Bai Lu was seen sharing a culturally intimate moment with Fan Chengcheng—6 years her junior—leaving fans questioning the nature of their relationship.
Over the past few days, a short video has taken Chinese social media by storm. It shows actress Bai Lu and idol-actor Fan Chengcheng dressed in traditional Tajik clothing in Xinjiang, engaging in what appears to be an affectionate interaction.
In the viral clip, Bai Lu gently kisses Fan Chengcheng‘s right palm. In return, Fan places his hand on her head, a gesture so tender that netizens likened the scene to a romantic drama. Though the video lasts mere seconds, it was enough to send fans into a frenzy, fueling speculations of a budding romance.
However, as the video spread rapidly, so did the questions. Was this just a cultural ritual, or a subtle display of affection between two celebrities? The natural, comfortable manner in which both stars acted only deepened the curiosity.
Cultural experts were quick to clarify. According to several cultural sites and forums, the actions seen in the video are part of a traditional Tajik greeting ritual. The kiss to the palm symbolizes respect, while the touch to the head is a gesture of goodwill and blessing. This greeting is customary in Tajik culture and not an expression of romantic interest.
For example, women may kiss the palm of men in the same generation to show respect, and men may lightly touch a woman’s head to wish peace. Other forms of greeting include three-time hand kisses between close male friends, forehead kisses for children, and more. Clearly, these are culturally ingrained gestures with no romantic implication.
Further investigation revealed that the scene was actually a behind-the-scenes moment from a filming segment of the reality show Keep Running, in which both Bai Lu and Fan Chengcheng are currently cast members. The show had an episode set in Xinjiang where the cast immersed themselves in the local culture—including learning Tajik greetings—under the supervision of the production crew.
Since joining Keep Running, Bai Lu and Fan Chengcheng have been praised for their chemistry. Bai Lu, born in 1994, is known for her cheerful and humorous personality, while Fan Chengcheng, born in 2000, is calm and reserved. Their contrasting traits have created a dynamic that fans find charming, often drawing comparisons to the popular “noona-dongsaeng” (older sister-younger brother) trope.
Visually, the duo stunned in traditional outfits, looking perfectly matched. This aesthetic harmony only added fuel to the shipping culture, with fans hoping their on-screen bond would blossom into something more—despite knowing it’s all for entertainment.
Still, many netizens took a cautious stance. Some reminded others that the Tajik greeting, while intimate by certain standards, is purely cultural and should not be misconstrued. Others pointed out that over-romanticizing such scenes could place unnecessary pressure on the stars, both of whom are currently focusing on their careers.
Notably, neither Bai Lu nor Fan Chengcheng’s agencies have commented on the video. That silence reflects the fact that the moment in question was not a scandal, but rather a misunderstood cultural exchange captured during filming.
In conclusion, while the dating rumor between Bai Lu and Fan Chengcheng was quickly debunked, the pair continues to draw attention for their delightful interactions on Keep Running. Their energy, charm, and on-screen chemistry keep fans entertained—even if romance is off the table.