Known by the handle Qingzheng Mozai on social media, Tulip (pseudonym) represents a rising wave of young Chinese embracing an "old-school life" as a counterbalance to the relentless pace of modern life. This philosophy encompasses crafts, food, and personal rituals, forming a holistic approach to living.
The scale of this shift is evident in the numbers: a 2025 survey by China Youth Daily found that 89.9 percent of 1,337 young respondents said they liked visiting local food markets while traveling. Similarly, content related to crochet has attracted billions of views across platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Douyin, according to a March report by China News Service.
"The internet moves too fast," she said. "People are trapped in constant anxiety. But crochet is inherently slow — it can't be rushed. It's about weaving together fragmented moments, stitch by stitch."
Lu Shi Yue, based in Dali, Yunnan province, shares a similar ethos but with a unique twist: her culinary creations are deeply influenced by Chinese literature.
Lu moved from Beijing to Dali in 2023 in search of a slower pace of life. She soon realized, however, that the real challenge wasn't slowing down — it was confronting the fragmentation that comes with modern life.
"People are constantly interrupted by notifications, short videos, and the endless scroll. That's what really exhausts us," she explained. "What we're seeking is wholeness. When we complete something, whether it's a dish or a book, there's a sense of fulfillment in seeing the whole picture come together."
"Wholeness may seem slow, but it's actually the quickest way to recharge," Lu added.
For example, she has recreated wisteria cakes, a pastry filled with wisteria petals that was popular during the Republic of China period (1912-1949) but is rarely seen today. This project, like many others, is part of her exploration of how food intersects with stories and culture.
This same philosophy shapes the life of Yang Wenxi, known online as Zhu Le Tang, based in Chengdu, Sichuan province. She has found the power of slowing down through an ancient wellness ritual: bathing.
"In an age of constant connectivity, bathing is one of the few things that forces us to strip away everything — clothes, phone, and social roles," she said.
She also revives small, personal rituals, like warming clothes over incense, reconnecting with the ancient wisdom that helps her navigate the stresses of modern life.
In addition to bathing, Yang has also taken up calligraphy, which she said helps her "switch my racing mind into energy-saving mode".
"When we write, take baths, burn incense, or simmer soup, we use these 'slow motions' to recalibrate a rhythm that's been disrupted by fast-paced life," Yang explained.
She has also noticed that when young people like her turn to older lifestyles, it's not about trying to relive the past. "We're simply borrowing wisdom and strength from them to make our present lives more comfortable — and more truly our own," she said.