I didn't know where else to share this but I just thought it was to great to not share. I'm a white dude with a Chinese girlfriend. All her family lives out of state and I wanted to make sure she had some new year fun so we decided to host a big party and decorate. She bought a bunch of decorations and I had this idea to put the dragon on the fan. Unfortunately it's totally in the way of where food will be served so it doesn't get to stay but it was too funny to not video and share.

While I don't love that all of TikTok is flocking to the app, I think that it is nice for some Chinese users, as they are getting to communicate more with us and learn more about us, the same way we are learning about them (you know, from a view that isn't polluted by lies). However, I have also seen a lot of people complaining that, surprise surprise, the app is in Chinese, therefore making it difficult to navigate.... Um, duh?

But anyway, here are some general things to keep in mind:

There are really easy ways to translate the app, yet individuals are relying on us to do it for them (my own friends do this, and they have never expressed an interest in Chinese language or culture, so it is infuriating for me, especially when they tell me I am being sensitive when I tell them why that is kind of weird).

One of the easiest ways to translate: Google translate, you can screenshot the page and run it through their system if you need. You can also use this to translate your posts and comments for Chinese users to make it easier for them - it is their app, after all. You're just a guest in their house.

Additionally, a lot of TikTokers have trouble understanding that some Chinese values are not the same as American ones. A lot of Chinese individuals (obviously not all, but a fair amount) are not as showy with LGBTQIA+ issues, and that type of content can even be dangerous for them to post (and possibly for us, so keep this in mind and be careful if you decide to post content that contains this). My dad (born and raised in Asia) holds views that are more against this, however I (born China, raised America) and many other younger Chinese citizens are more open. All this to say, be careful. And to the people asking about if there are any trans Chinese users, be aware that you may be putting them in danger (depending on if someone sees their account saying yes) because as I stated, not everyone is openminded about this (it's the same as in America).

Do not talk about world issues like Gaza, typically this stuff is not even supposed to be posted. Respect the TOS, respect the app, respect the individuals who used the app far longer than you even knew of its existence. Don't ruin an app that so many Chinese individuals (myself included) used, because it was the only place a lot of us felt welcome and safe. We weren't judged for our race or ethnicity, and we found community. A lot of us were able to learn more about our cultures through XiaoHongShu, and it would be devastating to lose that aspect of it, all because of TikTokers who don't respect it (again, this probably does not apply to you).

Stop being surprised when you are called out for being creepy or weird in comments, or if you post repetitive, spam-like material (especially if you are commenting vaguely fetishy things like "I love Asians" and stuff like that in a weird manner). I have seen a lot of this and people get offended when it is called out or when they are asked to please not post things like that and to discourage others too (obviously it is not your job to monitor others, however since you're online anyway, you can spare the five seconds to tell them to knock it off and go back to TikTok). Stop spamming "follow for follow" under posts that have nothing to do with that, and stop posting "I'm a TikTok refugee" materials, it is getting really repetitive and annoying for many (even Chinese individuals are making fun of it, it's so embarassing).

Obviously, don't be racist, apparently some Chinese users have been receiving hate comments, which is heartbreaking, because again, this app was meant for Chinese individuals.

Some of the emojis have specific uses, don't panic if you use one that means something you didn't know, most of us will understand that it's a mistake. If someone mentions it, just breathe and move on (you're not being offensive for not knowing something like that).

When using pinyin, please remember tones, word and sentence meanings can change so much when you omit them.

Don't appropriate any of the culture, don't steal clothing ideas and pass them off as your own, don't sexualize anything (if I see traditional clothing being sexualized I'm going to scream), if you are not Asian, do not use our makeup styles to make yourself look Asian (don't be like Ariana Grande trying to pretend to be another race, that's icky). If you do this, don't be surprised if you get called out, either by an American (because they're embarrassed), or by a Chinese individual.

If you see people speaking up against TikTokers, it's most likely because they are being disrespectful, spamming, or just being annoying and acting like Chinese citizens are uncivilized and know nothing about America (this is really common).

If you are only on XiaoHongShu because of the TikTok ban, keep watching on the ban news, there are people fighting for it to be pushed back. When you leave, don't make a big show of it (unless you have made Chinese friends, say your goodbyes to them and be kind).

There's nothing against the individuals who genuinely want to learn about the language and culture, just everyone be respectful. If you see rude content (comments, mostly, from what I've heard) or stolen content (a Chinese artist got her work stolen and reposted to other accounts), say something. Let the original creator know (if you can, if you can't that is okay!), report the rude or stolen content, and move on with your day.

Also, there are a lot of posts showing other Chinese apps, be aware that they might not work in America lol, duh. I don't know how many of them would work here, but just keep that in mind. Don't go flooding to Chinese apps just because you want to protest, it's kind of disgusting to see. If you genuinely want to learn and stuff, that's one thing, but just going there to say "f u" to the US government is gross and problematic.

Anyway, this will probably be downvoted to hell, but I just wanted to say all this.

Tagged under general culture because idk, it seemed the only thing to apply.

If you decide to use XHS after this, please be respectful and I hope you have a good experience.

Before leaving for major surgery, one of my students spent our entire 2 hour class writing this for me. Sofia is the one who wrong it, Ryan is her younger brother whom of which I also taught.

I deeply want to what she’s told me.

I’ve had 小红书 for since middle school and haven’t been on tiktok at all since 2023 so I was shocked to find so many people getting on because of tiktok closing and it’s Psing me off because so many people being obnoxious. They expect everything translated, knows nothing about Chinese language or culture and expects it to become the next tiktok when it’s a Chinese app and you can’t just barge in charge it. They are going to get it banned too and I’m scared because it’s only place online that I love. Its where I learn and post my art, where I learn about china and calligraphy and how to play 古筝 I’ve been learning Chinese traditional medicine I’m adopted so I will never experience what it’s like where my birth family is so this is a close second. I don’t want all of my hobbies to go away and what if Chinese people start resenting everyone from America and no longer help me when I ask questions. I stopped using tiktok because of how toxic people are and was tired of people attacking each other and my mom thought it wasn’t good for my mental health. I’m able to surround myself with positive things without all of the negative posts. Sorry if I don’t make sense I just wanted to share my opinion

Hi, so my Chinese ex-flatmate stuck these notes onto our wall, we were never really close with her and she has moved out so we never got the chance to ask what they meant, we are just a but curious is all