Warm water instead of iced drinks. Cooked vegetables instead of raw greens. Slippers indoors.

Across TikTok and other social platforms, a new lifestyle trend, often summed up by the phrase "you met me at a very Chinese time of my life", is gaining traction worldwide.

But beyond the humor and hashtags, what does this trend really mean? And why is it resonating so strongly with young Africans living in China?

Three young people from China and Africa share their views.

What is the "Becoming Chinese" trend?

Heather, founder of a China-Africa cultural exchange platform, describes the trend as a shift in how China is experienced and communicated globally.

"A lot of people are posting that they're becoming Chinese, drinking hot water, adapting Chinese habits into their daily lives," she says. "It feels like being Chinese is a cool thing now."

For her, the appeal lies in practicality rather than ideology.

"It's no longer just about tradition being explained. People are interacting with it, picking what works for them and becoming Chinese in their own ways."

Familiar values across cultures

Content creator Ibeakamma Chinazaekpere Ugochinyere from Nigeria says the similarities between Chinese and Nigerian culture felt immediate.

"China is a country rooted deeply in its culture. That speaks to Africa as well," she explains. "We are also very rooted in our traditions."

She points to festivals, respect for elders, family unity, and symbolic colors.

"Red is very significant in China, especially during Spring Festival. In my tribe in Nigeria, red is also important in our traditional dress."

Content creator Ayubu Damiani Tewele from Tanzania sees the same resonance through everyday language and values.

"In China, people greet each other by asking, 'Have you eaten?' That's care," he says. "In my culture, it's similar. Food is how we check if someone is living well."

He also connects Chinese philosophy with African humanism.

"In Swahili we say Utu. It's like Ubuntu. You always consider others in what you do. That core value is very Chinese too."

When "Becoming Chinese" becomes personal

For the guests, the trend reflects real lifestyle changes, not just online content.

Ibeakamma recalls how language marked a turning point.

"Now I speak Chinese every day, sometimes I struggle more in English."

Her daily routine has shifted too.

"I sleep early. I eat on time. After 7 p.m., I don't eat anymore. These are Chinese habits, but now they're just my life."

Ayubu agrees, sometimes to his own surprise.

"When I went back home, I was using chopsticks every day," he laughs. "And now, if someone is late, I get furious. China made me hate lateness."

Changing the narrative

For Ibeakamma, content creation is about correcting long-standing stereotypes.

"The media has painted China and Africa from one angle," she says. "Before I came here, I heard many bad things about China. If I believed them, I wouldn't be here today."

She credits her mother for teaching her to question those narratives.

"She told me: if people talk about you, it's because you matter. China matters."

Now, Ibeakamma uses storytelling to bridge gaps.

"I tell China's story, Africa's story, and the China-Africa story," she says. "Let people see the real Chinese, and the real Africans."

Why Chinese culture travels so well

Ayubu believes the global appeal of Chinese culture lies in its neutrality.

"Chinese culture is not extreme. It doesn't force you to abandon your own culture," he explains. "It's just a way of life, something tangible you can practice. You can learn it, feel it, and share it."

Youth as the bridge between China and Africa

As 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the guests agree that young people are central to the future.

"Youth are the most important bridge builders between China and Africa," Ibeakamma stresses. "Governments can sign agreements, but young people build real trust."

Her message to African youth is simple:

"Use what you have: your voice, your skills, and your major to tell our stories."

（This newsletter was generated with the help of AI, drawing on the discussion transcript.）