History Fangirls: China’s Youth Are “Simping” Over Centuries-Old Historical Figures, One Grave at a Time

From painkillers to love letters, Chinese youth are expressing their unconventional admiration for centuries-old historical figures by leaving modern, sometimes wild, offerings at their graves. Driving the trend is China’s niche but growing fandom: “history fangirls,” or 史同女, who dig through dry historical texts to unearth obscure details, personal quirks, and even hints of bromances, breathing new life into ancient legends.