Screenshot showing a collection of photos posted by Chinese participants in the "Falling Stars Challenge". [Screenshot: Sina Weibo/People's Daily]
The latest online craze, "Falling Stars Challenge," has reportedly developed into a trend of showing off personal hobbies and professional talent instead of a simple wealth flaunt in China.
Originating in Russia, the #fallingstars2018 trend invites people to share their best fake fall by posting photos of themselves flat on their faces, surrounded by personal items laid out in a staged setting.
However, in China, people taking part have turned the fad into a way to tell people what they do for a living, and all the achievements they've made through the years.
The hashtag in China has gained around 2.3 billion views so far, with Chinese participants from all walks of life coming up with innovative ideas for their photo settings.
Police officers and firefighters "fall onto the ground" in front of their special vehicles, surrounded by professional gear and certificates of honor; Medical professionals, railway staff and civil servants "fall over" in the workplace, encircled by personal awards, professional books, equipment and piles of routine documents; Writers "fall" with their works, collectors "drop" their collections.
Students in various majors display what they're studying, their textbooks and more.
Fitness, make-up, photography, food, painting and many other hobbies are also being shown off in China.
