Exploring the Influence of Popular Culture in China: From TV Dramas to TikTok
In recent years, China has seen a significant shift and growth in its popular culture scene. From the rise of Chinese TV dramas to the emergence of social media platforms like TikTok, popular culture in China has started to play a significant role in shaping the country’s identity, values, and norms.
The Emergence of Popular Culture in China
For a long time, the Chinese government invested heavily in promoting traditional arts and culture to preserve the country’s rich history and heritage. However, with the opening up of the country’s economy and the rise of the middle class, popular culture started to emerge and gain traction among the younger generation.
Since 2000, China has experienced significant growth in its entertainment industry, particularly in TV dramas. The industry has transformed from producing low-budget productions to creating high-quality shows with a strong focus on storytelling and production value. This shift has not only captivated domestic audiences but has also attracted a global audience, with shows like “The Story of Yanxi Palace” and “Sisters Who Make Waves” gaining international popularity.
The Power of Social Media
According to a 2019 report by the Chinese Internet Network Information Center, over 800 million Chinese citizens use the internet, and social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and Douyin (known globally as TikTok) have gained massive popularity. These social media platforms have become instrumental in promoting and disseminating popular culture content, enabling fans to share reviews, engage in discussions, and create fan art.
This phenomenon has also given rise to a new kind of celebrity, the “wanghong” or internet celebrity, who are individuals that have gained massive followings on social media through their content creation skills.
Impact on Society and Business
The influence of popular culture in China is not limited to the entertainment industry and social media. Popular culture has also started to shape the country’s consumer behavior. Brands are beginning to recognize the power of popular culture and are increasingly investing in collaborations with TV drama producers and celebrities. These collaborations often lead to massive sales and brand awareness, as seen in the collaboration between popular TV drama “The Untamed” and the Chinese smartphone brand Vivo, resulting in a record-breaking amount of pre-orders.
Furthermore, popular culture has also begun to influence political discourse. In 2020, the hashtag “I support the Hong Kong police” went viral on Weibo, with over 670 million views. This trend was fueled by a promotional video for the TV drama “The Thunder,” which was accused of promoting anti-protest messages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the influence of popular culture in China is a complex and ever-evolving phenomenon. It has become a powerful tool for shaping societal values and norms, influencing consumer behavior, and even impacting political discourse. As China’s entertainment industry continues to grow and social media platforms continue to gain popularity, it will be interesting to observe how popular culture continues to shape the country’s identity.
