Controversial online sketches purporting to illustrate the typical facial features of men from various regions of China have inadvertently triggered a passionate social media discussion, drawing in netizens from Singapore and Hong Kong this week. The stylized, vividly colored drawings, which quickly went viral, specifically ignited a firestorm of commentary centered on regional perceptions of male attractiveness, particularly after a prominent Asian newspaper highlighted the supposed unflattering representation of men from China’s Southeast region.
The contentious set of illustrations, circulating widely across platforms, provided distinct visual interpretations for men originating from China’s Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, and the Xinjiang region. The portrayal of the Southeast man in the series featured a broader, flatter nose and a more rounded, slightly prominent jawline. In stark contrast, the individuals depicted from other regions possessed features often associated with screen idols and models, including higher cheekbones, sharper noses, and clearly defined facial angles—a look frequently seen in popular Chinese drama series.
The debate quickly shifted beyond mainland China’s borders due to historical migration patterns. A significant portion of the Chinese immigrant population that settled in Singapore during the 19th and early 20th centuries traced their ancestry back to the southeastern provinces of China. Consequently, when international media published articles juxtaposing the sketch with Singaporean men, the discussion rapidly transformed into an impassioned self-defense of regional aesthetics by Singaporean netizens.
Online comments poured in, challenging the validity of applying regionally specific Chinese characteristics to Singapore’s diverse population. “These are sketches of men from China. How did Singapore, a melting pot of different races and identities, get involved in this debate?” questioned one user. Another comment adopted a more provocative stance, referencing a recent sports match: “Still sore that Hong Kong lost to Singapore in football?”
The dialogue extended to include residents of Hong Kong, some of whom rallied in support of their Singaporean counterparts. “As someone born in Hong Kong, I see more good-looking guys in Singapore than in Hong Kong,” one individual asserted, while another noted the shared genetic heritage, adding, “Come on, we are from the same genetic pool.”
However, not all feedback was defensive. The enduring nature of regional stereotypes surfaced when one user revisited a classic, derogatory local expression, asking: “Hasn’t it been well known that Singaporean men are like prawns?” This well-established local insult traditionally implies a pleasing physique but an aesthetically unappealing face.
The incident underscores the highly subjective nature of attractiveness and how easily simplified, often stereotypical visual media can amplify regional identity politics and spark spirited trans-border cultural critiques. While the original intent of the sketches remains unclear, the viral response highlights sensitivities surrounding physical appearance and representation in culturally interconnected Asian societies. Ultimately, the intense reaction serves as a contemporary example of how easily online artistic interpretations can morph into broader, identity-based socio-cultural debates.