The World of Chinese

Meet #ShuangXuetao, one of China’s brightest millennial voices and a leading figure in the new wave of northeastern writers—featured in The New Yorker last November. His book ”Rouge Street: Three Novellas“ illuminates the decline of China's Rustbelt region and the lives of individuals navigating the challenges of a post-industrial #Shenyang. Read our in-depth book review, here:

“I lost 7.5 kilograms from my original weight of 70 kilos after one month…and my acne cleared up.” 🍡 For many young Chinese, resisting sugary snacks and beverages is a daily struggle. A 2020 health study by Chinese health officials reported that 34.3% of Chinese adults were overweight and 16.4 % were obese—nearly half of the adult population. Companies have caught on to the trend by releasing sugar-free and low-calorie sugar substitute products. But premium prices and scandals have also made consumers hesitant. Read more about China’s battle to lower sugar consumption: #WorldHealthDay

“Receiving an #ADHD diagnosis was the most important step in my self-healing journey.” An estimated 25.2 million Chinese adults are affected by ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). However, the stigma surrounding the disorder has left many young Chinese adults struggling to find support. Today, many are turning to online communities on platforms like Xiaohongshu for strength and understanding. But experts caution against romanticizing ADHD and over-relying on internet-based diagnoses. Learn more: 👇

To many, #QingmingFestival is when family members honor their ancestors and visit their graves. However, in ancient China the festival was not just about tomb-sweeping. Unravel these 4 classic poems to see how poets of the past captured the spirit of Qingming: ✍️

Mugworts and red bean? 🫘🍃 A dish from southern China, Qingtuan(青团), are green dumplings eaten during China’s #TombSweeping Festival (#QingmingFestival). Freshly mashed with mugwort leaves and sweet red bean filling inside, Qingtuan have a unique, mellow taste. Scoop up the tomb-sweeping recipe below:

Once a remote village in the misty mountains of Yuanyang county, #Yunnan, Azheke’s 65 households barely made by on their 2,800 yuan (385 US dollars) per capita per year. But in 2018, the #Azheke Plan changed everything. Now a #UN World Tourism village, Azheke village’s protection of the Hani “mushroom” homes, breathtaking rice terraces, and rich cultural heritage have transformed it into a thriving rural tourism destination. Discover how the Azheke Plan has become a prime model of how rural tourism development and preservation can work together: https://lnkd.in/gP4DaDAp

China has over 10 million autistic individuals—80% of them are over 14. Yet, most of the country’s 2,000 #autism education facilities focus only on children, leaving autistic adults with few resources and uncertain futures. What happens when their parents are no longer there to support them? 💭 Follow the journeys of three autistic adults in China as they navigate life beyond childhood. #WorldAutismDay #WAAD

Ever done something too much and had it backfire? 🤣 China has an #idiom for this: 画蛇添足 (huàshé tiānzú), which means “to draw a snake and add feet to it.” On 愚人节 (Yúrén Jié), or #AprilFoolsDay, learn more about famous fools in Chinese history and the idioms they inspired.

‼️Our first issue of 2025, Youthful Nostalgia, is now out‼️ In this issue, we explore a new wave of nostalgia sweeping through social media, giving rise to a new “Chinese nostalgia-core” aesthetic. We also dive into: 📌 How Chaozhou wedding dress factory owners survive the trade war 📌 Guangdong lychee farmers coping with harvest decline due to climate change 📌 Traveling through Changsha, China’s “entertainment capital” Order your copy through the TWOC web shop today! https://lnkd.in/gFx8MMah

Why are Chinese doctors’ offices full of red pennants? In China, gifting “jinqi” (锦旗)—ornate red pennants with golden inscriptions—was originally a way to display respect to soldiers and doctors. Over the years, the tradition has since expanded in being given to scholars, police stations, schools, and even veterinary clinics. Learn how the tradition has evolved with the times, here: #DoctorsDay 🧑🏻⚕️