Rural charms harvest online appeal

Facing challenges with shyness and camera presence, Mo Zhou overcame his inhibitions by studying other accounts, taking online courses in video production and seeking advice from others on how to authentically showcase rural life and cuisine in his videos.

As their fan base grew, they raised the bar for video quality, embracing the natural rhythm of rural life. They sourced local ingredients based on the seasons, fostering a sense of nostalgia and connection with their audience.

"I will continue to anchor myself in the countryside, utilizing my online influence to capture and share more of Guizhou's beauty, culture and culinary heritage," the man says.

Since Li Ziqi, a rural Chinese woman, became an online sensation in the late 2010s, an increasing number of rural life vloggers have put their countryside in the frame.