Chongqing - Popular Chinese influencer Li Ziqi made her highly anticipated return to social media on November 12 after a three-year hiatus, capturing the attention of millions of fans worldwide. She marked the comeback with a 14-minute video showcasing the six-month process of crafting a wardrobe door for her grandmother, highlighting the art of lacquerware.

Screenshot from Li Ziqi's new video.

Li, once one of China's top influencers, is known for her serene countryside lifestyle videos that merge Chinese culinary traditions, folk art, and ancient craftsmanship. She first rose to fame with her intricate and soothing content, which blends authentic rural life with Chinese cultural heritage, making her a household name not only in China but internationally. Her work is credited with introducing millions of global viewers to Chinese traditions such as Sichuan embroidery, indigo dyeing, and lacquerware, winning her the title of "China's golden cultural ambassador."

Her return was met with an overwhelming reception on multiple platforms. Within just half an hour of uploading her video, "Li Ziqi Returns" trended at number one on Weibo, where it remains at the top, accompanied by her second video about building a forest-themed wardrobe. Li's fans quickly expressed their excitement, flooding her comment sections with messages such as, " Seeing her feels like seeing an old friend." " I feel like I'm being enveloped in a warm, comforting hug." Notably, her YouTube channel, which has surpassed 20 million subscribers, also saw a sharp rise in viewership, with nearly 15 million views for the two newly posted videos. Her loyal following has only grown despite her long absence.

The global impact of Li Ziqi

Li's influence stretches far beyond the borders of China. Her videos have reached millions of viewers in India, the United States, Europe, and beyond, with fans eagerly awaiting her return. One fan from India shared, "I opened Youtube and suddenly I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Li Ziqi, we missed you so much." Her dedication to showcasing traditional Chinese craftsmanship and rural beauty resonates with people worldwide, with many expressing a deep longing and admiration for her unique content.

Li Ziqi has over 20 million followers on YouTube. The image shows a screenshot of her YouTube homepage.

In her latest video, Li introduces viewers to the ancient art of lacquerware, a centuries-old technique that is part of China's intangible cultural heritage. She showcases the delicate process of carved lacquer with hidden flowers, a challenging skill that requires years of mastery. Despite the rigorous demands of this craft, which even caused Li's severe allergic reactions during her training, she has emerged as a true ambassador of this art form. Her perseverance in mastering lacquerware has been praised by experts, who highlight her dedication and passion for preserving Chinese culture.

A focus on intangible cultural heritage

During her three-year break, Li researched and learned more about Chinese intangible cultural heritage. Traveling to over 20 provinces and meeting with more than 100 cultural inheritors, she studied various traditional arts, including lacquer, embroidery, and other regional crafts. 

Her return to the screen represents more than just a personal comeback. Li’s return video highlights the art of lacquerware and the faces and stories of the artisans behind the craft, providing an intimate look at the passion and dedication required to preserve these ancient traditions.

Her commitment to authentic storytelling and the promotion of China’s intangible cultural heritage has struck a chord with fans, who view her as a genuine cultural ambassador. "Li Ziqi’s videos are a breath of fresh air in an internet filled with noise," one viewer commented. "Her focus on real, meaningful content makes her stand out as a creator who truly values cultural preservation."

Li’s return has already sparked widespread discussions about the future of digital content creation. In an age where online influencers often chase viral trends and quick fame, Li’s unwavering focus on quality content and cultural education offers a refreshing departure. Her story proves that content can be both deeply meaningful and widely popular, a combination that resonates with audiences and creators worldwide.