Noë Bryant, a stay-at-home mom, recently decided to embrace a new identity—she wants to be Chinese. After spending 41 years identifying as African American, she was inspired by viral social media content and decided to explore Chinese culture. A visit to an Asian grocery store in Austin, Texas, led her to stock up on staples like soy sauce and goji berries. “I told ChatGPT, ‘I want to become a Chinese baddie,’” she commented.
These days, her routine is filled with warm herbal tea and congee. She even plans to try acupuncture. This growing trend, referred to as “Chinamaxxing,” has seen many non-Chinese people adopting various aspects of Chinese lifestyle, from hot water consumption to daily exercises aimed at longevity.
Historically, China didn’t hold much cultural sway globally, even as it rose to economic prominence. Nowadays, however, it’s gaining a “soft-power boost.” As the U.S. faces challenges in maintaining its global appeal, many people are turning to Chinese culture for wellness and lifestyle inspiration. Recent data indicates that wellness trends linked to Chinese practices, such as regular consumption of hot drinks, are on the rise, especially among younger generations.
For example, TikTok influencer Sherry Zhu has been pivotal in popularizing habits like drinking warm beverages and dressing comfortably at home. Her videos resonate widely, and she remarked, “Now people are more exposed to Chinese culture, and they want to learn more.” Similarly, Crissa Jewel, a 31-year-old therapist, has also embraced these changes by shifting her diet to include warm water for her dogs and herself, noting benefits for her health.
It’s clear that this fascination with Chinese culture is not just about trends. Many people are genuinely seeking better wellness practices. For instance, Alexia Torres from Los Angeles has taken up qigong, a gentle movement practice, finding it helpful for her wellbeing. “They may be onto something,” she said, hinting at the wisdom behind these traditions.
However, the trend isn’t without its critics. Many Chinese Americans feel conflicted. Karen Lin, who grew up in Chinatown, initially welcomed the interest in her culture but later found it “weird” to see others treat it like a disguise. “If I eat Mexican food, I’m not going to say I’m Mexican now,” she noted, pointing out the fine line between appreciation and appropriation.
Armond Dai, another observer, wishes that this newfound interest would foster a deeper respect for Chinese people and their culture. “You are at a Chinese time in your life,” he said, reflecting on the rapid changes in cultural dynamics.
As this fascinating cultural exchange unfolds, it highlights the complexities of identity, appreciation, and the quest for wellness in a globalized world. The strong reactions—both positive and negative—show how deeply intertwined culture and identity can be.
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African American,Chinese pantry staples,Chinamaxxing,traditional Chinese medicinal practices,wellness influencers
