Puppy love

Maia, a high school student from a small town in Tigre, Argentina, became attracted to Chinese culture after she began sharing stories on her dog Uma.

What began as simple pet updates on RedNote gradually blossomed into a deeper cultural exchange.

Her loyal German shepherd meets her at the door every day after school. For Maia, the dog is an emotional anchor and a source of calm during moments of teenage uncertainty. "She changed the darkness inside of me to happiness," Maia said.

However, she did not expect to connect with "so many kind and supportive Chinese users". RedNote quickly became a space where she could share her life journey and feelings as part of a big community. She is often surprised by the "warm, thoughtful responses" she gets from Chinese users.

"We often talk about cultural differences, pets, school life, and food. l love it when people ask about Argentina, and l enjoy learning about their lives in return," said Maia. "These exchanges feel like a window into each other's world."

She said she loves the elegance and beauty of traditional Chinese culture, especially the language and music. "I'm also fascinated by Chinese fashion. I love your traditional clothing and lifestyle," she said.

In her posts, she has scribbled the RedNote logo in Chinese across her arm with a marker and showcased her multilingual skills by switching easily between Spanish, Chinese, English, and Portuguese. Maia has introduced Chinese users to the flavors of Argentine biscuits and the breathtaking scenery of her homeland. She has shared Spanish pop songs, inviting others into her world.

In the comments section, people of different nationalities, ages, and family backgrounds exchange stories and different perspectives on life.

"Pets, food, and music are universal," Maia said. "When we share these parts of life sincerely, we discover how similar we are, and real friendships can grow from that into amazing relationships."