In China, a significant shift is occurring among young women who are moving away from traditional beauty ideals and instead, adopting lifestyle choices influenced by Western culture. This trend, known as the “white women aesthetic,” involves adopting habits such as wearing yoga pants, using Stanley thermoses, and incorporating what is perceived as “white people’s food” into their diets, signaling a departure from patriarchal expectations.
This emerging trend reflects a broader aspiration among young Chinese women to lead a more leisurely lifestyle and align themselves with middle-class values, as noted in a report by Huxiu.com. The term “white women aesthetic” has gained momentum on Xiaohongshu, a popular social media platform, underscored by the mantra – “Question white women, understand white women, become white women.”
The adoption of this aesthetic is not limited to fashion, extending to dietary choices that emphasize health and wellness. A staple of this diet is the yogurt bowl, a concoction of thick Greek yogurt mixed with nuts, cereals, and low-sugar fruits such as blueberries, offering a balanced mix of protein, carbs, vitamins, and fats.
This trend initially found its roots in Western social media, where influencers showcase their daily lives, promoting a clean, organized living environment along with a routine that includes hydration from a Stanley thermos, dressing in influencer-endorsed brands, preparing lattes, and eating nutritious bowls of yogurt and oatmeal.
In China, fitness blogger Da Mengli has been pivotal in popularizing yogurt bowls on Douyin, with others like Juanzi adopting similar practices. Da Mengli’s content often features her showcasing her muscles in a modern kitchen setting, whereas Juanzi presents a contrasting image with her non-toned physique and a more modest home background.
Despite the enthusiasm for this lifestyle, critics highlight the impracticality for many, pointing out the disparity between the idealized aesthetic and the realities of living in shared accommodations or managing on a modest income. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of such a diet for the typical Chinese digestive system and the unrealistic expectation of maintaining such a lifestyle amidst the demands of daily life.
A commentator observed, “In a shared apartment, it’s impossible to replicate the feel of a suburban villa. A worker with a monthly salary of 8,000 yuan (US$1,120) can’t wake up at 6am for skincare and exercise. This is especially the case when they need to catch the early subway. Also, eating oatmeal yoghurt bowls every meal would upset a Chinese stomach.”
Another pointed out the lack of authenticity in blindly following trends, stating, “So many people don’t really know what lifestyle they truly enjoy, they just follow trends blindly.”
This dialogue underscores a critical examination of the “white women aesthetic” as young Chinese women navigate the intersection of cultural identity, societal expectations, and personal wellbeing in their quest for a modern lifestyle.
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