The Japanese mobile game "Travel Frog" has become a real hit in China lately, topping Apple's App Store as the most downloaded free game. Many users now sharing their experiences of the virtual green amphibian on social media. Wang Yuan explains why the game has become so popular.

This is the celebrity frog that has captured the hearts of millions of Chinese. He is a travel addict who loves adventures, and he leaves his footprints at tourist destinations all over Japan. And the role of the players of the game? To feed this frog, prepare him for long journeys, and harvest clovers that are used as currency. Apart from this, all they can do is wait patiently for their frog to start a journey or return home.

The game has only two scenes-- courtyard and home, and it is only in Japanese, which means users need to overcome a language barrier in order to raise a virtual frog. Despite all this, fans of Travel Frog say they can get loads of enjoyment without giving too much commitment. Many players say the game makes them feel like a parent waiting for their child to come home, and refer to the frog as their "frog son".

The game is also believed to reflect a "Buddhist lifestyle" and its spirit of "whatever will be, will be", because you never know when the frog will come back. Weibo user "alsta star" believes the surging popularity of the game reflects the needs of players who seek an unconventional experience. However, not everybody is drawn to the animal, as this player says he "'doesn't see the point" of raising this virtual pet. Whether you like it or not, it seems the virtual pet has hopped its way into most people's view through their social media platforms. Wang Yuan, CGTN.