If you look around your city, you may see girls wearing hanfu on buses or people wearing T-shirts with Chinese characters(汉字) on the streets. A new trend(趋势) is coming in China - “Guochao”, or “China-chic”.

According to a recent report, searches connected with “Guochao” on dianping.com have risen by 170% since last year, and reviews have risen by near 40%. China-chic is happening, but what is it?

The word “Guochao” has appeared along with the development of the idea of “Made in China”. “China has recently seen a surge(激增) in young people’s interest in Chinese brands and products that include Chinese traditional style and culture, a trend known as Guochao,” China Daily explained the word “Guochao”.

China-chic got people’s attention in 2018. Before that, big-name foreign companies ruled the world market. Many Chinese brands followed in the footsteps of these Western brands. But that year, Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning changed things up. During the 2018 New York Fashion Week, Li-Ning introduced its Taoism-inspired Wu Dao collection(以道教为灵感的悟道系列服饰). The collection not only had a popular look, but also included traditional Chinese culture such as Chinese characters. It caught many people’s eyes at home and abroad at once.

Since then,        , from clothing to food and drinks, mobile phones and electric cars. For example, White Rabbit, whose sweet candy brings back childhood memories for many, introduced its perfume(香水) and lip balm(唇膏).

Now, the “Guochao” trend is moving to the next stage. No matter how it changes, there’s one thing that won’t change. Behind this is people’s pride in the country’s development and their growing confidence in national culture.