The fun, the strange, and the what-on-earth-is-this: a wrap-up of top stories in Beijing as told by the trending hashtags, local press, and the general power of the internet.
1) What Makes You Cringe on the Subway?
On Jan 8, Beijing News reported the results of a survey taken by Japanese commuters about what they're most annoyed by while traveling on the subway. The top three hated behaviors? Loud talking, improper sitting posture (more commonly known as spreading), and inconsiderate handling of luggage. Since all these situations are painfully familiar to Chinese subway users, Weibo users also began weighing in.
One Chinese netizen posted a video (see above) of one cringeworthy subway prank that has already been viewed over 10 million times. The setup: one hand moves up the support pole attempting to avoid the advances of a hand seemingly belonging to a stranger. Before you know it, the first hand accepts the come-on and encloses around their admirer. Cue laughter, eye rolls, and genuine shock from nearby onlookers.
All the single dogs are vomiting in the back.
A sticker of a dog dominates the comment section, alluding to the common name for singletons in China – a single dog. "I can't handle any public display of affection," one comment with a dog sticker said. "All the single dogs are vomiting in the back," teased another. Netizens are following the discussion under #地鐵內最讓人不舒服行為# (dìtiě nèi zuì ràng rén bú shūfú xíngwéi, subway behavior that makes people feel the most uncomfortable).
2) Man Receives an Incredibly Precise Haircut
If you've ever complained that your haircut didn't turn out like the picture you brought along as an example, then this might just be your dream salon. Just be careful what you wish for.
One young Chinese man showed his hairdresser a screenshot of a video of the hairdo he was hoping for. Unfortunately, the "play" button also came along for the ride. According to the man, the hairdresser asked him whether he wanted to keep the triangle, but the man, not realizing what he meant, and too distracted by his phone, simply nodded his head and ended with the distinctive and suave cut.
Just looking at it, I already know who would be the winner of the sandcastle building championship.
Upon seeing the "play" triangle etched onto the side of his head, he posted pictures on Weibo under a hashtag #這麼嚴謹的理髮師不多了# (zhème yánjǐn de lǐfǎ shī bù duōle, there aren't many hairdressers who are this careful). It has already attracted almost two hundred million readers. "Just looking at it, I already know who would be the winner of the sandcastle building championship," said one netizen, in reference to the hairdresser's artful abilities and the shape of his masterpiece.
3) Beijing Awaits the Spring Festival Gala
China's annual Spring Festival Gala is the world's most-watched show. Airing since 1983, the Gala reportedly hit more than 1 billion viewers in 2018 and is the longest-running variety show on Chinese television. However, it is by no means universally beloved. Every year, the Gala falls under scrutiny for lip-syncing, sexist or racist sketches (remember last year's bit about China-Africa relationships featuring blackface?), and a gropey longstanding host, among other controversies. As a result, some Weibo search words concerning previous mishaps have been blocked in the lead-up to the broadcast.
This year, netizens are sharing their anticipation for the upcoming Spring Festival Gala under the hashtag #2019北京臺春晚# (2019 běijīng tái chūnwǎn, Beijing Spring Festival Gala 2019), which already has 5.5 hundred million views. The hosts of this year's show are actress Yang Fang and pop star Cai Xukun who have both publicly expressed their excitement about participating in the event. The gala will be broadcast on the evening of the first day of the new year, Feb 5. We'll be watching closely to see what they can cock-up this time (you, in turn, can watch this space for updates).
Images: Weibo
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