Chinese state media joins rural life blogger Li Ziqi’s millions of followers

YouTube star from Sichuan whose videos pull in tens of millions of hits does better job of promoting China than Confucius Institute, fans say. CCTV says Li does not need translator to get Chinese story across to international audience. — SCMP

A woman from southwestern China whose YouTube video channel celebrating rural life is followed by nearly 7.5 million people has been hailed by state media for her role in promoting Chinese culture.

Li Ziqi, 29, from Pingwu in Sichuan province, started her video blogs on traditional food and crafts three years ago after giving up city life to return to the village where she was raised by her grandparents.