Chinese social media users embrace Kris Jenner as symbol of wealth and fortune

Thousands of Chinese social media users have replaced their profile photographs with images of US celebrity Kris Jenner in a viral trend that reflects both admiration for the American businesswoman's financial success and deeper cultural shifts in how Western celebrities are perceived in China.

The phenomenon, which gained momentum over the past weekend on platforms including RedNote and Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), sees users hoping the profile changes will bring them good fortune and personal success. Jenner, the matriarch and "momager" of the Kardashian family, enjoys cult status in China where she is affectionately nicknamed the "Queen Mother" for her shrewd business acumen and family management.

From celebrity endorsement to cultural icon

The trend speaks to something more significant than simple celebrity fandom, according to cultural observers. Participants report they are drawn to Jenner's wealth and business success, seeing the profile photo change as a charm or talisman that might transfer her prosperity to their own endeavours.

A 22-year-old user from Guangdong province, who identified herself only as Skye, told the ABC she had changed her profile picture using an AI-generated avatar of Jenner, hoping it would improve her gym training results. "People admire her wealth," she said, describing the trend as "just looking for good luck".

The trend represents a process of "sinicisation" in which Jenner is becoming a "Chinese cultural icon" rather than simply a foreign celebrity.

Cultural adaptation and meaning-making

Experts note that the phenomenon represents more than Western cultural export. Instead, it reflects how Chinese internet users actively adapt and reshape foreign cultural references to suit their own social and spiritual contexts.

The use of AI-generated images of Jenner—rather than authentic photographs—further complicates the trend, suggesting users are creating localised versions of the celebrity that blend Western celebrity culture with Chinese aesthetic preferences and digital practices.

Implications for celebrity culture in Asia

The viral adoption of Jenner's image underscores the significant influence of Western celebrities in Chinese social media ecosystems, despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny of foreign content. It also demonstrates how digital platforms enable rapid, organic cultural movements that can reach millions within days.

The trend arrives amid broader conversations about Western influence on Chinese youth culture and the role of social media in shaping consumer aspirations and lifestyle choices across Asia-Pacific markets.

Originally reported by ABC News