by individuals in the country, particularly in terms of poverty and inequality.

This idea has been amplified by Chinese state media and government officials, who seek to portray the US as a country in decline, with a weak social safety net and a broken healthcare system.

A commentary in the state-owned Xinhua news agency highlights the disconnect between the ideals promoted by the US and the reality on the ground, suggesting that the "kill line" meme reflects a more nuanced understanding of the US and its challenges.

The Chinese authorities appear to be pleased with the Chinamaxxing trend, seeing it as a positive development that showcases the appeal and influence of Chinese culture.

A recent article in the Global Times, a Chinese state-run newspaper, notes that Chinese lifestyles are gaining global appeal, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

When asked about Chinamaxxing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed happiness at seeing foreigners engage with Chinese culture and everyday life, suggesting that this trend reflects a growing interest in and appreciation for China.

Jian's comments imply that the Chinese government views Chinamaxxing as a positive development, one that promotes cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

However, it is difficult to gauge the true sentiments of Chinese people, given the heavily policed nature of public discourse and the risks associated with criticising the government.

As a result, it remains to be seen how Chinamaxxing will evolve and whether it will have a lasting impact on the global perception of Chinese culture and China's relationship with the rest of the world.

A significant aspect of Chinese life remains unseen in the memes that reach Western audiences. The country's young people are grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 15% and a demanding work culture that leads to burnout. However, openly expressing their pessimism online can attract the attention of internet censors, making them cautious about sharing their concerns. Furthermore, they face challenges in finding housing due to the ongoing property crisis and navigating the complexities of dating.

The rapid delivery times in China are supported by gig workers who are under pressure to meet deadlines. The struggles of these workers resonate with many, as evident in the success of Beijing courier Hu Anyan's memoir, which became a national bestseller in 2023. The book highlights the relentless nature of gig work and has struck a chord with readers.

Wang reflects on her experience in Shenzhen, contrasting it with the perception of the city held by her American friends and tech enthusiasts. She notes that while they marvel at the city's advancements, her own experience is more nuanced, involving everyday interactions with workers like Hu Anyan, who deliver products such as a six yuan latte from Luckin Coffee, yet often remain unseen.

As interest in China's achievements continues to grow, it is possible that more aspects of Chinese life will become visible. Currently, however, trends like apple tea have garnered significant attention.

A user on RedNote, one of the platforms still used by former TikTok users, shared a comment about the benefits of boiling apples in tea water, stating that it has eliminated their period cramps.

A Chinese individual expressed a sentiment that underscores the complexity of Chinese identity, saying, "There is still much for us to learn about being Chinese."