A Chinese travel blogger, dubbed the “ambassador of freedom,” goes from working class poverty to money-making influencer with millions of followers. -- Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
SHANGHAI (SCMP): An internet-addicted, working-class teenager from a debt-ridden family in China has transformed himself into a top influencer with 25 million followers, creating a social media legend along the way.
Lan Zhanfei, 33, has been dubbed “the freest man on the internet” and “the ambassador of freedom” thanks to the huge popularity of videos of him travelling at home and abroad, The Cover reported.
On September 22, Lan was among the most searched news items in China because he said during a live-stream that he could easily earn 100 million yuan (US$14 million) a year.
Lan comes from a poor family in Luoding, Guangdong province, southern China.
The 33-year-old has gone from despair to redemption during his remarkable journey. -- Photo: HandouHis father died of a heart attack when he was at secondary school, and his mother sank into depression. He has a younger sister.
With the family heavily in debt, he thought of killing himself.
After finishing school, Lan took up a manual job at a construction site during the day and washed bowls at a restaurant in the evening.
Years later, he became a professional esports player with the help of a friend who noticed his talent for online games.
However, he quit the industry in 2014, saying the competition was too cutthroat.
He switched to game streaming and shot to fame in 2018, with his number of subscribers reaching 2 million.
In early 2023, Lan sold his luxury car, took leave and went travelling around the world.
The move was prompted by a mood change after his ex-girlfriend cheated on him.
Lan has released 300 travel videos on social media, which have received a total of 150 million likes.
A clip of a trip to the Antarctic alone was liked by 9 million internet users.
Lan Zhanfei enjoys a gondola ride. His travel exploits are legendary among his fans. -- Photo: Handout
Many people like his travel blogs for their authenticity, plain and humorous language and an ordinary person’s perspective.
Lan never hides his humble beginnings and says he was often scolded by his mother when he was young because he played games too much.
“Watching his videos, I feel like a friend is going on adventures for me,” one of Lan’s followers said.
“Thank you Brother Fei for showing us beautiful scenery around the world. I will probably not go to most of the places you have been to,” said another.
Lan’s videos are usually flooded with comments about “being free for me” by his fans.
Earlier this year, Lan disclosed that he had spent two million yuan on travelling since 2023. This triggered speculation about his net worth.
“He is dressed like a beggar. No one could imagine he is so rich, ha,” one internet user said. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
