American influencer Kris Dew, a popular TikTok clothing personality, recently embarked on a journey to discover the real China by engaging directly with Chinese netizens on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote.
After registering an account on Xiaohongshu, Kris was overwhelmed by the warm reception from Chinese users. \"Chinese people are the most hospitable people I have ever met,\" she remarked. Her inbox was flooded with messages welcoming her to the Chinese mainland, with netizens inviting her to visit their cities and sharing glimpses of their lives, including photos of their pets, children, and local scenery.
Prior to this experience, Kris admitted that her perceptions of China were influenced by misrepresentations in U.S. media. \"I thought there was a lot of smog and that children were working in factories,\" she confessed. However, through her interactions on Xiaohongshu, she discovered a different reality. \"Speaking directly with Chinese netizens, I found that these were misconceptions, which really shocked me,\" she said.
Kris's experience highlights the power of direct communication in bridging cultural divides and dispelling misunderstandings. By engaging with people firsthand, she was able to see the vibrant, diverse, and welcoming nature of Chinese society.
Reference(s):
U.S. influencer: Talking with Chinese netizens showed me real China
cgtn.com
