We’ve all been there, sat around the kitchen or dining table, trying our best to craft the perfectly ingot-shaped dumpling each and every time. Well, for the new year, China’s youth are done with that family—or self—induced pressure. The Year of the Horse has ushered in a delicious revolution, spearheaded by a generation that values joy over rigid tradition. As families across China gathered for Spring Festival, the hashtag #ModernYoungPeopleMakeDumplingsWithRelaxation exploded online, with related short videos racking up over 100 million views. The viral moment quickly became one of the most relatable topics of the holiday, sparking conversations about heritage, individuality, and culinary freedom.

But it was less about disrespecting tradition and more about a vibrant reimagining. Young people, often burdened by the expectations associated with holiday preparations, completely broke free from the old adage that “dumplings must have eighteen pleats and must be ingot-shaped.” Instead, they embraced a refreshing philosophy: “fun is better than delicious.”

Kitchens, typically scenes of meticulous labor during New Year’s Eve dinner prep, transformed into spaces of spontaneous creativity and genuine relaxation. Dough was stretched, fillings were playfully stuffed, and the resulting dumplings, while perhaps not textbook perfect, carried the unmistakable stamp of personal expression.

Some resembled abstract art, others charmingly lopsided, but all were made with laughter and a clear sense of ease. This stress-relieving creative extravaganza filled homes with a long-lost sense of relaxation, proving that the true spirit of Chinese New Year lies not in perfect form, but in shared moments of joy and connection.

All images via Xiaohongshu.