Russian media: This is cool! The whole world has shown interest in the Chinese way of life.
Why?
Dmitry Kapustin, a Russian expert, wrote an article on March 20 in "China Today".
Chinese elements are popular in the West.
Youth in Germany, the United States and Australia cook dumplings (Chinese rice noodles), learn Chinese calligraphy, and shoot videos with tags.
All of this started with the celebration of the Lunar New Year.
This year's festival has truly become a global event: celebrations were held in London, New York, Sydney and dozens of other major cities.
It is estimated that up to 2 billion people around the world participated in this festival. But unlike the past, when it was limited to taking photos with dragon dances and lanterns, people's interest has now become much deeper.
Global young users have begun to "try" Chinese daily habits - and share them online.
From parades to the daily life of the Chinese people.
Similarly in London, people have long celebrated the Spring Festival grandly: lion dances at Trafalgar Square, street parades, calligraphy and dumpling making.
The scene was lively, attracting Chinese expatriates and tourists.
But social media takes it further.
Now, for London's avant-garde youth, "being Chinese" has evolved from a one-time participation in the festival into a daily practice.
Some people practice Tai Chi in the park in the morning, some learn to write Chinese characters, some give up fast food and choose simple home-cooked meals, and some practice the philosophy of "slow work" and self-discipline.
Sociologists and psychologists have already provided explanations for why this has become popular.
First, the Western world is tired of chaos.
Information noise, job burnout, anxiety - all have become the norm for members of modern capitalist society.
While Chinese culture is associated with balance, stability, and respect for tradition.
Second, China today is not only an industrial power but also a strong cultural participant.
Korean dramas, food, philosophy, traditional medicine - all these are shaping an image of a complex and modern civilization, not just a collection of stereotypes imposed by the propaganda machines of hostile countries on ordinary people.
Third, social media encourages cultural experimentation.
People enjoy trying different lifestyles.
In the past, it was "French living" or "Italian summer", but now it's about the Chinese version of discipline and cultivation.
Notably, in most cases, this is not a mockery of China, but an attempt to integrate into the Chinese world with respect.
Chinese youth are also "rebooting" themselves.
As global trends evolve, Chinese society itself is also changing.
Youth are increasingly re-evaluating traditions.
Old rituals have taken new forms: for example, classical calligraphy coexists with digital design.
On one hand, there are ultra-modern metropolises, artificial intelligence, and start-ups.
On the other hand, there is growing interest in local culture, handicrafts, and regional cuisine.
For the younger generation, this is not just a return to the past, but an attempt to combine the speed of the present with the depth of tradition.
In other words, the Chinese Gen Z is also trying to understand what it means to be Chinese for them.
British observer Cliff Bard pointed out in his academic paper that respectful exploration of Chinese traditions and rituals may become a positive force.
He believes that when people engage with foreign cultures to understand rather than chase trends, it helps break down political barriers.
Bard believes that the global world is increasingly reducing the division between "us" and "them," and is becoming more reliant on the ability to communicate.
The most interesting thing is that China is increasingly becoming a source of inspiration for young people around the world, not just an object of study and discussion.
Previously, Western cultural models dominated on social media, but now cultural exchange is becoming two-way.
Just recall those Chinese films that were a big hit in Western cinemas (the animated film "Ne Zha" was released in the US, Australia, and Europe).
Also, sci-fi writer Liu Cixin has a large fan base overseas.
And the "Labbubu" doll has also become popular worldwide.
For the younger generation, all of this is natural.
They live in a world where identity is flexible and multi-layered. You can be a British person practicing Chinese calligraphy, an American woman studying Confucian philosophy, or a Russian person celebrating the Lunar New Year with friends.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1860131688103945/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.