Although COVID and China’s strict pandemic mechanisms have seen a lot of foreigners leave China, there are still a healthy number of Vloggers cataloguing their time in China. Some are pro-China, some not so pro-China, and some maintain a non-political stance. It’s wise to read learn far and wide, feel out the middle ground, and ultimately, to form your own opinions. But above all, enjoy your time in China with the superb Chinese people.
This short guide provides a short review of 10 currently active Chinese-orientated vloggers. They are either in China right now or have spent considerable time living and working in China. Therefore, the content creators do not necessarily represent this author’s opinions and they have been included in the hope of providing you with a varied, fair and open insight into China.
Cyrus spent a long time in China. He’s an American, married to a Chinese woman who provides a very well-thought-out and fair counterargument to a lot of common western thoughts and opinions on China.
This channel follows the day-to-day thoughts and musings of an American English teacher and her partner, Peter. Their production ethics and musical tastes are very “punk”, and the juxtaposition between this and the fact they are living harmoniously in a police state makes for even more immersive viewing.
Kirk is a likeable “Canadain” (sic) who lives with his Chinese wife between Nanning, China and Canada. His day-to-day vlogs of Chinese life are simple, captivating and enjoyable. Additionally, he often veers towards opinion pieces that are pro-China and somewhat anti-America. They rarely take the middle ground and are often belligerent with a lack of supportive references.
Katherine’s Journey to the East
This channel sees Chinese-educated and self-taught Mandarin-speaking America, Katherine, fearlessly and amiably explore China. Locations and activities that take place include cities and areas of interest far and wide across China, often with her Chinese partner, Wei.
Living in China
Jason hails from England and resides in Guizhou province with his Chinese partner and their son. We are often treated to fresh, awe-inspiring insights into Chinese culture and technological developments. On the other hand, a large number of videos pitch Chinese developments against western failings; videos that attract unpleasant comments from largely and ironically Chinese-based YouTubers, serving to further fuel any fires and discredit any rational argument or conversation that Jason insights.
mikeinchina
A fly-on-the-wall vlog from Mike: a guy professional working in Beijing. With some 16 years of experience living and working in China, Mike imparts valuable, real-life insight and advice. In fact, in his 16 years, there’s not much that Mike hasn’t had to adapt to or contend with. Invaluable Chinese advice.
Nathan’s channel brings us a refreshing viewpoint on China, often presenting a counterargument to some of the negative opinions towards China that some people might hold. Nathan is wholeheartedly a supporter of the Communist Chinese system and supports CCP rhetoric to the very word. He has even produced videos that attack other YouTubers who critique China. The pro-Chinese nature of his content, however, is ironically marred by the numerous mainland-Chinese YouTube accounts that leave less-than-constructive comments of support for the CCP and criticisms of anyone who vocalises a critical mindset towards anything Chinese.
Reportify showcases the best of China’s development, and achievements, looking at cities, transport, business and more. All of this is often supported by high-quality drone footage, stylish cinematography and capable editing, resulting in a sleek, digestible slice of modern life in China.
marcopolis
Although not as established as some other YouTubers, German-working-in-Chengdu, Marc, uses his impeccable English and unparalleled experience of running a business in China to provide us with amusing, useful insights into living in China.
The China Show
What list of Chinese vloggers would be complete without mentioning SerpentZA, A.K.A. Winston Sterzel: the original China Vlogger? Together with his long-term buddy from his days in China, American Matthew Tye A.KA. Laowhy86, The China Show podcast is a frank and often satirical look at Chinese political culture. Their additional channel, Chinese Fact Chasers, is even more analytics and ruthlessly critical of the CPC.