The „Becoming Chinese“ trend, originally a playful social media phenomenon, has turned into an intense cultural experience and is widely considered the best way to understand China during Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). According to a CGTN survey of global internet users, 80.8 % respondents believe that Chinese culture has changed from a one-sided export to a broad resonance, with many people expressing a desire to „become Chinese“ during Spring Festival.
During this year's Chinese New Year, the number of tickets purchased by foreign tourists to China increased more than four times compared to last year. Bookings from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom saw major increases, while tourist interest from South Korea rose by 95 % year-on-year. In Europe, destinations such as Spain, the Netherlands and Italy saw bookings more than double. The virtual experience of „becoming Chinese“ is evolving towards full immersion in Chinese New Year celebrations. According to the survey, 86.7 % respondents are looking forward to spending the Spring Festival in China. At the same time, 95.1 % show a strong interest in learning about Chinese New Year and 78.7 % consider it an important window into Chinese culture and lifestyle.
Two years ago, the festive customs of the Chinese in celebrating the traditional New Year were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and became a common cultural treasure for all. According to the survey, 95 % respondents believe that this recognition by UNESCO shows that Chinese culture is increasingly accepted and appreciated around the world. At the same time, 91.7 % agree that the spirit of unity, brotherhood, peace, harmony and harmony embodied in the Chinese New Year closely matches the core values of human civilization.
Many foreign visitors who previously found China mysterious now find the country fascinating. Behind the massive interest in „becoming Chinese“ is a global desire for authentic Chinese stories, with China presenting a new image of „Cool China“ to the world. The survey reveals that 92.1 % respondents believe that combining deep traditional Chinese culture with modern trends provides a comprehensible and engaging cultural experience. Furthermore, 76.3 % believe that the trend of „Becoming Chinese“ reflects China's openness not only in the market and politics, but also in combining lifestyles and cultural concepts. Finally, 88.2 % respondents believe that the global influence of Chinese culture will further boost the global consumer market.
The survey was published on CGTN's platforms in English, Spanish, French, Arabic and Russian and attracted 5,154 international participants to share their views over 24 hours.
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