The phrase “You met me in a very Chinese time in my life” is trending on TikTok as non-Chinese creators adopt practices such as boiling apples and sipping hot water, paired with traditional Chinese music. This so-called “Chinamaxxing” trend highlights how young Americans are embracing Chinese culture not as a geopolitical subject but as a source of appealing aesthetics, fashion, and lifestyle.
Jacob Cooke, CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies, notes that American youth are viewing a modern, confident image of China. Influencers showcase vibrant Chinese cities and lifestyles, challenging outdated perceptions. The growing popularity of Chinese culture mirrors Japan’s soft power rise in the 2000s, marked by the global appeal of anime and video games.
Allison Malmsten from Daxue Consulting links “Chinamaxxing” to American TikTok users exploring Xiaohongshu, a Chinese app, gaining insights into Chinese youth cultures. The trend encompasses wellness and aesthetic exploration without causing outrage, and many Chinese individuals find it encouraging. Users differentiate between cultural appreciation and appropriation, with influencers like Sherry credited for spreading Chinese habits.
While some find the trend wholesome, it brings mixed feelings due to persistent racism experienced by Asian communities. Christina Young, a TikTok user, emphasizes the need to be mindful of this cultural engagement, as real Chinese individuals still face daily challenges.