China twin hides sister’s death for five years by posing as her to avoid family heartbreak

A twin sister in China who posed as her dead sibling for five years to spare the feelings of her elderly family members has divided opinion online. - Photo: SCMP composite/TikTok

BEIJING (SCMP): A Chinese Canadian lifestyle influencer has told of her attempt to hide the death of her twin sister from her elderly family for five years, sparking disbelief from international online observers but understanding from people in China.

Annie Niu, a key opinion leader with 200,000 followers, recently posted a video saying she just revealed to her family in China that her identical twin sister, whose name she did not disclose, died from viral meningitis five years ago.