In recent months, a captivating trend known as Chinamaxxing has taken the internet by storm, particularly on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s a phenomenon where individuals, regardless of their heritage, are showcasing aspects of Chinese culture—drinking hot water, sporting slippers, and celebrating Chinese customs. While this trend has amassed a significant following, it has also sparked a complex dialogue about cultural identity and appropriation, leaving many from the Chinese diaspora with mixed feelings.
The Rise of Chinamaxxing
Emerging around mid-2025, Chinamaxxing has become a viral sensation. Contributors share videos that highlight their attempts to embrace what they perceive as quintessentially Chinese practices. “People are trying to be more Chinese regardless of what their heritage is,” remarks Michelle She, a London-based fashion entrepreneur. This phenomenon isn’t merely about aesthetics; it reflects deeper cultural shifts and the dynamics of identity in a globalised world.
While some users describe themselves as entering their “Chinese era,” others playfully claim that “you met me at a very Chinese time of my life.” This playful engagement, however, raises questions about the authenticity and depth of such expressions.
The Cultural Conversation
Jamie Cohen, an associate professor of media studies at Queens College in New York, points out that trends like Chinamaxxing resonate with broader societal changes, including disillusionment with Western narratives and a growing fascination with wellness practices often rooted in Eastern traditions. “What’s spreading globally is not China in its full complexity, but fragments of everyday life,” explains Tingting Liu, a research fellow at the University of Technology Sydney.
For many in the Chinese diaspora, the trend feels jarring. Jenny Lau, a British author, notes that seeing non-Chinese individuals dictate how to celebrate the Lunar New Year can be unsettling. “It feels like a direct challenge to our identities,” she states. This sentiment is echoed by Vanessa Li, a Sydney-based content creator, who questions why those outside the culture are leading these celebrations.
Cultural Appropriation or Genuine Interest?
The spectre of cultural appropriation looms large over Chinamaxxing. Sherry Zhu, a prominent face of the trend, recognises the potential risks but sees it as an opportunity to share her heritage. “I worry that non-Chinese creators might oversimplify traditional practices into mere wellness trends,” she cautions.
Lau articulates a long-standing issue: “The Oriental ‘Other’ has always trended in Western culture. Chinamaxxing is simply Orientalism in a new guise.” This raises fundamental questions about who gets to profit from cultural representations and whether such trends can ever be respectful or beneficial.
Cohen traces the origins of Chinamaxxing to early 2025, when many young people began exploring Chinese social media platforms like Red Note. This exposure revealed a version of China that differed from the political narratives they had previously encountered, allowing them to relate to the culture on a more personal level.
A Mixed Reception Among Generations
Attitudes toward Chinamaxxing vary widely within the diaspora, often along generational lines. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, tend to embrace the trend more openly. Cohen notes that they prefer this form of cultural engagement over outright cultural appropriation. For some, the trend has catalysed a more positive dialogue about Chinese culture, moving away from negativity often associated with discussions about China online.
Claire, a Canadian content creator, appreciates how the trend has shifted perceptions. “Before Chinamaxxing, any mention of China would invite a flood of negativity. Now, it feels like we’re laughing together,” she observes. However, the question remains: Is the humour aimed at celebrating culture, or does it inadvertently trivialise it?
The Future of Cultural Engagement
As the Chinamaxxing trend appears to be waning, many hope that genuine interest in Chinese culture will persist beyond the viral moment. Zhu and She express optimism that the trend is transitioning offline, with friends increasingly eager to explore China in person. “I’ve never received so many requests for a big trip to China,” She says.
Li finds solace in the fact that younger members of the diaspora are reclaiming their identities. “It’s validating to be Chinese,” she asserts.
Why it Matters
The Chinamaxxing trend serves as a powerful lens through which to examine contemporary cultural dynamics. It highlights the complexities of identity in a globalised context, illustrating both the potential for cultural appreciation and the risks of appropriation. As individuals navigate their connections to culture, the challenge remains: how to celebrate and honour traditions without reducing them to mere trends. This conversation is essential, not just for those of Chinese heritage, but for all who engage with diverse cultures in an increasingly interconnected world.