A peculiar trend has emerged among young people in China who are seeking stress relief – travelling to fields and livestock markets to touch the buttocks of sheep. In June, markets in northwest China’s Xinjiang were crowded with tourists eagerly waiting to engage in the unusual practice, as sheep secured with nylon ropes stood in rows waiting to be traded. As tourists walked past the animals, the sound of patting and laughter could be heard.
It transpired that many mainland social media posts have suggested visiting markets to touch sheep buttocks in Xinjiang. A tourist shared on Xiaohongshu that the animals’ rumps feel bouncy and soft, and claimed that touching them is “incredibly addictive”. In a video, a person is seen patting a sheep’s rear end and saying: “This is really stress-relieving.
” “I flew five hours to Xinjiang just to pat sheep buttocks because this experience is impossible to have in a busy city,” another person said. On Xiaohongshu, people also shared guides that detailed shepherds’ hospitality, the sheep breeds for a better touching sensation, optimal patting angles and intensity levels. One online observer, @yuyuan, suggested tourists appreciate the silent consent of sheep, which brings joy to humans: “Please pat gently,” she said.
Most shepherds seem to accept the fad, although some express mixed feelings. One said that, while he welcomed increased tourism for its economic benefits, he was concerned about excessive numbers of visi.
