Digital idol Luo Tianyi performs a new song at a concert organized by Bilibili in 2016. [Photo by Lai Xinlin/Provided to China Daily]

Growing market

Following in the footsteps of trailblazing Japanese virtual idol sensation Hatsune Miku, who sings with a synthesized voice, an entire industry has sprung up and an increasing number of virtual idols, like Yi, have appeared.

According to short-video app data analysis service Caas Data, as of March 29, there were 23 such virtual accounts, each with more than 5 million fans on Douyin.

One of the most successful digital idols in China is Luo Tianyi, who was launched in 2012.

Last month, she was on the March cover of the Harper's Bazaar's e-zine Mini Bazaar. From the traditional Yellow Crane Tower to the cherry blossoms at the Wuhan University campus, Luo's pictures take readers on a tour of the capital of Hubei province, China's hardest hit city during the COVID-19 outbreak.