Chinese Anthropologist's Unlikely Guide to Anxiety: 'People Need an Anchor in Their Life'

Professor Biao Xiang, a 54-year-old anthropologist, has become an unlikely guide for an increasingly disillusioned generation of young Chinese people. With his candid lectures on anxiety and how to navigate it, Xiang has captured the hearts of thousands, including 23-year-old Zihan Han, who describes him as "A star sent from the heavens,".

Xiang's message resonates deeply with young people who are struggling to find meaning in a rapidly changing country. "People need an anchor in their life. And his words make us feel there is someone that gets me."

Experts point to the property market and education system as key drivers of anxiety among Chinese families. The government's reliance on land sales has created a boom that inextricably links family identity to property value. This sparks concerns about security and success.

Meanwhile, a surge in university admissions has raised expectations and intensified competition.

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"When 1.4 billion people are all in the same race, that is involution."

Xiang contends that individuals are disproportionately fixated on their immediate surroundings and distant horizons. Meanwhile, the proximal realm – the space in between – often goes unacknowledged, leading to a sense of disconnection.

This sentiment is echoed by Zihan Han, who attended one of Xiang's lectures in Singapore. "He consistently views issues from the perspective of the vulnerable, attributes personal stress to macro-level causes, and encourages people to actively engage with life - it's truly wonderful."

Xiang's message is one of hope and empowerment. "If someone calls me an influencer I'll take it as a compliment. Because the real influence I can have is to make people think for themselves."

With his unique perspective and approach, Xiang is helping to address the anxiety and disillusionment that is sweeping through China's youth. As he puts it, "The transition from school to the real world brings a lot of uncertainty now, and people often feel anxious because they don't know how to face it,".

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Xiang's work is not without controversy. Some of his peers have criticized his methods, but he remains undeterred. "He never spouts empty, feel-good platitudes; instead, he crouches down to face real-life dilemmas alongside us."

Xiang'It's journey began in 1972, when he came of age during another turning point in China's history. He has since become a prominent voice on social change and has written extensively on the topic.

Today, Xiang is the director of the Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology. There, he studies social change in China and other parts of Asia.