A new trend has emerged on TikTok in early 2026. If your For You Page is suddenly filled with people sipping hot water, boiling apples, or warning you not to walk barefoot on cold tile, you’re not imagining it. You’ve officially entered the world of the “becoming Chinese” trend.
What the Trend Actually Promotes
The name might catch you off guard at first, but this trend has nothing to do with pretending to be someone else. Instead, it’s about adopting parts of traditional Chinese winter lifestyle. It all started with Chinese and Chinese-American creators who began sharing everyday habits from their culture.
One of the most popular voices is @sherryxiiruii, who uses humor to explain things like seasonal health tips, daily rituals, and traditional food habits. In one of her now-iconic videos, she announces with a straight face, “Tomorrow, you’re turning Chinese. I know it sounds intimidating, but there’s no point fighting it now — you are the chosen one.”
It’s funny, but it also taps into something real. During winter, many people feel exhausted, cold, and in search of ways to improve their well-being. TikTok has unexpectedly highlighted practices that have existed for thousands of years as a possible solution.
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The Core Practices of the Trend
The central idea behind “becoming Chinese” is to adjust one’s lifestyle in response to winter. One of the most visible changes is the shift in eating habits. A simple preparation made with boiled apples, goji berries, and red dates has become a signature element of the trend. This snack is valued for its warming properties and its potential benefits for digestion.
Physical activity is adapted as well. Instead of high-intensity workouts, the trend supports slower forms of movement such as yoga or walking. Sleep and rest are also emphasized as important parts of maintaining health in the winter.
Another thing that comes up a lot is the idea of keeping your body warm, and that includes your feet. Many TikTok creators repeat the same advice: don’t walk barefoot on cold floors. According to traditional beliefs, that could affect your kidney health, and in this trend, comfort definitely wins.
One of the biggest changes people are making is with what they drink. Cold drinks are out, and hot water is in. As etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho explains, in traditional Chinese medicine, cold drinks are believed to mess with your digestion, especially in winter. That’s why so many users are now carrying thermos bottles instead of iced lattes.
