The abolition of footbinding in China began in 1912, following the Xinhai Revolution, as the newly formed Republic of China sought to modernize and reform societal practices. Footbinding, a centuries-old tradition associated with female beauty and marriageability, was officially banned, marking a significant shift in gender norms. This act not only aimed to improve women's rights but also symbolized broader changes in Chinese society during a time of upheaval.

The abolition of footbinding in China beginning in 1912 fueled the poetic avant-garde movements of the May Fourth Movement. Poets like Xu Zhimo and Hu Shi used their verses to advocate for women's liberation and critique traditional practices, reflecting broader societal changes.