Ailin Xu















                                                         
  






Hitchhiking culture, a rising social trend among young Chinese, has become a buzzword through social media. It has sparked discussions and controversies, with instances of exploiting these vague relationships for economic gains, as well as cases of deception under this pretext.

Echoes of Ephemera is a VR narrative experience inspired by the burgeoning trend of Hitchhiking Culture in contemporary China. This immersive journey explores three distinct scenes—'Ethereal Feasts', 'Companion Conveyor', and 'Desolation Mound'. Participants step into the role of a companion, experiencing the process of being utilized and discarded. This poignant exploration prompts reflection on redefining emotional connections in a society valuing efficiency.