Several Chinese bloggers have gone viral for joking about how difficult it is to open the iconic metal tin of Qingliangyou, a traditional cooling balm known for its refreshing scent and soothing effect. In English, Qingliangyou is known as tiger balm.
In one viral video, a driver quipped, "I tried to use Qingliangyou to stay awake, but after 300 kilometers and broken nails, the lid was still stuck — though at least I wasn't sleepy anymore."
Many netizens have said they've used the same tin since childhood, calling it "nostalgic, stubborn, and proudly unchanged".
A Shanghai manufacturer confirmed it has received similar feedback, noting that many customers are fond of the classic design and may resist major changes. The 3-gram tin remains a "heritage" version, while the 10-gram tin is larger and easier to open.
In Luoyang, Henan province, another producer advised users to "twist the lid in circles" and said it is working on improvements after complaints about the tight seal.
Despite this, many commenters defended the design, saying, "Don't change it. That's its charm."
Medically, Qingliangyou contains camphor and menthol to relieve dizziness, headaches, and mild heatstroke, while Fengyoujing adds methyl salicylate, making it better for insect bites and local inflammation.
Qingliangyou is not suitable for everyone. People with sensitive skin, open wounds, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use it with care, and Fengyoujing is not recommended for children under three.