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Trending in China

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Trending in China
The latest news, trends and events people are talking about on China's internet, social media and elsewhere.
Zhou Qunfei, the daughter of a poor village family in China with only a college diploma, began her career as a factory security guard and is now one of the country’s richest entrepreneurs. Photo: SCMP composite/guancha.cn/Lens Technology
Entrepreneurs

Profile | Zhou Qunfei: ex-security guard becomes world’s richest self-made woman entrepreneur

Woman who began life in destitution goes from factory floor to US$16 billion fortune; says success comes from ‘refusal to accept defeat’.

China nurse suspended after posting photos of boyfriend writing reports, sorting IV bags

Crime in China

China wife shocked that ‘People’s Armed Police officer’ husband is convicted killer

Chinese superstitions

Explainer | How ancient Chinese ‘borrowing longevity’ custom helps to extend lifespan

In ancient China, people believed that fate predetermined lifespan, yet they also thought life expectancy could be borrowed or exchanged.

Urban legends warn that picking up a red envelope from the street can unknowingly entangle strangers in life extension rituals, incurring karmic debt. Photo: Shutterstock
Chinese superstitions

Explainer | China ‘hair-shaving’ ritual for newborns uses stones, coins, eggs, symbolises success

Ancient custom sometimes saw babies’ eyebrows completely shaved by a highly skilled barber; tradition believed to remove ‘misfortune, evil’.

China’s private sector

Changing tastes: China’s new affluent consumers seek quality not extravagance

Rise of upper middle class reshapes China’s retail market, driving demand for quality goods and creating a battleground for global brands.

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Health & Fitness

China woman, 23, exercises 6 times a week, stops menstruating due to rapid weight loss

Intense workouts see woman’s female hormone levels slump to that of a 50-year-old; doctors warn her to slow down, try yoga instead.

A 23-year-old Chinese woman, who exercises six times a week, found that she no longer has her period due to rapid weight loss. Photo: Shutterstock
Disability

China woman who lost limbs in crash gives disabled staff jobs based on their strengths

30-year-old who suffered 3 heart attacks, 14 rounds of surgery dresses like a ‘warrior’; is described as the ‘pride of all women’ online.

Social media

China actor rejects US$2,800 mountain-climbing companion fee, plans to change jobs

Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

Self-taught China pupil impresses peers with TCM pulse diagnosis, praised online

Classmates queue up for youngster with facial expression of ‘an experienced doctor’; tells one boy ‘your problem is spicy food’.

A secondary school pupil in China who is self-taught in Traditional Chinese Medicine has impressed his classmates with his pulse assessment skills. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin/X.com
Social media

Video | Why has America’s ‘kill line’ gone viral in China?

The public debate has inevitably drawn parallels with problems faced by China’s own population.

What is a ‘kill line’ and why are Chinese netizens using it to describe living in the US?
06:54
China education

China tutoring school links civil service exam success to higher bride prices

Wedding betrothal advertisement emblazoned on public bus sparks public anger; officials order institution to stop marketing campaign.

Netflix

Profile | Ex-Taiwan model, actress Jean Wang ends abusive marriage, excels in culinary arts

Entertainment star impresses with patisserie skills; maintains film career, becomes role model for women who face domestic violence.

Mainland China

Video | Why are women-only communities growing in China?

Economic independence and educational opportunities are enabling women to focus on their own needs, while social media has exposed many to alternative lifestyles.

Demand for single-gender spaces, including bars, gyms and co-working hubs, is rising in China as women gain economic power and prioritise peace of mind and safety.
Mental health

China ‘instant reply providers’ offer solace by responding to angry clients online

‘Good listeners’ with a high emotional quotient earn cash by listening to people’s gripes; offer to provide a ‘whole-day good mood’.

A new job known as an “instant reply provider” has emerged in China. It involves individuals immediately responding to clients’ messages to vent frustrations through online platforms, phone calls or videos. Photo: Shutterstock
Social media

Online appeal by Chinese woman to boost granny’s funeral crowd gets 130 million views

Granddaughter of introverted grandma who had few friends offers gifts, travelling expenses to thoughtful strangers who came to ceremony.

Viral stories

Video | Viral video of bare hands in drinks gets milk tea shop closed

The employee filmed the act herself for social media, claiming it was ‘Indian-style milk tea’ for entertainment.

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National Basketball League (China)

China basketball hall of fame honours pioneer wife of infectious disease expert

Household name blazed a sporting trail then branched out into health, sports science; fans say she should be hailed for her own achievements.

In December 2025, China’s Basketball Hall of Fame inducted nine new members, including Li Shaofen, one of the first female basketball players in the country. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/nfnews
Viral stories

Japan zoo makes workers mimic pandas after 4 bears return to China, launches fan club

‘Bizarre’ caged activity compared to ‘avant-garde theatre’ as animal park tries to cement passion for pandas amid Sino-Japanese tension.

Women and gender

‘Hold on tight’: China woman wins 22 pig-catching contests, biggest hog weighs 73kg

31-year-old who excelled at tug of war, shot-put in her youth is top exponent of pinning down swine; says technique relies on speed.

China woman, 62, gets pregnant through IVF after death of only child, sparks debate

Grey-haired expectant mother’s baby journey charted online; she says sweet food makes foetus ‘kick’ her belly, faces criticism on social media.

A 62-year-old Chinese woman became pregnant through IVF after her son, who was her only child, died in January. Photo: Shutterstock/Douyin

Hong Kong singer G.E.M. praised for debut sci-fi novel, nominated for China Galaxy Award

Dubbed country’s Taylor Swift, Cantopop star says inspiration for book came from ‘atomised’ life people led during Covid-19 pandemic.

Cantopop singer G.E.M. is celebrating the recent nomination of her debut sci-fi novel for the prestigious Galaxy Award in China. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
Children in China

China police officer praised for mediating dispute among 7 kids with respect, patience

Reflecting on his approach to the dispute, officer says every matter they mediate holds significance, regardless of scale.

Made in China 2025

Meow or never: China’s pudgy pets spark race for weight-loss drugs

Fosun and Huadong biotech labs eye feline obesity drugs as owners weigh cuteness against health risks.

Chinese superstitions

Explainer | Why China custom requires new wife to leave husband’s home, hide from family lantern

Decorations normally seen as a sign of ‘light and hope’, but turn taboo for newlywed women during annual festival.

We explain why, in northern China, a custom known as “hiding from the lanterns” requires new wives to leave home and hide from the groom’s family lantern during their first Lantern Festival after marriage. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Disability

China beauty influencer pays off US$57,000 family debt; accused of faking cerebral palsy

Self-taught ‘angel with broken wings’ content creator rises from rural beginnings; builds own business despite disability.

A Chinese girl with cerebral palsy who became a beauty influencer to help her family pay off a US$57,000 debt has faced accusations of faking her condition. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Disease

China husband gets 50 tonnes of produce from mystery donor to raise cash for sick wife

Hard-working man needs US$285,000, sells donated root vegetables at street stall after kind donor sends them in batches by the truckload.

Chinese tourists

China ski resort’s US$700 birthday service, instructors carry women down slope

Backers of ‘tacky’ on-piste activity say it offers guests ‘emotional value’; detractors say ‘close physical contact’ blurs boundaries.

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