Amid the ongoing “China travel” craze, Senegalese-Italian influencer Khaby Lame arrived in Beijing on September 9th. He is best known for his silent reactions to complicated life hacks. Those clips earned him the nickname “speechless brother.”
Lame headed to Tianjin on 10th. Then, on 14th, he will visit Chongqing. After that, he will travel to Guangzhou on 17th to experience intangible cultural heritage. China’s short video platform Kuaishou revealed the plan in a livestream.
“I can’t wait to come to China. It’s gonna be an amazing trip,” Lame said in a video on 8th. He added that he looks forward to learning about Chinese culture and history. He has a special interest in kung fu. Moreover, he wants to try local food. “I’ve never been there — it’s gonna be my first time,” he said.
Experts see global influencers like Lame as valuable bridges. Zheng Huanzhao, vice-president of Jinan University’s Chinese Language and Literature Department, explained that their “credibility” and “charm” help connect with worldwide audiences. When travelling, they often look for fresh and creative ways to share their experiences. Thus, they highlight new perspectives that local voices may overlook.
Earlier this year, U.S. internet celebrity Darren Watkins Jr, better known as IShowSpeed, took a marathon livestreaming tour across China. He visited Shanghai’s neon-lit skyline, the Great Wall, and the Shaolin Temple. He also explored Chinese medicine in Chengdu and admired Chongqing’s cyberpunk views. Through his streams, tens of millions of fans discovered China’s wonders.
“His interactions with Chinese fans boosted curiosity and closeness to China,” said Lin Chuxia, head of global marketing for 88 Rising. “He bridged cultural gaps. Even without speaking Chinese, he enjoyed the culture in his own way. As a result, many viewers began to feel China isn’t so distant anymore.”
Meanwhile, visa-free policies continue to fuel the travel boom. According to China’s National Immigration Administration, 76 countries now enjoy unilateral or mutual visa-free entry. Transit exemptions have also expanded to 55 countries. In the first half of 2025, 13.64 million travelers entered China visa-free. That marked a 53.9 percent year-on-year increase, Xinhua News Agency reported.
In addition, influencers tend to explore distinctive cities beyond Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. They often seek unique experiences that stand out. Compared with traditional promotions, their stories resonate more with young audiences. “Their perspectives can achieve greater reach and engagement,” said Zhang Lingyun, professor and executive editor-in-chief of Tourism Tribune.
Through these trips, international influencers show overseas audiences a more authentic side of China. As a result, cultural differences appear not as barriers, but as sources of fascination.
Written by Yi Shen, additional reporting by Global Times and China Daily.
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