It’s been some time since the last Signals newsletter, so it’s high time for a new edition. This is where I bring you the slower trends, broader shifts, and cultural currents that I’ve been keeping an eye on. Next to the more regular China Trend Watch & deeper dives, this is meant to give you a fuller picture of ongoing conversations and themes in Chinese society and the digital landscape. I hope you find it insightful!

📶 SHORT SIGNALS
 

🎬 This year has seen mind-blowing changes in the production and consumption of Chinese short dramas. Now, so many popular short dramas are AI-generated (19 out of 20 microdramas on a recent Hongguo hot list made by AI) that Chinese netizens are wondering if short-drama actors might be disappearing altogether.

💰 70% of households in China have less than 100,000 yuan (about US$14,900) in savings, according to Chinese media reports, which state that the median household savings stand at 87,000 yuan ($13,000). Only 6% – the “lucky few” (人上人) – have 300,000 ($44,800) yuan or more in liquid assets.

🐕 In main urban districts of Hangzhou, people aren’t allowed to walk their dogs during the day, and some netizens hope these strict dog-control rules will set an example for the rest of China. The local rule only allows owners of small dogs – larger breeds aren’t allowed – to walk their furry friends between 7 PM-7AM. The strict rule is supported by many, who hope other…

Entering 2026, let’s take this time to reflect on a year of social media in China and the most noteworthy trending stories.

This is a list of major controversies & online moments that not only went completely viral but were also intrinsically connected to China’s social media sphere, either because they blew up on Weibo, originated on Douyin, or would not have even come to light if it weren’t for Xiaohongshu or other Chinese…