“You’ve met me at a very Chinese time in my life.” Maybe you recognize this as an homage — and spoof — of “You met me at a very strange time in my life,” from 1999’s Fight Club. Or maybe, you associate this with a growing lifestyle trend dedicated to celebrating Chinese culture and heritage through good-natured parody and humor. If you haven’t heard of the “turning Chinese” trend yet, here is everything you need to know.
The trend is rooted in the popularization of TikToks featuring different aspects of Chinese culture, such as Douyin makeup tutorials, people lip-syncing to Chinese songs, and individuals wearing traditional Chinese clothing. Eventually, the trend expanded as creators of Chinese descent, or those with Chinese partners, began using the “turning Chinese” umbrella to discuss cultural differences, daily cultural practices, and sharing their love of Chinese culture.
“Tomorrow, you’re turning Chinese,” Sherry (@sherryxiiruii), a popular Chinese American creator, says in one of her “turning Chinese” TikToks. “And I know that sounds intimidating, but there’s no point in fighting it now because you are the chosen one.”
Sherry, along with other creators like Chao Ban (@ischaoban) and Emma Peng (@emmapeng0619) became popular for the blend of authenticity and relatable humor that they bring to the “turning Chinese” trend where they share about their lives while encouraging viewers to participate as well.
People are flocking to the trend, embracing new ways of living with open arms. In response to Sherry’s video saying, “Tomorrow, you are turning Chinese,” sits a comment that says: “I’m so happy and excited to be here.” And a comment under one of Emma’s videos reads: “As a southern American girl raised on grits, I’m so excited to try congee.”
While participating in cultures outside of one’s own can sometimes be tricky to navigate (because cultural appropriation is not it), in general, Chinese creators are loving the wave of interest in their customs and traditions. “You’re newly Chinese and you’re asking the right questions,” Sherry says in response to the many TikTok videos comments from people interested in adopting Chinese habits. “What time should you eat boiled apples? What time should you drink hot water? Taking this new Chinese baddie lifestyle so seriously means the world to me.”
Approaching the “turning Chinese” trend with respect and awareness is crucial. As one commenter said, “And see how we’re being Chinese without colonizing.” To which another TikTok user replied: “Right, we are appreciating their culture. Not shaming them, then claiming that we invented it. Simple appreciation, no ownership.”
So, if you too are ready to “turn Chinese,” here are some ways to (respectfully!) participate in the trend.
At Home
“Turning Chinese” doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. In fact, trend creators are stressing the importance of physical comfort and health. Start by getting a pair of house slippers and then nourish yourself with hot tea (maybe with lemon and honey), soup, and plenty of vegetables.
With Friends
If your budget allows, now is the time to get together with friends and enjoy the socially and physically filling experience of hot pot. With origins in China dating back centuries, hot pot involves cooking thinly sliced meats, vegetables, and other toppings in pots of boiling, flavorful broth.
Globally
In roughly a month, on Feb. 17, is Lunar New Year, officially ushering in the Year of the Horse — specifically, the Year of the Fire Horse. According to Forbes, 8.2 billion people are expected to celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2026. This year is a symbolic time of opportunity and passion, so, why not join the masses by welcoming in a Lunar Year full of energy, freedom, and movement?