China has always been a hotbed for memes and viral online trends, and 2022 was no exception. From political satire to pop culture references, Chinese netizens kept the world entertained with their witty and creative humor. In this article, we’ll take a look back at some of the most popular China memes of the year.
Table of Contents
1. “Xi Jinping Thought” Goes Viral
One of the most unexpected memes of the year was the rise of “Xi Jinping Thought” as a catchphrase among Chinese netizens. The term, which refers to the political ideology of China’s president, became a popular joke among young people who would use it in everyday conversations as a way to mock the government’s propaganda efforts.
“I was just trying to order a pizza, but my phone kept suggesting ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ as the topping,” one user joked on Weibo.
2. The “Tang Ping” Dance Challenge
Inspired by a popular Chinese TV show, the “Tang Ping” dance challenge took the internet by storm in 2022. The dance, which involves a series of quick steps and arm movements, was performed by everyone from school children to celebrities.
“I can’t stop watching these ‘Tang Ping’ dance videos, they’re so addictive!” one fan tweeted.
3. The “Uncle Roger” Meme
British comedian Nigel Ng became an overnight sensation in China after his “Uncle Roger” character went viral on social media. The character, a parody of an Asian uncle, would critique people’s cooking videos in a hilarious and exaggerated manner.
“Every time Uncle Roger says ‘haiyaa’ I can’t stop laughing,” one fan commented on Youtube.
4. The “Genshin Impact” Fan Art Craze
The popular video game “Genshin Impact” inspired a wave of fan art among Chinese netizens, who created their own illustrated versions of the game’s characters. Some of the most popular pieces included humorous depictions of the characters in everyday situations.
“I love seeing all the creative ‘Genshin Impact’ fan art on Weibo, it’s so inspiring!” one user wrote.
5. The “Kuai Le Da Ben Ying” Parody Song
The song “Kuai Le Da Ben Ying” (or “Happy Big Comparison”) became a viral hit in China in 2022, thanks to its catchy melody and amusing lyrics. However, it was a parody version of the song that really captured the public’s attention.
“The parody version of ‘Kuai Le Da Ben Ying’ is even better than the original, I can’t stop singing it!” one fan said on Douyin.
6. The “Lao Gao” Internet Celebrity
A video of an old man named Lao Gao ranting about his life went viral on Chinese social media, turning him into an overnight celebrity. The video spawned countless memes and remixes, with users adding their own captions and music to the footage.
“Lao Gao is a national treasure, we need more people like him in the world!” one fan tweeted.
The Reactions
Chinese netizens had a lot to say about these memes and trends, with many expressing their admiration for the creativity and humor of their fellow citizens.
“I’m always amazed by how clever Chinese netizens are, they always manage to turn even the most serious topics into something funny,” one user said on Weibo.
However, there were also some who felt that the popularity of memes and viral trends was taking attention away from more important issues.
“I love a good meme as much as anyone, but we can’t forget that there are serious problems in our country that need to be addressed,” one user commented on Douban.
Conclusion
Overall, 2022 was a great year for China memes, with netizens showcasing their wit and humor on a global stage. Whether it was political satire, pop culture references, or just silly jokes, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
“I can’t wait to see what kind of memes 2023 will bring,” one fan said on WeChat. “I know Chinese netizens will never disappoint!”
