Chinese vloggers are taking to YouTube to ‘set the record straight’

A Chinese vlogger named Sasa Xu, based in Shenzhen, documents her daily life on YouTube, aiming to provide an authentic view of ordinary Chinese people to an overseas audience. Her video "What low-income life in China really looks like" has garnered over 470,000 views since being posted in April. Xu, 30, started her channel "Ni hao, It's Sasa" in February to counteract the one-dimensional portrayals of China often found in online media.

She posts about her everyday routines and living expenses, which have garnered more than 1.7 million views across 28 videos. Viewers have expressed amazement at the affordability of meals and the overall affordability of life in China. The vlogs, typically around 15 minutes long, emphasize an authentic perspective, with English narration or subtitles.

They have proven successful, with many reaching viral status and attracting overseas viewers curious about China's culture, safety, and frugal living. Chinese vloggers have also turned to global platforms like YouTube to supplement their income due to concerns about job security and the economy. Some vloggers, like Gangzi, have focused on specific aspects of life, such as delivering food in cities or rural life in Jiangsu province.

These vlogs have resonated with viewers worldwide, offering a more nuanced and relatable portrayal of Chinese life, challenging the often exaggerated narratives presented by Chinese state media.