Trending Now: China's Social Media Highlight #15 December - 21 December 2025#

Weibo | Japan’s “Zero Panda Era”, Precision Consumption Stimulus, and Bali Backlash

Source: The Japan Times

Japan Nears Its First Nationwide “Zero Panda Era” Since 1972

As Ueno Zoo’s panda twins Xiaoxiao and Leilei are set to return to China on 25 January 2026, farewell queues and time-limited visits are surging. Analysts warn that if China–Japan tensions persist, renewing panda loans may be unlikely, raising concerns over tourism spillover, retail footfall and local businesses reliant on panda-related spending. Read more ->

Three Ministries Roll Out Consumption Boost Measures via Finance–Commerce Coordination

A new notice from MOFCOM, the PBOC and the financial regulator calls for deeper government–finance–enterprise coordination, including tools such as interest subsidies, risk compensation and digital RMB “smart contract” red packets to improve subsidy targeting and execution across goods, services and new consumption scenarios. Read more ->

“Finally Someone Criticised Bali” Trend Exposes Gap Between Hype and Reality

A viral backlash thread highlights perceived contradictions between influencer imagery and on-the-ground experiences, with recurring complaints around hygiene, consumer scams and safety risks, shaping a more cautious narrative for destination marketing and traveller decision-making. Read more ->

Douyin | Public Safety Shocks, Hainan Port-Close Explained, and Thailand–Cambodia Escalation

Source: ABC News

Taipei Stabbing Attack Sparks City-Centre Safety Debate

Reports describe an attack near Taipei Main Station involving smoke devices and indiscriminate assaults, resulting in multiple casualties. The incident drives renewed attention to urban public safety and crisis response narratives online. Read more ->

“Hainan Port-Close” Isn’t a Lockdown—It’s an Upgrade to the Opening-Up Mechanism

Explainers clarify that “closing operations” emphasise ‘first line open, second line controlled, island internal free’, expanding zero-tariff coverage, “30% value-added processing” benefits and tax incentives, while warning against misconceptions such as “fully free capital” or “tax haven” claims. Read more ->

Thailand Says It Has Destroyed Sites Linked to Cross-Border Scam Networks

Thailand’s military claims to have destroyed multiple casino/hotel sites alleged to support transnational fraud networks, while ongoing border clashes drive large-scale displacement, keeping regional stability and travel-risk sentiment in the spotlight. Read more ->

Xiaohongshu | Winter Visual Economy, Huangshan Sunrises, and Gold Price Momentum

Source: 如是盛景

Shenyang Rime Ice Turns the City into an Ink-Wash Landscape

Posts showcase rime ice scenes across riverbanks, parks and heritage sites, reinforcing how seasonal aesthetics continue to drive city-break content creation and travel intent. Read more ->

Winter Huangshan: Guangmingding Sunrise and Cableway Planning Tips Trend

Creators highlight sunrise views above cloud seas and recommend checking real-time cableway operations due to scheduled maintenance, showing how practical planning content converts inspiration into bookings. Read more ->

Gold Jewellery Prices Continue Rising Ahead of Year-End Demand

With domestic brands quoting higher gram prices, posts attribute momentum to global uncertainty, central bank purchases and seasonal wedding/festive demand, sustaining strong “safe-haven” consumption narratives. Read more ->

Baidu | Hainan FTZ Port-Close Launch, Onboard Discrimination, and China Growth Narrative

Source: South China Morning Post

Hainan Free Trade Port Launches Island-Wide “Port-Close” Operations

Coverage frames the move as a new stage of opening-up, emphasising international tourism consumption positioning, stronger institutional alignment with high-standard trade rules, and more competitive tax and customs arrangements to lower costs and drive high-quality culture-and-tourism growth. Read more ->

Passenger Removed After Harassing Chinese Travellers on an International Flight

A viral story describes a disruptive passenger who verbally abused Chinese passengers during taxiing; after escalation, crew returned to the gate and removed the individual, prompting discussion about in-flight safety standards, anti-harassment enforcement and passenger rights. Read more ->

China as a Global Growth Engine: Strategic Industries Accelerate

Articles highlight expectations of around 5% GDP growth and continued global contribution, alongside progress in AI, new energy and EVs, reinforcing the policy narrative of high-end manufacturing transformation and innovation-led expansion. Read more ->

Zhihu | Community Group-Buy Shakeout and “Panda Economics” Revisited

Source: Reuters

Meituan Youxuan Shuts Down Nationwide: Is Community Group-Buy Entering a Deep Winter?

With closures beyond core provinces, discussions point to a structural consolidation where Pinduoduo’s Duoduo Maicai absorbs resources while remaining players optimise commissions, distribution and reach, signalling a faster move towards winner-takes-more dynamics. Read more ->

Panda Twins Returning: Ueno Zoo Faces the End of an Era—and a Revenue Shock

Users debate the economic impact of losing Japan’s last pandas, arguing that panda-driven tourism does not just boost ticket sales but also supports wider commercial ecosystems, making the return a potential footfall and retail-revenue setback. Read more ->