TOPIC

Trending in China

Trending in China
The latest news, trends and events people are talking about on China's internet, social media and elsewhere.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Young, single women in China are taking fake pregnancy photos so they can look good when the real thing comes along. Photo: SCMP composite/Xiaohongshu

Single Chinese women fake baby bump photos to capture moments before ageing

Adherents to new China craze say it allows them to look good, while critics warn trend could lead to ‘unrealistic’ expectations in others.

Parenting: teens

Anxious China celebrity couple give short son hormone jabs to help him grow

Wrestling

China dim sum diners eat while watching live wrestling as bouts gain popularity

Corruption in China

Disgraced top China banker married son’s girlfriend, causing his chronic depression

Li, described as morally corrupt, reportedly frequently summoned female subordinates to office for late-night ‘heart-to-heart chats’.

The disgraced top China banker, Liu Liange, reportedly forced his son to break up with his girlfriend and later married the young woman. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Icons and Influencers

China table tennis champion sidelined at event, sparks fan outrage, boycott calls

Despite the incident, Wang shares photos and positive messages from the event on his social media accounts.

Icons and Influencers

Profile | Scandal-plagued actress Li Xiaolu gains support amid calls for equal tolerance

Many believe female stars who have been involved in affairs deserve same level of tolerance as their male counterparts.

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Scams and swindles

China KOLs banned for posing as Dubai royalty to sell subpar household products

A ‘princess’ influencer announces her divorce and plans to sell products at discounted prices to liquidate assets.

China KOLs who pretended to be wives of Dubai royalty while promoting household items have had their accounts banned and videos removed. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Icons and Influencers

Profile | Chinese actress Joan Chen’s past as dishwasher in US sparks lively debate online

As her tale of struggle and hardship resurfaces on Chinese social media, it deeply resonates with netizens.

Icons and Influencers

Profile | Taiwan singer Jimmy Lin praised for resilience post-facial surgery after car crash

Accident in 2022 caused severe facial and shoulder fractures, requiring several reconstructive surgeries, a challenging recovery.

Chinese man can keep US$40,000 cheating ex gave him to say sorry, court rules

Man rejects refund request, claiming ex had cheated on him multiple times, causing considerable emotional distress.

After their breakup, the woman wanted to have the 300,000 yuan back, despite the money being her apology for cheating on him. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Sohu

China eatery labels cheap dishes as ‘kinder rates’, pricey ones as ‘PhD rates’

Some criticise it as a blatant form of educational discrimination that will offend individuals with lower academic achievements.

Critics slammed a Chinese eatery’s pricing, calling cheap dishes “kinder rates” and pricey ones “PhD rates”, claiming it reflects discrimination. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Scams and swindles

China woman scams blind date by hiring actors to pose as family and herself

Authorities say man was victim of scam orchestrated by unemployed married woman with a child.

Wellness

Why Chinese Gen Z are getting TCM winter body check-ups

Lei Yun Shang’s traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic in Shanghai is seeing more young people get health checks as winter sets in.

ITTF

Chinese influencer issues ‘deepest apology’ over fake video, table tennis lies

Person running the Weibo account sorry that video incited fan groups to attack one another and abuse Paris Olympians Chen Meng, Sun Yingsha.

The public apology expressed “deepest apology” after sharing a fake video that damaged the reputations of Olympic champions Chen Meng (right) and silver medallist Sun Yingsha. Photo: Xinhua
Crime in China

Chinese man uses 400 phones to access live-streams to boost chances of winning gifts

Man claims winning items like daily necessities and iPhones, earning US$1,400 to US$2,800 monthly from resale.

A Chinese man employed 400 phones to watch live-streams, increasing his chances of winning valuable gifts. Photo: Douyin
China's population

Baby boom or bust? The rising cost of China’s childbirth conundrum

World’s second-largest economy is facing unique demographic challenges unlike those seen anywhere in the world, Communist Party publication warns.

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China ‘white mafia’ services help women handle difficult ex and tricky landlords

Group praised for using legal means to protect vulnerable individuals in precarious situations.

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Cancer

China cancer mum, using 999 ‘legacy photos’ to inspire others, overcomes disease

After defeating cancer, Wang transforms ‘legacy’ project into “rebirth photo” initiative to encourage other patients.

A Chinese mother, who created “999 legacy photos” during her battle with cancer, has overcome the disease and now inspires many with her story. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Environment

China woman criticised for dumping rice into river for luck, says just ‘feeding fish’

When passers-by inquired about their unusual actions, they said they were doing ‘something good’.

Parenting: teens

China dad nearly dies of heart attack while tutoring son over homework dispute

Doctor performs emergency artery bypass surgery, successfully saving his life.

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‘True artist’: China delivery worker plays flute between orders spreading joy

Many admire carefree spirit, comparing him to ancient Chinese literati who frequently recited poetry with spontaneity.

A Chinese delivery worker spreads joy by playing the flute during his deliveries, inspiring many with his uplifting spirit. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Icons and Influencers

‘Copycat tax’: China influencer presents lavish gifts to pop star he imitates

Their online interactions spark extensive discussions about legal implications of profiting from celebrity likenesses.

Ling Dale, right, has built a highly lucrative career by impersonating the famous Mandopop star Lu Han, left. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo
Dating

Hong Kong woman rejected at mainland ‘matchmaking corner’ sparks funny debate

Matchmaking corners are events where mainland parents display posters with details about unmarried adult children to find partners.

ITTF

China’s Fan Zhendong pleads for privacy after supporters mob him at hotel

Three-time Olympic table tennis champion urges fans to show ‘understanding and respect’ after latest incident.

Artificial intelligence

China banks embrace AI interviewers: easing anxiety or trapping job candidates?

AI interviewers, each capable of processing up to 2,500 interviews, within 24 hours.

Banks in China are increasingly utilising AI in their recruitment processes to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
China society

Man sues China firm after failing 26-day isolation challenge for US$120,000 reward

Lawyer argues that challenge rules were unreasonable and unfair, imposing severe psychological burden on participants.

The man entered the isolation challenge three times, failed each time, and later realised he had been scammed. Photo: Shutterstock

China mistress sues wife who refused to leave husband after receiving ‘divorce fee’

Woman had a son with married lover in November 2022, then offered ‘divorce fee’ to replace legal wife.

Cancer

‘I want to live’: death of China cancer fighter, 25, saddens mainland social media

Lu expressed that despite the pain, she chose to continue with treatment because she held onto hopes for miracles.

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