This week, the sudden passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu has shocked the entertainment industry, dominating discussions across Weibo, Douyin, and Zhihu. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese New Year customs, local festivals, and viral cultural trends keep social media buzzing. From the success of Nezha 2 at the box office to healthcare awareness surrounding the dangers of influenza, here are the hottest topics shaping conversations online.
Taiwanese Actress Barbie Hsu Passes Away at 48 Renowned actress Barbie Hsu (Big S) has passed away due to influenza-induced pneumonia. Best known for Meteor Garden, her sudden death has left fans mourning across social media. Read more
Barbie Hsu’ Family Confirms Cause of Death Her family has released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow and gratitude for the support received, confirming she passed away during a family trip in Japan. Read more
Tributes Pour In for Big S The news of Barbie Hsu’s passing has dominated Weibo’s trending searches, with countless tributes from fellow celebrities and fans flooding the platform. Read more
Douyin
Barbie Hsu’ Passing Sparks Controversy Over Exploitative Content While many mourn her loss, some accounts attempted to capitalize on the tragedy. As a result, Douyin permanently banned accounts linked to her ex-husband for spreading misleading narratives. Read more
Sixth Day of Lunar New Year: "Sending Away the Poverty God" Chinese netizens share traditions associated with the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, including customs like avoiding trash disposal, borrowing money, or arguing. Read more
Northern Netizens Experience Fujian’s Vibrant Festival Culture Visitors from northern China share their experiences participating in Fujian’s You Shen (God Parade), wearing warrior costumes and playing key ritual roles. Read more
Xiaohongshu
How Can Influenza Be Fatal? A Doctor Explains Following Barbie Hsu' passing, discussions on the severity of influenza have surged. A doctor highlights three major causes of flu-related deaths, including respiratory failure and secondary infections. Read more
Iconic Nezha Statue Moved After Fan Crowds Overwhelm Studio The Nezha statue outside Cocoa Beans Animation Studio was relocated after overwhelming fan visits following the success of Nezha 2. The new site offers better accessibility for photos. Read more
"Boarding School Life" in Nezha 2: A Tale of Struggles A humorous take on Nezha 2’s characters Jin Zha and Mu Zha, drawing parallels between their struggles and real-life boarding school students facing harsh conditions. Read more
Baidu
"Digital Daughter" Yao Yao Makes CCTV Debut Four-year-old internet sensation Yao Yao gains nationwide attention after appearing on CCTV alongside Olympic champion Zhang Yufei, introducing local Guizhou delicacies. Read more
China Strengthens Welfare Support for Children and Elderly President Xi Jinping highlights the importance of elderly care and children's welfare, urging more comprehensive policies for their well-being. Read more
Nezha 2 Becomes China’s Highest-Grossing Film Nezha: The Demon Boy’s Sea Adventure has surpassed The Battle at Lake Changjin to become China’s top-grossing movie, marking a new milestone in Chinese cinema. Read more
Zhihu
Taiwanese Media Confirms Barbie Hsu’ Death Due to Flu ComplicationsAfter speculation from netizens, Barbie Hsu’ family confirms her passing, prompting discussions on health awareness and the dangers of flu-induced pneumonia. Read more
How Dangerous Is Flu-Induced Pneumonia? With growing concerns after Barbie Hsu’ death, Zhihu users discuss personal experiences with severe flu complications and how to prevent life-threatening symptoms. Read more
Nezha 2 Tops China’s Box Office History Nezha 2 has broken records, surpassing The Battle at Lake Changjin to become the highest-grossing film in Chinese cinema history. Read more
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