What is the "Becoming Chinese" phenomenon?
Published: April 30, 2026
Short Answer
The "Becoming Chinese" phenomenon is a viral lifestyle trend that started on TikTok in 2025, where people worldwide began adopting everyday Chinese habits like drinking hot water, wearing indoor slippers, soaking feet before bed, and eating congee for breakfast. It was popularized by Chinese-American creator Zhu Xirui, known online as "Chinese Cousin."
The trend has nothing to do with changing your ethnicity — it's about discovering practical, health-focused daily routines that Chinese people have practiced for generations, and finding that they genuinely make you feel better.
People drinking hot tea at restaurant
Deep Dive
How It All Started
In early 2025, Chinese-American content creator Zhu Xirui (朱玺润), who goes by "Chinese Cousin" on TikTok, began posting short videos about everyday habits common in Chinese households. His content was warm, funny, and relatable — he didn't lecture people about Chinese culture, he simply showed what a normal day looks like for a Chinese person.
Some of his most popular early videos featured:
- Making congee (rice porridge) for breakfast instead of cereal
- Boiling water and pouring it into a thermos to drink throughout the day
- Changing into indoor slippers the moment you walk through the door
- Soaking feet in warm water before bed while watching TV
The videos resonated because they were genuinely useful. People tried these habits and reported feeling healthier, sleeping better, and even saving money. The hashtag #BecomingChinese exploded across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
Key Habits People Are Adopting
The trend centers around a handful of simple, daily practices that are second nature in China but relatively unknown in the West:
- Drinking hot water — Instead of ice water, Chinese people drink warm or hot water throughout the day. It's believed to aid digestion and keep your body balanced.
- Wearing indoor slippers — You change into house slippers at the door to keep outdoor dirt off your floors. It's cleaner and more comfortable.
- Eating congee for breakfast — A warm, gentle rice porridge that's easy on the stomach and keeps you full. Often topped with pickled vegetables, eggs, or preserved tofu.
- Foot soaking before bed — Soaking your feet in warm (sometimes herbal-infused) water for 15-20 minutes before sleep. It relaxes your whole body and improves sleep quality.
- Using chopsticks — Many people are learning to eat with chopsticks for everyday meals, not just at Asian restaurants.
- Taking a nap after lunch — A short 20-30 minute nap after eating, which is standard in China and boosts afternoon productivity.
- Walking after meals — A gentle stroll after dinner (散步, sanbu) to help digestion.
Why It Went Viral
Several factors made this trend take off:
- It's accessible — You don't need special equipment or expensive products. Just boil some water, buy some slippers, and try congee.
- It actually works — Many participants reported real improvements in sleep, digestion, and overall wellbeing.
- It's fun to share — Filming yourself trying these habits for the first time makes great content. Reactions to congee, to hot water on a summer day, to foot soaking — all very shareable.
- It bridges cultures — In a world that can feel divided, this trend is genuinely about learning from another culture with respect and curiosity.
The Cultural Exchange Aspect
What makes "Becoming Chinese" special compared to other viral trends is that it's a genuine two-way cultural exchange. Chinese viewers enjoy watching foreigners try their daily routines — often finding it endearing and funny. Many Chinese creators have responded by making "Becoming Western" content, trying things like drinking iced coffee, eating salad for lunch, or wearing shoes indoors.
This back-and-forth has created a positive feedback loop of cultural curiosity. It's not mockery or appropriation — it's people sharing everyday life and learning from each other.
How to Participate
If you want to try the "Becoming Chinese" lifestyle, here's how to start:
- Start with hot water — Replace your morning cold water with warm water. Keep a thermos on your desk.
- Get some house slippers — A cheap pair from any store works. Wear them at home, never outside.
- Try congee — Cook rice with extra water (about 1:8 ratio) until it breaks down into a porridge. Add toppings you enjoy.
- Soak your feet tonight — Fill a basin with warm water (around 40-45°C / 104-113°F), soak for 15-20 minutes before bed.
- Take a post-lunch nap — Even 15-20 minutes makes a difference.
You don't have to do everything at once. Pick one or two habits, try them for a week, and see how you feel.