Li Ziqi(李子柒), the beloved Chinese content creator known for her serene rural lifestyle videos, made a stunning return to the internet on November 12th. After more than three years of hiatus, she posted her first video showcasing the art of traditional Chinese lacquerware. The video quickly garnered over 100 million views and sparked widespread discussions across social media. Li Ziqi’s unique presentation of Eastern culture, natural beauty, and tranquil way of life turned her return into a cultural event. Her works not only represent traditional Chinese craftsmanship but also serve as a celebration of Chinese culture. In this sense, SinoCultural shares Li Ziqi's philosophy—we aim to spread the profound cultural richness and craftsmanship of China through our products.
Lacquerware(Chinese Qīqì) : A Beautiful Return
Li Ziqi’s first video after her break centers around lacquerware(Chinese Qīqì) a centuries-old Chinese craft. In the video, she takes viewers through the intricate process of making a lacquered wardrobe, decorated with a golden qilin motif, symbolizing good fortune and longevity. The video captures every step of the lacquerware-making process—from sanding and applying lacquer to the final gold leaf embellishments—highlighting the unique aesthetic and craftsmanship behind this art.
Li Ziqi shared on her social media that this lacquerware video was delayed for four years, and she named the lacquer piece “Zi Qi Dong Lai” (紫气东来, meaning "Purple Qi Comes from the East"). She mentioned that this piece was made as a gift for her grandmother, and she wanted to send her best wishes to all viewers of the video: "May the qilin turn back, and all troubles fade away."
Just like Li Ziqi’s dedication to preserving traditional crafts, SinoCultural is committed to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of China through our curated products. Our mission is to bring together ancient Chinese art forms and modern design, creating unique pieces that blend tradition with innovation.
The Hardships of Learning Lacquer Art
Li Ziqi’s journey into the world of lacquerware((Chinese Qīqì) has intrigued many viewers. According to the Chengdu Lacquerware Craft Factory, Li Ziqi faced numerous challenges in learning this craft, even experiencing severe allergic reactions. But her incredible perseverance and commitment impressed her instructors and peers. The head of the Chengdu Lacquerware Craft Factory shared, "Lacquerwork is extremely tough, and at first, I thought Li Ziqi would give up. But her dedication and hard work really moved me."
Similarly, at SinoCultural, we understand that every masterpiece comes with its own set of challenges. Our designers and artisans put in the effort to perfect each piece, combining craftsmanship with cultural significance, to ensure that every item we offer tells a story.
What Has Li Ziqi Been Up to During Her Hiatus?
In an interview, Li Ziqi mentioned that over the past three years, she had more time to rest and spend with her grandmother. She also visited over 20 provinces and cities in China, meeting with more than 100 representatives of intangible cultural heritage and cultural workers. Through these visits, she not only learned about their skills but also listened to their stories.
At SinoCultural, we also focus on connecting with artisans and cultural workers from various regions. By fostering collaboration across cultures and regions, we aim to integrate traditional Chinese craftsmanship into modern living while preserving the cultural values they embody. Each product we create is a step towards blending the past with the future, and we are continuously working on curating experiences that highlight the beauty of Chinese culture.
Li Ziqi’s Global Influence
Since 2015, Li Ziqi has captured the public's attention through her videos, which showcase a variety of traditional Chinese arts—from Sichuan embroidery to lacquerware, from Chinese cuisine to daily life in the countryside. Her unique, healing aesthetic and deep cultural roots quickly helped her amass tens of millions of followers, making her one of the most influential ambassadors of Chinese culture.
Li Ziqi’s impact is not limited to China; she has a vast global following, becoming a "world-class cultural ambassador" for China. In February 2021, Li Ziqi set a Guinness World Record for the “Most Subscribed Chinese YouTube Channel” with over 14.1 million subscribers.
Recent data shows that in the past three years, Li Ziqi’s overseas platforms gained an additional 5 million followers. Her videos offer a direct cultural experience, enabling audiences from various backgrounds to appreciate the beauty of Chinese culture. Viewers worldwide not only learn the skills she demonstrates but also gain a deeper understanding of the heritage and philosophy behind them. Li Ziqi’s content serves as a bridge across cultures, helping viewers of different languages and backgrounds appreciate the richness of Chinese culture.
Why Is Li Ziqi So Popular?
What draws people to Li Ziqi is not just her skills but the lifestyle she presents. In a world full of noise and fast-paced living, Li Ziqi’s videos offer a moment of peace and introspection. Her followers, especially international viewers, are drawn to her serene and simple lifestyle, as well as her tranquil attitude toward life.
Just as SinoCultural believes in the importance of returning to authenticity, simplicity, and meaning in life, Li Ziqi’s videos embody this very idea. Every product we create at SinoCultural is inspired by the philosophy of “blending tradition with modernity.” We aim to bring people moments of serenity and beauty, just like the peaceful landscapes and life depicted in Li Ziqi’s work.
As one netizen put it, “Every frame is a reflection of her love for life.” This is precisely Li Ziqi’s appeal—she tells the most “Chinese” stories of rural life in the most poetic and calming way, and it is this authenticity that has made her beloved by millions worldwide.
The Future of Li Ziqi’s Creations and SinoCultural’s Vision
Li Ziqi’s return marks not only her personal revival but also a reaffirmation of her mission: to share traditional Chinese culture with the world in her unique way. Fans eagerly await more of her works, which will likely cover a broader range of Chinese arts and crafts.
SinoCultural shares Li Ziqi’s vision in bringing Chinese traditional culture to the global stage. Through every product we create, we aim to showcase China’s rich cultural heritage while adapting it to modern lifestyles. Like Li Ziqi, we believe in preserving the essence of Chinese arts while making it accessible and relevant to today’s world.
Li Ziqi’s videos are not just a showcase of her skills—they are a deep expression of her love for life, culture, and nature. She teaches us that life is not just about what we do, but how we do it. Through her works, she has shown us that we can all lead a more meaningful life by connecting to nature, embracing tradition, and cultivating patience.
As Li Ziqi continues to share her creative journey with us, we at SinoCultural are excited to also contribute to the global conversation about China’s rich cultural legacy. Through our products and cultural experiences, we hope to provide more people with an opportunity to connect with China’s timeless beauty and craftsmanship, just as Li Ziqi’s videos have done.
