This month, China's major social platforms—Weibo, Douyin, Xiaohongshu, Baidu, and Zhihu—were alive with thought-provoking discussions. From global political shifts and esports achievements to cultural nostalgia and controversies, these platforms captured the pulse of Chinese netizens. Here's a platform-specific breakdown of the major highlights and trends that shaped conversations this month.
The Alibaba Global Math Competition scandal took centre stage on Weibo, where users debated the integrity of academic contests after a teacher was caught violating competition rules to assist a student. The platform saw calls for greater transparency and stricter enforcement of rules in such competitions. Simultaneously, esports fans celebrated T1 Esports Club’s thrilling victory in the League of Legends S14 Championship. Weibo was flooded with highlights of T1’s historic fifth title win, uniting gaming enthusiasts across the platform. On a more serious note, the tragic Zhuhai car attack that left 35 dead became a major discussion, prompting demands for stronger public safety measures. Lastly, the announcement of extended statutory holidays for 2025 sparked joy among netizens, with users eagerly planning how to make the most of the extra days.
Douyin
Douyin buzzed with a mix of global, local, and cultural discussions. Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. presidential victory drew widespread attention as users analyzed the implications of his win on global politics and U.S.-China relations. Sanya’s typhoon chaos, caused by severe rainstorms from Typhoon “Talim,” also captured the platform’s attention, with locals sharing videos of flooded streets and displaced communities. Esports conversations gained traction as JDG’s star player, Ruler, announced his departure, leaving fans speculating about his next move. On a lighter note, creative holiday plans dominated discussions after announcing additional statutory holidays for 2025, showcasing users’ enthusiasm for leisure and travel opportunities.
Xiaohongshu
Xiaohongshu became a hub for cultural and lifestyle content this month. The return of Li Ziqi after a three-year hiatus captivated users, with her videos showcasing traditional lacquerware and handmade velvet flowers reigniting admiration for Chinese craftsmanship. Fans praised her dedication to preserving cultural heritage, and many shared their own creative projects inspired by her work. Another trending topic was the playful “bunny-shaped apples,” a food presentation trend inspired by the drama Eternal Night Galaxy. Meanwhile, the announcement of extended holidays in 2025 led Xiaohongshu users to share unique ideas for travel and celebrations, adding a festive spirit to the platform.
Baidu
On Baidu, users focused on major political and economic developments. President Xi Jinping’s rural revitalization initiatives and support for Macau’s “one country, two systems” policy became hot topics, with discussions centring on the long-term impact of these strategies. The announcement of visa-free travel for citizens of nine additional countries, including South Korea and Norway, also sparked optimism about boosting international exchanges. Another widely discussed topic was Lüliang’s marriage incentive program, which offered couples under 35 a reward of 1,500 RMB. The policy received mixed reactions, with debates about its effectiveness and humour about quick marriages and divorces to claim the reward.
Zhihu
Zhihu hosted in-depth analyses and debates on various trending topics. The Alibaba Global Math Competition controversy sparked discussions about integrity and fairness in academic competitions, while T1’s esports victory led to detailed analyses of their strategy and the game’s growing influence in China. Users also debated Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, with conversations delving into potential policy shifts and their global impact. A viral student critique of school funding priorities during an event stirred discussions about inequalities in the education system. Additionally, users shared excitement and planning ideas for the newly announced holidays, emphasizing how they would maximize time for personal growth and family.
This platform-specific view underscores the diversity and vibrancy of China’s social media landscape, where topics ranging from politics and culture to community and entertainment resonate deeply with netizens. These discussions reveal a society that is both reflective and forward-thinking, leveraging digital platforms to connect, debate, and celebrate.
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