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Yating Yang

Bundles of wheatgrass US rapper Kanye West stood on during his concert in China have gone on sale online for 300 yuan (US$43) each.
West, who is also a music producer with 24 Grammy Awards to his name, is extremely popular in China where fans affectionately call him “Uncle Kan”.
His relationships, with ex-wife Kim Kardashian and current spouse Bianca Censori, as well as their bold fashion choices, regularly trend on mainland social media.
Years ago, he collaborated with Adidas to design the Yeezy training shoes, sparking a fashion craze and making them highly sought after in China.
In early September, West’s concert in Haikou in the southern island province of Hainan was announced on Instagram and took the internet by storm.
Within just three minutes, 30,000 tickets were sold out, leaving 225,000 people on a waiting list.

It was Kanye’s first performance in China in 16 years.
The celebrity’s deep connection with China dates back to 1987 when, at the age of 10, he moved to Nanjing in the eastern province of Jiangsu with his mother, Donda West, a university professor participating in an exchange programme.
There, West went to primary school, where he learned martial arts, how to use chopsticks, and even once break-danced for his classmates, earning him a lamb skewer in return.
In 2021, during the Covid-19 pandemic, West advocated for China during an interview with The Wall Street Journal.
“ I love China. It’s not China’s fault that disease. It’s not the Chinese people’s fault. They’re God’s people also. I love China. It changed my life. It changed my perspective, it gave me such a wide perspective,” he said.
When news of his upcoming concert in China broke, a fan jokingly said: “This excellent young student from Nanjing returns to his motherland after studying in the US.”
Another person said: “I can’t go to the concert, but I support the legendary Nanjing elementary school student Kanye West.”
On September 15, West performed at Haikou Wuyuanhe Stadium in a wheat-filled arena before a huge crowd.
The event was such a hit that local tourism officials announced an additional show on September 28, the tickets for which quickly sold out.
Shortly after the concert, listings for “wheat stepped on by Kanye” appeared on Xianyu, a major second-hand platform in China owned by Alibaba, which also owns the South China Morning Post, with prices ranging from 49 to 300 yuan (US$7 to US$43).
One seller advertised: “This straw was pulled from Kanye’s path as he walked from the entrance to the top of the wheat hill. I can provide photos and videos as proof.”

Another said: “Kanye-stepped-on wheat, only one bundle left. One bundle for 300 yuan, or available by stalk. The second show is coming soon, bring this with you and you’ll be the coolest guy there.”
On September 20, a member of staff from the concert venue told Zhengzai News that the wheat used at the event was actually plastic and had been spray-painted to appear real.
The listings shocked many and triggered a heated discussion on mainland social media.
One person said: “Oh my god, Kanye’s not stepping on wheat, he’s stepping on cash!”
“I can even imagine people waiting outside the restroom for Kanye, selling used tissue paper as collectibles,” quipped another.
A third person added: “How much alcohol do they have to drink to get dizzy enough to buy this wheat?”


Wheatgrass stood on by US rapper Kayne West at China concert sells for US$43 post-event

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Millions revel in China comeback of pop icon Wang Leehom, dive queen Quan Hongchan joins fun

China boarding school criticised for harsh punishment of pupil for using toilet late at night

Trending in China

Wheatgrass stepped on by US rapper Kayne West at his recent concerts in China is selling online for US$43 a bundle. Photo: SCMP composite/Taobao/AP/threads.net

The US rapper stood among wheatgrass when he appeared on stage in China. Photo: Weibo

The stage grass stepped on by West is selling for a range of prices on mainland social media. Photo: Weibo

Japan ‘abuse café’ offers customers ultra-humiliation sparks lively social media debate

A popular restaurant in Japan where customers are ritually humiliated by staff has sparked a lively discussion on social media. Photo: SCMP composite/X.com

A male customer is abused and humiliated on stage by a member of the restaurant staff. Photo: X

Customers can book in advance to enjoy such services as being spanked with a slipper. Photo: X

China model Ye Ke is in the media spotlight as the new partner of Angelababy’s ex-husband. Photo: SCMP composite/Xiaohongshu

Speculation about Ye Ke’s links to Huang has set mainland social media on fire. Photo: Douyin

After graduating from university with a major in broadcasting, Ye’s first job was as a presenter at a radio station in Shenzhen. Photo: Douyin

Millions of fans worldwide celebrated Wang Leehom’s comeback performance at a recent major event in Macau. 
Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo


Wang Leehom said he will remember his comeback performance for the rest of his life. Photo: Weibo

Wang was joined backstage by delighted Olympic diving queen Quan Hongchan. Photo: Sohu

A galaxy of sport and entertainment stars attended the Macau mega concert. Photo: Sohu

5 million watch clip of Chinese teen viciously attacking mum for refusing to give him cash

A teenage boy in eastern China was caught on video assaulting his mother, shocking the 5 million viewers who have watched the footage. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin


The video clip captured the boy chasing and kicking his middle-aged mother while shouting profanities. Photo: Douyin

It took several security guards from the residential compound to subdue the teenage boy. Photo: Douyin

A boarding school in China faced criticism for severely disciplining a student who used the toilet after curfew. 
Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock

An anonymous teacher disclosed that students faced strict prohibitions on wandering around the dormitory after 10.45pm. Photo: Shutterstock

Some critics argued that the prohibition on using the restroom after curfew made the school resemble a prison. Photo: Shutterstock 

News

People & Culture

Chinese fans of US star snap up unusual souvenirs after his two sold-out concerts


Chinese fans of US star snap up unusual souvenirs after his two sold-out concerts.
