The complete guide on drawing out your inner Chinese
As your social media feed has likely informed you, we are undeniably in a very Chinese time of our lives. As absurd as it may seem, being Chinese has no relation to the arbitrary labels of nationality, ethnicity or background. Rather, it’s a state of mind – as a wise kung fu master might tell you, a transcendence that can only be experienced, not taught.
Actualising your inner Chinese has profound effects. Perhaps you will find yourself enjoying warm water instead of iced, bowing as the preferred form of greeting, or replacing your daily clothes with a traditional hanfu. Your prosperity will reach new heights, Qi will overflow from your body and misfortune will be redirected away.
Those reading – even people who believed themselves to be Chinese all their lives – you may be asking how you can reap these benefits for yourself. So, we at #legend have compiled a list of decisions and behaviours to aid on the path of self-discovery. Take with caution though – being Chinese is not for everyone, and for those already Chinese, it is possible to become too Chinese.
#1: The Chopstick
It goes without saying that your cutlery of choice must be the chopsticks. In contrast to Western distinctions between the roles of spoons, forks and knives, the two slender rods can do it all. Rice, noodles, vegetables, meat – no difference exists in the face of the dining utensil’s ultimate versatility. In fact, the more you cultivate the soul’s Chinese-ness, the more activities outside of eating you will be using them for. From efficient egg-beaters to effective hairpins, mastery of the instrument gives birth to a whole world of possibilities.
#2: Serving others
“Chinese” is also a synonym for selflessness. Dishes are set on the center of a turntable, shared by all in harmony and joy. With great power comes great responsibility – and you should use your newfound expertise in the chopsticks for good: serving others first before yourself. Respect and filial piety make up the cornerstones of Sinitic culture and is the key to Chinamaxxing.
#3: Beverages
Ditch the mealtime cold water and sate your thirst with a warm cup of tea. Balancing your energy, moving digestion, promoting circulation – benefits abound. Aim for a soothing hydration to avoid overwhelming the throat. But for times of celebration, a glass of Tsingtao is perfect for refreshment. Healthy body, healthy mind is outdated information – 2026 is the beginning of Chinese body, Chinese mind.
#4: Wardrobe
Think about how many times you’ve struggled with buttons, zips and velcro. Infuriatingly complex, fragile and incredibly lame-looking, swap the modern closure contraptions out for frog fasteners. Not only serving as effortlessly stylish statements, but additionally feature intricate designs of unmatched beauty. The next time you clear out your wardrobe, consider the understated elegance of a qipao or Tang jacket. Suitable for all occasions, formal or informal – and a supreme expression of your transformation to Chinese.
#5: Optimize your Feng Shui
Those with stagnant growth may find that their feng shui isn’t properly flowing. After all, your surroundings reflect on the trajectory of your life. Organise your room to balance the five elements, directing positivity inwards and deflecting negativity outwards. The more effort put into refining the flows of luck, the more returns to be gained from. For those with more time, consider attending a lion or dragon dance performance, painting furniture red, and changing your phone number to include as many ‘8’s as possible to harness that auspicious power.
#6: Entertainment
If you’ve properly followed the last five steps, it’s time to harvest that built up fortune with a good old game of Mahjong. It’s a well-known Confucian proverb that “heaven’s blessing falls on those who are most Chinese.” Of course, you can’t mindlessly gamble and expect to win because you are Chinese – scoring winning hands is a matter of skill and strategy. Unless you’ve lost, then the other players are simply more Chinese than you are.
See also: Who won at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards?
