Feature: How "Becoming Chinese" goes viral on TikTok

by Xinhua writers Sun Ding, Wu Yan, Li Xiyan

KUNMING/NEW YORK, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- What began as a lighthearted joke among friends has evolved into a global phenomenon: Chinese American creator Sherry Zhu has captivated audiences worldwide with her viral TikTok series "Becoming Chinese," sparking both widespread attention and deep cultural appreciation.

Sherry shared with Xinhua her unexpected journey into becoming a social media influencer, her views on cultural identity, and her enthusiasm for exploring Yunnan Province in southwest China.

PLAYFUL INFLUENCER

Born and raised in New Jersey and now working in New York, Sherry's path wasn't plotted in code.

Though she graduated from Johns Hopkins with dual degrees in computer science and math -- and proudly calls herself a "big STEM girl" -- her rise as a cultural storyteller on TikTok was anything but algorithmic.

"My videos were never pre-planned," Sherry said. "I never really intended to be an influencer. I just filmed whatever came to mind."

The idea behind "Becoming Chinese" is simple and playful.

Whenever Sherry noticed her friends using chopsticks, slipping on house slippers at home, or sipping plain hot water, she'd joke, "You're becoming Chinese."

"That was just humor I shared with my friends. One day, I posted it online, and it went viral," Sherry said. "I didn't expect it at all."

Sherry believed the appeal lies in everyday details. "There's an initial shock factor," she said. "In the U.S. or Europe, people don't usually drink plain hot water. These small lifestyle habits are different, and that makes people curious."

Some articles described Sherry's videos as having "a witty, dry humor," a quality she believes also contributed to their viral success on TikTok.

STORYTELLER OF CHINESE CULTURE

As a Gen-Z Chinese American, Sherry has never felt torn between identities.

"I don't think I've ever had an identity crisis," she said. "I always felt that the two sides of my background coexisted. I'm American by birth, but I'm also culturally Chinese."

Her family roots span China's vast cultural map: her father from Zhejiang Province in eastern China, her mother raised in Guizhou Province in the southwest -- but with ancestral echoes from the northern provinces of Liaoning and Shandong.

"Sharing Chinese culture is something I've always loved doing," she said.

With social media and technology making the world more connected, Sherry sees growing openness toward Chinese culture.

"With technology and information sharing, people have more exposure. With more exposure comes curiosity, and then appreciation and respect," she added.

YUNNAN HIGH ON TRAVEL WISH LIST

Among the destinations on Sherry's travel wish list, Yunnan stands out.

"Yunnan has been on our radar for so long. We want to go so badly," Sherry said, adding that she hopes to visit in summer or autumn with her sister.

When she finally steps into Yunnan's emerald hills, camera in hand, Sherry won't just visit -- she'll archive. Every steaming bowl of cross-the-bridge noodles, every Dai village festival, every mountain mist at dawn: all destined for the lens.

"I want to show the visuals, but also explain the cultural significance behind them," she said.

Ask Sherry about Yunnan's cuisine, and she lights up instantly.

"No one is going to hold me back," she joked. "I'm going to eat unapologetically."

Armed with wit, wonder, and a lens trained on everyday beauty, Sherry knows her Yunnan journey -- much like "Becoming Chinese" -- won't just be seen. It'll be shared, saved, and savored by millions.

"This trip is happening," she said, "I'm going to share it." Enditem