A file photo of Chinese vlogger Li Ziqi /IC
Renowned Chinese vlogger Li Ziqi has returned after a three-year break, sparking widespread online excitement.
Li shared two videos Tuesday afternoon across Chinese and international social media platforms. The first video showcases her months of meticulous work restoring her grandmother's wardrobe using traditional Chinese lacquerware techniques, a skill designated as intangible cultural heritage. In the second video, she transforms a woodshed into a charming woodland cloakroom.
A screenshot of Li Ziqi's new lacquer-themed video on YouTube /CGTN
Li's comeback quickly became a top trending topic online. By Wednesday morning, her lacquerware video had already amassed 120 million views on Sina Weibo and more than 4 million views on YouTube.
Fans worldwide celebrated her return with enthusiasm, many saying that they had eagerly awaited her for three years, with some admitting they even cried with joy.
Screenshots of fans' comments under Li Ziqi's new lacquer-themed video on YouTube /CGTN
Since 2015, Li Ziqi has gained widespread fame through short videos depicting rural life, traditional food preparation, and cultural practices like embroidery and dyeing. Her serene portrayals of village life and warm interactions with her grandmother have earned her a large following. In February 2021, she set a Guinness World Record for the "most-subscribed Chinese-language channel on YouTube" with 14.1 million subscribers.
A screenshot of Li Ziqi's new woodland cloakroom video on YouTube. /CGTN
Even during her absence, her fan base grew, with many followers asking for her return. She now has a remarkable 20.1 million subscribers on YouTube.