5 Bizarre but Trending Topics on XiaoHongShu (RedNote)

Just when you thoughtXiaohongshu(RedNote) was all about skincare tips, café aesthetics, and curated outfits, think again. A wave of quirky, offbeat trends is taking over the platform, offering a glimpse into the wild side of Gen Z creativity. From scrappy but strangely addictive cat memes and bizarre clay filters that flip beauty standards on their head, to the nostalgic dreaminess of Chinesedreamcore, the rise of poeticCitywalkculture, and the hilariously self-deprecating “wimp-core” writing style, these topics are redefining what it means to go viral onRedNote.

Here are 5 bizarre but trending topics on XHS that we never saw coming—but can't stop scrolling through.

1. Cat Memes Take Over the Feed

A wave of intentionally rough, doodle-style cat illustrations collectively known as "cat memes" has gone viral. With over 500 million views and 19 million+ interactions in the past90 days, thesegoofydrawings have become a new social currency. Brands are jumping on the trend too, using cat memes in playful, eye-catching campaigns to spark engagement.

2. Clay Filter Craze Turns Beauty Norms Upside Down

While most beauty filters aim to enhance and glamorize, the clay-style AI filter has taken the opposite route and users love it. Thesedistorted, almost“ugly-cute” transformations are delightfully odd and surreal, giving people a chance to reimagine reality inclaymationform. The hashtag has pulled in over 13 million views, turning weirdness into aesthetic gold.

3. Rise of the Chinese Dreamcore Aesthetic

Blending retro items from the early 2000s with dreamy filters, the “Chinesedreamcore” aesthetic evokes nostalgia with a surreal twist. This visual trend has seen millions of views as users recreate childhood memories with a touch of sci-fi softness, crafting a digital haven that feels both familiar and fantastical.

4.Citywalk: Rediscovering the Urban Jungle

A growing number ofRedNoteusers are embracing the "Citywalk" lifestyleslow-paced urban strolls with a focus on mindfulness and appreciation of everyday beauty. These posts often feature hidden alleys, charming street corners, and reflective captions.It’sa response to the hustle of modern life, celebrating the simple joy of wandering.

5.“Wimp-core” Writing: When Confidence Crashes and Burns

After the explosion of "rage rants" in 2023, a new writing style has taken over RedNote in 2024. Nicknamed “Wimp-core”, these posts start with fierce, almost cocky declarations only to end with unexpectedly self-deprecating, even pitiful reversals. It's humorous, relatable, and oddly therapeutic. With over 18 million views, it’s become a way for young users to vent their feelings with a touch of irony and flair.

These bizarre-but-beloved trends reveal just how imaginative and expressive theRedNotecommunity can be. Whetherit’sabsurd humor or nostalgic escapism,itremainsa place where the unexpected becomes the nextbig thing.

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