German art teacher Anke Deber shows a scenic picture she painted during her journey in China, in Hangzhou, east China"s Zhejiang Province, July 21, 2026. (Xinhua/Liu Mingxiang)

　　For years, many people"s understanding of China was shaped largely by secondhand information and curated impressions. Today, the rise of social media and expanded exchanges facilitated by visa-free policies are reshaping how the world experiences China, with many now doing so through direct encounters, personal stories and everyday interactions.

　　Since the end of 2025, the trend of "becoming Chinese" has gained momentum on social media. Content creators around the world are drinking hot water, wearing slippers around the house, eating Chinese food and wearing red.

　　From the short-term experiences of "China Travel" to the cultural resonance sparked by the trend of "becoming Chinese," more foreigners are shifting from simply observing China to embracing Chinese culture in their daily lives.

　　Meng Man, a renowned cultural scholar at Minzu University of China, said the growing interest in Chinese lifestyles is a natural reflection of China"s rising cultural appeal and the increasing resonance between different civilizations.

　　A Pew Research Center study in July showed that a median of 46 percent of respondents across the 20 countries surveyed annually since 2023 hold a favorable view of China, up from 32 percent in 2023.

　　Tourists from Australia pose for photos at the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing, capital of China, May 1, 2025. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong)