Zhang Weiyi’s Chunky Gold Watch Sparks Viral Meme Frenzy and Wider Cultural Debate on Chinese Social Media

The earliest posts describe Zhang’s wrist accessory as a “large gold watch” that he seems unable to hide, even when the conversation turns to more delicate subjects. One user summed it up with a hyperbolic tally: “Zhang Weiyi inadvertently revealed a large gold watch, 800 small movements in one minute – it’s a bit too obvious!” Others echo the sentiment with more succinct phrasing: “Zhang Weiyi remained silent, constantly flashing his large gold watch,” or “Zhang Weiyi was quiet, but couldn’t stop showing off his chunky gold watch.” The humor lies in the juxtaposition of his silence and the conspicuousness of the accessory – a silent but glittering reminder of status.

The hashtag quickly exploded beyond the simple watch gag. Many participants used the tag as a springboard for unrelated topics, ranging from career advice to personal finance. One thread, for instance, turned the discussion toward frugality, advising readers to “not squander and be generous” with their earnings. Another, more whimsical, linked the trend to actress Dong Xuan, Zhang’s wife, and her young daughter. Posts under the same hashtag quoted Dong’s daughter’s blunt answer when asked whether she wanted to debut as an actress – “no, I’m focusing on school” – and even speculated about Dong’s desire for a second child at the age of 45. A particularly tongue‑in‑cheek comment read: “Everyone on the internet is clear‑headed, only Dong Xuan is drunk. I’ve really become