China youth trend: ‘Brick raising’ emerges as low-cost stress relief

A new trend known as ‘brick raising’ has emerged among young people in mainland China as a low-cost method for stress relief. Participants collect discarded bricks from roadsides or demolition sites, place them in containers, and spray them with water daily to encourage the growth of moss or small grass.

Psychologists note that this seemingly trivial hobby reflects a desire for a sense of certainty and control amidst high-pressure work environments and societal uncertainty. Unlike pet ownership, which requires emotional labor and can cause anxiety, ‘raising bricks’ is viewed as a zero-energy activity that allows the brain to temporarily disconnect from daily worries.

While the trend has gained popularity on social media, some netizens have cautioned participants to ensure they do not collect bricks from historical sites or cultural relics to avoid legal repercussions.