Chinese internet culture changes very quickly. This chapter is only an introductory framework. The goal is not to collect every trending phrase, but to help international students understand common expressions in WeChat groups, Moments, short videos, and campus chats.

Sources of Chinese Internet Memes

Common sources include:

  • Douyin.
  • Bilibili.
  • Weibo.
  • Xiaohongshu.
  • Games.
  • TV dramas, variety shows, and livestreams.
  • Campus life and exam pressure.
  • The main source is still Douyin.

Many memes become popular quickly and also go out of date quickly. If classmates send a phrase in a group chat that you do not understand, the best method is to ask directly: “What does this meme mean?”