Visiting Animal Farm to 'Pat Pat' Sheep Butts... Chinese MZ Generation Says "It Relieves Stress"

Trend of Experiencing Tied Sheep Buttocks Touching

A unique trend of touching sheep's buttocks to relieve stress is spreading among young people in China.

Flying 5 Hours to Touch Sheep's Buttocks... A Stress Relief Trend Among Chinese Youth

Sheep. [Image source=Pixabay]

On the 29th of last month, the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that at a market in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China, sheep tied with ropes were lined up, and tourists gathered nearby. The tourists stroked the sheep's buttocks as they passed by. On Chinese social networking services (SNS), posts encouraging visits to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region market to touch sheep's buttocks can be found. Tourists who have touched the sheep's buttocks left reviews such as "the buttocks are soft," "it's addictive," "it makes me feel calm," and "it relieves stress." As the trend spread, some people flew five hours from distant cities to Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"Lack of Respect for Animals" vs. "Stress Relief Without Constraints" - Heated Debate in China... Including Hygiene Concerns

A Chinese person touching a sheep's buttocks. [Image source=Weibo capture]

Professor Zhang Yong, a psychologist at Wuhan University of Science and Technology in China, explained this phenomenon by saying, "Young people are trying to break free from the constraints of daily life through unconventional means." However, he added, "Blindly following trends is not desirable," pointing out that "such behavior reveals a lack of respect for animals." A shepherd managing the sheep also criticized, "If too many people touch the sheep's buttocks, it can cause depression in the animals," and said, "People are not paying attention to the sheep and are only interested in relieving their own stress."

This trend can be harmful not only to sheep but also to people. One tourist reported experiencing diarrhea and vomiting after touching a sheep's buttocks. Since sheep pens are scattered with feces and other waste, there is a risk of infectious diseases caused by bacteria.

The 'touching sheep's buttocks' trend has sparked debate even within China. Those positive about the trend responded with comments like "It's interesting that just touching sheep's buttocks can relieve stress," and "It's a beneficial way to relax." However, other netizens pointed out, "The sheep are pitiful," and "It could lead to animal abuse." Another netizen tried to mediate by saying, "It's hard for a trend that has already spread to disappear," and "I hope the number of people touching the sheep each day is limited so the sheep do not get too exhausted."

Extreme Stress Among Youth... Unique Stress Relief Methods Like 'Tree Hugging' Actively Shared

This is not the first time unique healing methods of Chinese youth have been introduced. In September last year, a 'tree hugging' craze swept among Chinese youth. Tree hugging, as the name suggests, involves hugging trees, and some netizens shared photos of themselves hugging trees on SNS. Young people who received 'tree therapy' claimed that this act helped relieve stress. Their stress is known to stem from intense pressure related to studies and work.

In June last year, the youth unemployment rate surpassed 20%, reaching an all-time high, and from July, statistical announcements were halted. Chinese youth are reportedly exposed to harsh competition to secure limited jobs. As a result, a phenomenon called the 'Tangping (??平)' syndrome emerged, where some gave up job hunting altogether or survived only on short-term part-time jobs. Tangping means 'lying down comfortably,' referring to avoiding active work and consumption while maintaining only minimal livelihood activities.