The rise of the 'zhongnu,' a hot topic for Women's Day

March seems like a month for female topics. A recent podcast live event titled "It's Okay, Every Step is Worth It" has sparked a significant conversation on social media, centering around the concept of "zhongnu." This term, which translates to "middle woman," refers to women who have surpassed the socially conventional marriage age yet remain unmarried, often characterized by their financial independence.

Since the end of 2024, "zhongnu" has become a buzzword in China, capturing the attention of women and reshaping societal narratives. It is more pertinent ahead of International Women's Day, which falls on March 8.

In Xiaolu's view, life's twists and turns are unique opportunities. "Breaking down and rebuilding can lead to new paths," she asserts in the interview after show, encouraging women to maintain ambition and passion.

She reflects, "I don't think the concept of 'zhongnu' should be limited to ages 30 to 50. Even as we reach our 50s and 60s, I hope we continue learning and progressing, never settling into the idea of being 'old'."

This sentiment is echoed by Yang Tianzhen, who was once one of China's most renowned talent agents, a trailblazer in plus-size fashion. She has since transformed into a female opinion leader with over 2 million followers.

Yang emphasizes embracing imperfections. "Even if things don't work out, it's okay. Believe you're worthy of good things." At 40, she's set to further her studies at the University of Southern California, urging women to defy age stereotypes.

Director Teng Congcong, known for her film "My Altay," also participated in the podcast event. Her previous work, "Send Me to the Clouds," was labeled feminist, yet Teng admits she initially harbored some internalized misogyny. Her latest film reflects a more relaxed, genuine expression.

"True courage is facing yourself and your life," Teng remarks in the interview, highlighting a shift from seeking validation to embracing authenticity.

This evolving narrative is mirrored in Chinese media, where recent highly-rated films like "Her Story‌" and Chinese TV series "Flourished Peony" feature complex female characters. No longer confined to traditional roles or simplistic "strong female leads", these women are resilient, multidimensional, and powerful.

Simultaneously, comedian Xiaolu's stand-up show "My Zhongnu Era" has taken the entertainment world by storm.

Born in 1991 in a small village in Xuanwei, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Xiaolu might have been a lawyer if not for her passion for stand-up comedy. Her interest was piqued during college after watching a popular American talk show with a woman hostess, prompting her to take a 40-hour train ride to Beijing to pursue comedy.

Now, a decade into her career, Xiaolu delves into the growth, challenges, and breakthroughs of women over 30, resonating deeply with audiences. "Writing jokes is a natural process," she explains in the show. "I just express my experiences comically."

Her work has struck a chord, empowering women to face similar situations with newfound positivity.

With over 1.06 million followers on microblogging site Weibo, Xiaolu's tour will soon reach cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, and even international destinations such as Singapore and Sydney.