Notable Roles | - Video Blogger & Entrepreneur |
Key Recognition | - Guinness World Record for most subscribers to a Chinese-language YouTube channel |
Background and Early Foundations
Li Ziqi, born Li Jiajia, hails from the mountainous regions of Sichuan, China. Orphaned at a young age, she was raised by her grandparents, from whom she learned traditional Chinese cooking and handicrafts. At 14, she left school to work in various urban jobs, including as a waitress and DJ. In 2012, she returned to her village to care for her ailing grandmother, a move that rekindled her connection to rural life and traditional practices.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2015 | Began posting videos on Meipai, showcasing traditional Chinese crafts and cooking. |
2017 | Launched her YouTube channel, gaining international acclaim for her serene, self-produced videos. |
2018 | Established her own food brand, selling prepackaged traditional Chinese foods online. |
2021 | Achieved Guinness World Record for the most subscribers to a Chinese-language YouTube channel. |
2024 | Returned from a three-year hiatus with new content focusing on traditional Chinese lacquerware and silk weaving. |
- YouTube Subscribers: Over 23 million
- Total Video Views: 3.26 billion
- Weibo Followers: Over 26 million
- Facebook Followers: Over 5 million
- Awards: Guinness World Record for most subscribers to a Chinese-language YouTube channel
Leadership Style and Influence
Li Ziqi’s content is characterized by its tranquil, cinematic portrayal of rural Chinese life, emphasizing self-sufficiency, traditional crafts, and a harmonious relationship with nature. Her videos, often devoid of dialogue, rely on natural sounds and meticulous visuals to convey a sense of peace and nostalgia. This unique style has not only captivated a global audience but also positioned her as an unofficial cultural ambassador, promoting Chinese heritage and craftsmanship worldwide.
Legacy and Future Focus
Li Ziqi’s journey from a rural villager to a global digital icon exemplifies the power of authenticity and cultural storytelling. Her work has inspired a renewed interest in traditional Chinese crafts and rural life, both domestically and internationally. Following her return in 2024, she continues to focus on producing content that highlights China’s intangible cultural heritage, aiming to preserve and share these traditions with a broader audience.
