Cultural Code
-
Cat GIFs and National Identity: The Soft Power of Chinese Meme Diplomacy
Explore how cat GIFs and internet humor are shaping China's global image through meme diplomacy and soft power.
2025-10-04
-
‘Wuyehui’ and Other Class-Conscious Terms Shaping Online Discourse
Explore how terms like 'Wuyehui' are reshaping online discussions about class and inequality in Chinese digital spaces.
2025-10-04
-
From 'Neijuan' to 'Tangping': Understanding China's Internet Slang as Social Commentary
Explore how 'neijuan' and 'tangping' reflect the struggles of China's youth against societal pressure and overwork, turning internet slang into powerful social critique.
2025-10-04
-
The Evolution of ‘Chaoji Yingyu’: When Broken English Becomes a Stylish Meme
Discover how 'Chaoji Yingyu' — broken English turned stylish meme — became a symbol of youth rebellion and fashion in China.
2025-10-04
-
‘Fanquan’ Frenzy: When Fan Culture Turns Toxic on Chinese Social Media
Explore how 'fanquan' culture on Chinese social media has evolved from passionate support to toxic behavior—and what it means for fans, celebrities, and digital communities.
2025-10-04
-
and Livestreams: The Emotional Economy of Kuaishou Communities
Explore how Kuaishou's livestreams foster genuine connections through the emotional economy, reshaping digital communities with authenticity and real human interaction.
2025-10-04
-
‘Involution’ or ‘Lying Flat’? Mapping the Emotional Landscape of China’s Youth Through Buzzwords
Explore how 'involution' and 'lying flat' reflect the emotional struggles of China's youth amid societal pressure and burnout, revealing a deeper call for change.
2025-10-04
-
From Zero to Hero: How Ordinary People Go Viral on Chinese Short-Video Platforms
Discover how everyday people go viral on Chinese short-video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou—with real strategies, trends, and tips for building an audience from scratch.
2025-10-04
-
The Semiotics of ‘Buddha-like’ (Fojing) and Its Impact on Work Ethic Narratives
Explore how the 'Buddha-like' (Fojing) mindset challenges traditional work ethics through cultural symbolism and quiet resistance in modern society.
2025-10-04
-
Behind the Laughter: What Memes Reveal About Youth Anxiety in Urban China
Explore how memes in urban China reflect deep-seated youth anxiety, using humor to cope with pressures like neijuan and tang ping—revealing a generation's silent struggle.
2025-10-02
