Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote, a popular Chinese social media platform, is seeing a rise in its US user base as concerns grow over a potential ban of TikTok. This increased popularity has led to more cross-platform sharing of content from Rednote, including a viral video featuring a Chinese man’s honest review of India.
The video, originally posted on Rednote, was shared on X with the caption: “Chinese people on their own app, where Indian interaction is minimal, are far kinder towards India than many in the West.”
In the video, the man documents his journey through four Indian cities, where he addresses issues like litter in the streets, unpleasant smells, and unhygienic street food. However, he also praises the country’s scenic beauty, the warmth of its people, and the variety of transportation options available. He describes India as a “mysterious” place—one that may be admired by some and disliked by others—emphasizing the deep cultural and historical differences between India and China. He advises viewers not to base their opinions solely on media portrayals, encouraging an open-minded approach when visiting the country.
“Don’t think this country is just chaotic and dangerous. Don’t assume that every street will be a threat, or that everyone who approaches you has ill intentions,” he adds.
One commenter on X remarked, “Yes, many Chinese people hold the view that Indians are dirty, which is something we can’t deny. But most tourists tend to stick to Tier-1 cities and don’t bother visiting Tier-2 cities, which are much cleaner. Tier-1 cities have all kinds of people.”
Another user commented, “We don’t need approval from anyone. We know the problems we face—gender-biased laws, garbage, noise, traffic, lack of regulation from FSSAI, street touts harassing tourists, and issues with people making reels. Public spaces and transportation are overcrowded.”
A third user wrote, “This is a fair description.” The fourth user simply stated, “Very honest.” The fifth user said, “This is actually a very accurate take.”
