Top Social Star Li Ziqi Breaks the Illusion and Sues Influencer Agency

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