China’s most prominent cultural vlogger, Li Ziqi, hasn’t posted on her channels in months. Is this the end of her idyllic videos?
What happened: In 2015, Li Jiajia, now known as “Li Ziqi,” started making videos of her tranquil life in southwest China’s north-central Sichuan province. These mesmerizing countryside films, along with a soundtrack of tranquil flute music, painted the picture of a more traditional way of living.
Then, in 2016, a short video called “Lanzhou beef noodle” shot her to fame. Viewers were now treated to regular doses of idyllic scenes in which the young vlogger cooked elaborate-yet-provincial meals made from her own hand-picked vegetables. She posted scenery with hatched ducklings, crafted bamboo furniture, and even dyed clothing with fruit skins.
But three months ago, the 30-year-old star ceased posting on platforms and has now filed a suit against her agency, Weinian, an influencer company based in Hangzhou that owns her image.
The Jing Take: Li appeared to live the new Chinese dream, far from the demanding 966 schedule that stresses many Chinese youths today. Her peaceful posts captured a nation’s imagination: She amassed impressive followings on Weibo (more than 27 million fans) and Douyin (55 million watchers). Meanwhile her soft power potential caught the eye of Beijing too, who lauded as a role model for Chinese Youth, while The People’s Daily gave her its “People’s Choice” award in 2019. Continue to read the full article here
