China's Latest Trending Topics (July 2025): Viral Scandals, Youth Culture Trends, and More

 

China's Latest Trending Topics – 

As of July 2025, China's online and offline communities are filled with viral scandals, unusual viral events, and social commentary. From controversial figures to booming livestream e-commerce, these trending topics in China paint a picture of the country's evolving digital culture and social landscape. The following are the top themes that are causing ripples on social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin, Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu.

1. Sister Hong Scandal: "Red Uncle" Shocks the Nation

One of the most viral tales in China right now is the Sister Hong scandal, or the "Red Uncle" case. A Nanjing man, 38, using the online username "Sister Hong," secretly filmed sexual encounters with over 1,000 men and shared the videos online.

This has triggered a national controversy over consent, privacy, and public health—with some of the victims testing positive for HIV. The scandal has gone viral on Chinese social media, with memes, parody dances, and satirical debates. It has also prompted officials to tighten the screws on online sex crimes.

Complete report on IndiaTimes

2. The Viral Jackfruit Tree in Yunnan

A jackfruit tree in Yunnan province has become a viral sensation on the internet after it developed over 400 fruits on a single trunk. Photos and videos of the tree's remarkable fruit load are being circulated at a feverish rate on Weibo and Douyin, with users marveling at nature's bounty.

For many netizens, it's a symbol of prosperity and virility, especially after recent climatic problems affecting agriculture.

Watch the viral jackfruit video

3. Jack Ma Spotted Riding a Bicycle

Alibaba founder Jack Ma, who has been keeping a low profile in recent years, was spotted riding a bicycle alone in Hangzhou without any security entourage. The video clip quickly went viral on Weibo, with speculations regarding his current status and state of mind.

Ma's informal appearance is a rare public sighting, leaving everyone nostalgic and curious about the billionaire's next move in China's tech industry.

Read the story on Economic Times

4. Youth Culture Shift: From "Neijuan" to "Tang Ping"

Chinese youth continue to grapple with societal pressure through internet trends such as:

  • Neijuan (内卷) – The phenomenon of toxic competition and overwork.
  • Tang Ping (躺平) – "Lying flat" or boycotting excessive social pressures.

These philosophies reflect growing disillusionment with traditional work arrangements. On platforms like Zhihu and Xiaohongshu, young individuals share personal stories of burnout, adopting minimalist lifestyles, and even pursuing "full-time child" roles—where adults move back in with and care for aging parents full-time.

Learn more about Neijuan on Wikipedia
Learn about Tang Ping

5. Labubu Collectibles & the Rise of Escapism

Cute character Labubu, which is marketed through Pop Mart blind boxes, is a phenomenon among China's Gen Z. The small figurines are a cultural pressure release for youth seeking to be happy in a stressful world.

However, critics warn against compulsive consumption, as some fans spend thousands of dollars to collect limited editions. The popularity of Labubu reflects how cute aesthetics and nostalgia provide comfort in uncertain times.

6. Short-Form Video & Livestream Shopping Boom

Douyin (Chinese TikTok), Kuaishou, and Xiaohongshu continue to dominate the digital landscape with short-form content and livestream e-commerce.

Consumers now prefer livestreams where influencers (KOLs) showcase products in real-time. The success of this format shows how entertainment and retail are merging—creating an "instant-buy" culture.

Livestream shopping is already a multi-billion-dollar market in China with no indication of deceleration.

Learn about livestream e-commerce trends in China

7. MBTI Personality Tests & Career Side Hustles

Personality tests like MBTI are still trending on platforms like Zhihu and Little Red Book, allowing young people to understand themselves more and negotiate identity. Meanwhile, side hustles like mobile street vending, digital design, and online tutoring are gaining traction over traditional jobs.

With unemployment still a concern, China's youth are creating DIY career paths, choosing independence over corporate conformity.

Conclusion

From viral scandals to social commentary, China's July 2025 trending topics offer a picture of a society in transition—embracing digital progress while grappling with deep cultural strains. From Jack Ma on a bike or the inflammatory popularity of livestream shopping, these trends offer a lens into the changing values of modern China.

For more news on what's trending in China and beyond, stay tuned to reliable sources and real-time platforms.


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