Ryan Norman, an American vlogger who has called Rizhao, a city in east China’s Shandong Province, home for 18 years, has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with his immersive content about rural life in the region. Through his videos, Norman showcases local traditions, from attending lively fairs to making traditional dumplings and managing a bed-and-breakfast.
Norman’s journey to China began in 2006, shortly after his university graduation. Originally from the U.S., he moved to China to work in foreign trade. Having visited more than 50 countries, he decided to stay in China, drawn by the comfort of its culture and the country’s continuous ability to surprise him. A year after arriving, Norman founded a foreign trade company and later started a factory. Eager to better connect with local communities, he dedicated himself to learning Chinese and was conversant within a year.
In 2010, Norman married a local woman from Rizhao, where he eventually settled. Over the years, he formed lasting friendships with many in the area.
Norman’s venture into vlogging began in 2022, when he launched a short-video platform account. His first viral video, which featured a trip to a local fair in Rizhao, highlighted the city’s special products and depicted him cooking hot pot at the event. The video, which garnered nearly 80,000 likes, resonated with audiences, many of whom expressed a desire to visit the fair themselves.
“Fairs are a cherished part of Shandong’s folk traditions, representing the essence of rural life. Through these videos, I want to share the richness of Rizhao’s culture with a global audience,” said Norman.
He later took his cooking equipment to fairs, recording while preparing meals, and within a year, had amassed over 1 million followers. His 195 videos have collectively garnered nearly 10 million likes.
However, creating these videos is no small feat. Norman noted that his five-person team often spends days producing a single video. The rural scenes from his videos have captured the attention of audiences beyond China, earning features from international media outlets.
Through his videos, Norman also serves as a cultural ambassador. When visiting the U.S., he shares his experiences in China, patiently answering questions from Americans curious about his life abroad. “I hope I can serve as a bridge for friendly exchanges between the two countries,” he explained.
Reflecting on his time in Rizhao, Norman notes the city’s impressive transformation. “When I first arrived, the area I now live in was quite desolate. Today, it’s filled with high-rise buildings, and the ecological environment continues to improve. The convenience of mobile payments and the accessibility of high-speed trains have further enhanced my life here.”
Norman is passionate about sharing the beauty of Rizhao with the world, including through live-streaming its agricultural products, handicrafts, and culinary specialties. He expressed a deep affection for the city and its culture, mentioning that his mother and her friends enjoy his videos, which also serve as a fun introduction to Chinese traditions.
As Norman continues to explore and document Rizhao’s rural landscape, his goal remains clear: to inspire more people to appreciate China’s vibrant culture, rich history, and dynamic future.
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