'Chinese-style living' trends overseas as experts urge for a deeper understanding of culture

A growing number of overseas internet users are embracing an online trend known as “becoming Chinese at heart,” reflecting rising curiosity about Chinese culture. As the traditional Chinese New Year of the Horse approaches, a Chinese vlogger shared posts explaining the Spring Festival tradition of giving red envelopes, prompting widespread discussion online. One foreign user joked: “I don’t think my mother knows yet, but apparently we’re all Chinese.”

Commenting on the phenomenon, Dutch Sinologist and reporter Elsbeth van Paridon, who works at China’s national newsweekly Beijing Review, told China News Network that such spontaneous engagement can help foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding across borders.

She cautioned, however, that Chinese culture is complex and deeply rooted, and cannot be fully understood through memes or short-form videos alone. Van Paridon encouraged overseas audiences to look beyond viral trends and explore the historical and cultural context behind them. She also expressed hope that more foreigners would travel to China for firsthand study and experience, allowing cross-cultural interaction to inform more thoughtful and substantial creative work.