Those of us living in China might have been spared the tumultuous drama that our US counterparts have experienced in 2017, but like always, the Middle Kingdom has had its own fair share of attention-grabbing headlines. From the boom of shared bikes to a presidential visit from The Donald, our team has put together a list of 2017’s most unforgettable viral stories, recounting major events that defined the worlds of sports, tech, arts, fashion and food. Here’s to another year of eclectic, weird and wonderful life in China, we wouldn’t have it any other way. 

For more, follow our full 2017 Year in Review coverage. 

A look back at some of China's most lavish purchases of 2017.

1. RMB250,000-worth of live-streaming virtual gifts

On January 30, Shanghai resident Ms. Sun discovered roughly RMB250,000 was missing from her bank account. According to her WeChat transaction record, her hard-earned money was gradually transferred to ‘Tencent’, a few thousands at a time. After being continuously questioned, her 13-year-old daughter, Sue, begrudgingly admitted she spent the money to buy gifts for a live-streaming host named Yang Guang. 

2. RMB168 individually packaged strawberries

An upscale supermarket in Hong Kong (that also has branches in Shanghai) came under fire for selling individually wrapped strawberries at HKD168 (USD22) a pop. CitySuper's Kotoka strawberries, which came "Fresh by Air From Japan" and were packaged in styrofoam, surrounded by straw and secured in a plastic-covered box, even inspired a Change.org petition.

3. Two Boeing jets purchased on Taobao for RMB320 million

You can get anything on Taobao.

4. Unfinished skyscraper, available on Taobao

You can get anything on Taobao, part two.

5. AC Milan

In April, Chinese investors Rossoneri Sport Investment Lux completed the purchase of AC Milan, in a deal that has valued the football club at over RMB5.4 billion (EUR740 million).

6. A huge teddy bear to impress a girl (which failed)

In a ploy to impress the object of his affection, a student at Hangzhou Normal University bought an eight-foot-tall teddy bear, stuffed it into the back of his Porsche and drove it to the university campus. Unfortunately, he was rejected by his crush.

7. Noodles for 5,000 people

A Guangzhou native celebrated the return of a lost engagement ring by treating 5,000 Chongqing residents to a bowl of spicy noodles.

8. Chinese Arena Football team, purchased by Stephon Marbury

Former NBA star Stephon Marbury bought China Arena Football League (CAFL) team, the Beijing Lions. In addition to owning the franchise, Marbury will now sit on the CAFL board of directors and plans to use his brand to promote the league in China.

9. Paulinho's €7.5 Million Buyout

After news broke this week of a confirmed Paulinho move to Barcelona, we thought it was safe to assume that Barca decided to bite the bullet and hand over the full EUR40 million required by Evergrande’s release clause. But new rumors claimed that a large portion of the buyout, a surprising (and possibly unprecedented) EUR7.5 million, came straight from the Brazilian himself.

10. Damai, purchased by Alibaba

Alibaba fully acquired online ticketing platform Damai in March.

Honorable Mention

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Tickets*

Victoria's Secret made history in China this year, with the grand opening of a China flagship store and its annual fashion show taking place in Shanghai for the first time ever. Though the show is typically invitation-only, one seller on Taobao advertised tickets for RMB90,000 (USD13,700).

*It's unclear if any suckers out there actually paid for these tickets (and whether or not they were event the real thing).

China's RMB1.15 Billion Weather Control System

More snow and rain coming to the Mainland? Under a new RMB1.15 billion weather alteration plan, that just might happen. The upcoming project (scheduled to be completed in three years) involves developing four new planes, eight enhanced aircrafts, 897 rocket-launching devices and a near two thousand devices used to connect digital control systems. 

For more 2017 Year in Review coverage, click here.