Chinese Kids Are Finding Love Through Foraging, How Ishowspeed Accidentally Boosts China’s Soft Power, Plus April’s Chic Theme: Couture

Chinese Kids Are Finding Love Through Foraging, How Ishowspeed Accidentally Boosts China’s Soft Power, Plus April’s Chic Theme: Couture

Spring is upon us, with flora in abundance, but it’s all getting snatched up by China’s youth. It’s a trend—dubbed Ganking—that’s taking over, and we’re all about it! Urban foraging, in general, has traditionally been for the older folks, but in an unexpected turn, the next generation is covering new grounds with the “trend” by showcasing their haul online.

In completely other news—and you may have seen a clip or a dozen of this already—but YouTube streamer and online personality IShowSpeed has been out and about in China. While one can argue that the news doesn’t necessarily offer much in terms of cultural education, we’re actually seeing a surprising level of impact on China’s soft power; essentially, IShowSpeed has done more to showcase China’s culture through his antics than most of the country’s politicians have in decades. This is definitely worth looking into more.

Lastly, as we enter into April, we’re switching our focus to all things Couture. Asia has been a pillar of refinery for centuries, and we’re excited to explore it all, from traditions to trends, from the established to the emerging. It’s all about bespoke sophistication this month.

Here’s what else was going on this past week:

How a YouTube streamer became an unlikely cultural bridge between the US and China.

Dali’s nightlife has transformed into a creative hub, where travelers “beg” for conversations, perform freestyle rap, and offer tarot readings.

Intrigued? Keep scrolling, my friend.

China’s Youth Are “Ganking:” The Foraging Trend That’s Taking Over

This spring, China’s fashionable twenty-somethings aren't posting from trendy cafés—they're proudly displaying muddy hands and baskets overflowing with foraged greens. What was once grandma's hobby has become Gen Z's favorite weekend escape.

The viral sensation is called dǎ yě, with a literal translation of hunting the wild. Dǎ yě also means “ganking,” a video game slang referring to when players gang up to kill their opponent. So, instead of slaughtering in-game foes, people have turned to “ganking” plants irl.

Read the full article by Moren Mao here.

Shelhiel: How Video Games Created Malaysia's Electro-Pop Visionary #Shorts

Shelhiel: How Video Games Created Malaysia's Electro-Pop Visionary

Did your parents ever tell you to stop playing video games? Shelhiel turned those digital worlds into Malaysia's most groundbreaking electro-pop sound.

Chinese audiences embrace British drama "Adolescence" as online misogyny spreads through gaming forums and livestreams, highlighting China's need for systematic gender education interventions similar to those in the UK.

Chinese chain Mixue Ice Cream & Tea has overtaken McDonald's as the world's largest fast food chain by store count.

Pop Mart's remarkable 107% annual sales growth in 2024 exemplifies China's continuing blind box collectible craze.

Shanghai Fashion Week dazzled with boundary-pushing collections and standout runway moments, showcasing the city's growing influence as Asia's premier fashion capital.

Taking “pray for money” to the next level by putting my payment QR code where the ancestors can scan it.

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RADII
Hong Kong