CGTN Poll: Chinese New Year gives 'becoming Chinese' an immersive twist

"Becoming Chinese," a playful social media trend, has evolved into an immersive cultural experience and is widely regarded as the best way to understand China during the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). A CGTN survey of global netizens finds that 80.8 percent of respondents believe Chinese culture has shifted from one-way export to widespread resonance, with many expressing a desire to "become Chinese" over the Spring Festival.

During this Chinese New Year, the number of flight bookings by foreigners traveling to China increased by more than fourfold year-over-year. Bookings from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom rose significantly, while bookings by South Korean tourists surged 95 percent year-over-year. European countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy saw more than twofold growth. The virtual experience of "becoming Chinese" is advancing toward immersive participation in the Chinese New Year. The survey finds that 86.7 percent of respondents look forward to spending Chinese New Year in China. Meanwhile, 95.1 percent express strong interest in learning about the Chinese New Year. Additionally, 78.7 percent view the festival as an important window into Chinese culture and lifestyle.

Two years ago, Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of the traditional New Year were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, becoming a shared cultural treasure for all. According to the poll, 95 percent of respondents believe this UNESCO recognition shows that Chinese culture is increasingly accepted and appreciated worldwide. Meanwhile, 91.7 percent agree that the spirits of unity, fraternity, peace, harmony, and concord embedded in the Chinese New Year closely align with the core values of human civilization.

After visiting China, many foreigners who once saw it as mysterious now find the country fascinating. Behind the massive traffic of "becoming Chinese" lies the world's thirst for authentic Chinese stories, as China presents a fresh "Cool China" image to the global audience. The survey shows that 92.1 percent of respondents believe that integrating China's profound, time-honored traditional culture with trendy modern elements offers a relatable cultural experience. In addition, 76.3 percent think the "Becoming Chinese" trend reflects China's openness not only in the market and policy but also in the blending of lifestyles and cultural concepts. Furthermore, 88.2 percent believe the global influence of Chinese culture will further energize the worldwide consumer market.

This survey was published on CGTN's English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian platforms, attracting 5,154 international participants who shared their views within 24 hours.