Li Ziqi is one of the most fascinating paradoxes of modern internet culture: a woman who speaks to the world almost entirely without words. Her videos capture the imagination of millions, simply by showing life in its purest, most serene form.
Born in China, Li Ziqi grew up immersed in rural village life. Unlike typical influencers, her content doesn’t rely on loud personalities, dramatic reactions, or staged performances. Instead, it’s built on calm, patience, and a deep love for details. On camera, she never rushes. She cooks, weaves, plants crops, and even builds houses — all with such artful precision that viewers feel transported to another time, far from the rush of modern life.
What truly sets Li Ziqi apart is her ability to showcase traditional Chinese culture in a way that feels fresh and contemporary. Her videos aren’t created just to be watched; they are quiet, lived experiences captured on film. The combination of gentle music, natural sounds, and rhythmic movements creates a meditative effect, making her content appealing even to people with no prior connection to China.
Li Ziqi became a global sensation through social media platforms — especially YouTube, Weibo, and Douyin — where she amassed tens of millions of followers. Her unique visual storytelling means the language barrier doesn’t hold her back, making her one of the few internet creators whose work resonates worldwide.
After reaching the peak of her popularity, Li Ziqi took a long break from posting videos. Her last upload before the hiatus was in July 2021, a video about making salt. The pause was largely due to a legal dispute with her business partners, which temporarily halted her ability to share new content. Fans waited patiently, missing her calm, artistic approach to life and craft.
Then, in November 2024, Li Ziqi made a highly anticipated comeback. She shared a new video on Weibo and YouTube, reconnecting with her 25.49 million fans and 20.1 million subscribers. The video, titled “Carved lacquer with hidden flowers, carrying auspiciousness”, marked the return of the vlogger who had first won the hearts of millions with her intimate glimpses into rural life. In the video caption, she explained:
“This lacquer video is four years late. The Chinese pronunciation of lacquer is the same as ‘qi’. I named this lacquerware hidden flowers Zi Qi Dong Lai (the coming auspiciousness). I look back and wipe away all the sorrow. I send this wish to everyone who sees the video. I miss you very much.”
Her comeback was met with a flood of joy and excitement. Fans expressed their happiness online, with one comment reading, “When the world needed her the most, she returned. Welcome back.” Another shared, “Tears of so many emotions are flowing. I am so glad to see you back on YouTube.”
Even after her return, Li Ziqi continues to post videos selectively, focusing on projects that require meticulous preparation, rather than frequent uploads. Her work is a testament to the idea that simplicity can be powerful, and that careful, thoughtful storytelling can speak louder than constant activity. In a world full of noise, her gentle whispers still reach far and wide.