A Chinese scholar and public intellectual known as Xiang is gaining attention among young people by offering new ways to explain the social and economic pressures many feel in modern China.
One of his most widely discussed concepts is “floating”, a term he uses to describe people who work continuously just to maintain their current position in life. Xiang compares them to hummingbirds that must keep flapping their wings simply to stay in place. The idea has resonated with many young professionals who feel they are working harder than ever while struggling to achieve long-term stability.
Another concept he promotes is “the nearby.” Xiang argues that people tend to focus either on themselves and their immediate concerns or on major global issues, while neglecting the community, relationships, and social connections that exist in between. According to him, this loss of connection contributes to feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction.
Analysts note that concerns about employment have become increasingly common among young Chinese workers. Many express frustration over long working hours, workplace pressures, and uncertainty about future career prospects. There are also concerns about age-related hiring practices, often referred to as the “curse of 35,” reflecting perceptions that employment opportunities become more limited as workers get older.
Xiang argues that the traditional belief that hard work automatically leads to stable employment and upward mobility no longer feels certain to many young people. As a result, he says they are searching for a new narrative that can help explain their experiences and provide a sense of purpose in a changing society.
For many of his followers, his ideas offer a framework for understanding the challenges of modern life while emphasizing the importance of community, connection, and active participation in society.
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