'C-cool' trend reshaping global perceptions

From TikTok dance trends to flying taxis and myth-based blockbuster video games, China is no longer just manufacturing the future, it's influencing global imagination.

A decade ago, the country's profile was tightly linked to economic growth and exports. Now, its global image is increasingly defined by innovation, creativity and cultural relevance, particularly among Gen Z worldwide.

"There is staying power in the Chinese cool factor; it's not a flash in the pan, it's not a passing fad," said Professor Lawrence Loh, a strategy and policy expert at the National University of Singapore.

"We are seeing an evolution from J-pop to K-drama to now a more holistic 'C-cool' trend."

The fusion of technology and storytelling has elevated Chinese pop culture to new heights. Video games such as Black Myth: Wukong, based on the classic novel Journey to the West, are drawing global praise for both their cinematic visuals and mythological depth. "It's a holistic shift, where tech meets culture, design, and daily life, and this wave is just starting", according to Ashley Dudarenok, founder of China-focused digital marketing company Alarice.

Platforms like TikTok and Xiaohongshu (RedNote) are at the center of this movement. TikTok, developed by ByteDance, is not only a global leader in short-form video but also ranked by Brand Finance as the world's seventh most valuable brand, ahead of Instagram and Facebook.

"Chinese tech brands like Huawei, BYD, Xiaomi, and TikTok are redefining global consumer expectations," said David Haigh, chairman and CEO of Brand Finance, a London-based brand valuation consultancy. "China is no longer just the 'factory of the world', it is transforming into a global innovation leader."