Beauty Standards in the Spotlight: The Viral Debate Over China's 'Hottest Beauty'
A recent social media frenzy in China has brought attention to the country's beauty standards and celebrity culture. The commotion began with a Shanghai travel vlog by K-pop idol Zhao Miyeon, also known as Miyeon of the group (G)I-DLE. During her trip, Zhao Miyeon asked her Chinese makeup artist, "Who is the hottest beauty in China right now?" The makeup artist's swift response was "Ju Jingyi," which sparked a viral moment that has been trending on Weibo with millions of views and discussions.
23 July 2025
The public's reaction has varied, with some agreeing that Ju Jingyi is indeed the hottest beauty in China, citing her consistent ranking high in various beauty lists, including the "Global 100 Most Beautiful Faces" for several years. However, others have expressed their doubts, mentioning other popular actresses such as Dilireba, Yang Zi, Bai Lu, Zhao Lusi, and Yu Shuxin as equally or even more deserving candidates.
The debate has not only centered on Ju Jingyi's beauty but has also broadened to include discussions about Chinese beauty standards and the criteria for determining a public figure's popularity and status as a "hottest beauty." Some netizens have pointed out that while Ju Jingyi is undoubtedly beautiful, other actresses or public figures could also contend for the title, leading to comparisons and lively debates.
Zhao Miyeon's question has also brought attention to her own YouTube channel, where fans and new viewers have been exploring her other vlogs from her Shanghai trip. The interaction has been seen by some as a positive moment of cross-cultural appreciation among celebrities.
The incident highlights the influence of celebrity endorsements and the power of social media platforms like Weibo, which serves as a rapid-fire barometer of public opinion regarding celebrities, enabling trends to form quickly and discussions to proliferate. The commercial value of celebrities like Ju Jingyi and Dilireba Dilmurat, who are frequently cited as the "most popular," is immense, and their popularity translates into lucrative endorsement deals in the beauty, fashion, and entertainment industries.
Moreover, the discussion about who is considered beautiful directly feeds into the booming beauty and fashion industry in China, where celebrity beauty standards often drive consumer trends and product sales. The industry adapts to these evolving perceptions of beauty, often leveraging celebrity influence to market products.
The societal implications of this phenomenon are multifaceted. The fluidity of beauty standards is evident in the diverse range of names mentioned as the "most beautiful." However, there are underlying trends that reflect dominant beauty ideals, such as specific facial features, skin tone, or an overall innocent or elegant demeanor. The engagement on Weibo, particularly from younger demographics, shows how celebrity culture shapes aspirations related to appearance, success, and lifestyle.
Furthermore, the constant exposure to celebrity images can impact individuals' self-perception and contribute to societal pressures to conform to certain beauty standards. This can lead to increased interest in cosmetic procedures or detailed beauty routines.
The fan culture and engagement surrounding this topic illustrate the intensity of fan culture in China, which can sometimes intersect with nationalistic sentiments and ideas of cultural identity. The celebration of certain celebrity types can reinforce specific cultural values or narratives.
The Chinese government's role in shaping celebrity culture is also noteworthy. The government maintains a degree of control over its entertainment industry and celebrity culture, often subjecting discussions around celebrity behavior, morality, and public image to censorship or guidance to align with state-approved values.
Ultimately, Zhao Miyeon's question about China's most popular beautiful woman has opened a window into the multifaceted world of Chinese celebrity culture, reflecting an industry driven by social media and consumerism, a society heavily influenced by media portrayals of beauty, and a political landscape that subtly, or overtly, shapes and utilizes these cultural phenomena.
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