Chinese Education Consultant Zhang Xuefeng Suspends Livestreams Amid Industry Backlash

As an education consultant, Zhang Xuefeng has been providing college application advice to students and parents through his livestreams. However, his straightforward critiques of certain majors and educational institutions have antagonized many stakeholders in the education industry, particularly university administrators and other education consultants whose interests he has affected. His reference to 'disturbing people's cake' appears to be an acknowledgment of this, suggesting that he has faced pressure from various interests in the education consulting industry.

On May 31, Zhang Xuefeng concluded his 2025 college application season livestream, during which he became emotional and made several key statements. He said his work "wasn't easy" and that he had "touched too many people's cake", hinted that this might be his last livestream, and bowed deeply to his audience with tears in his eyes. He mentioned potential return dates, aiming for August 1st as normal resumption, or possibly September 1st, but expressed uncertainty about whether he would be able to continue streaming at all.

The incident has gained significant attention on social media, with the phrase "张雪峰自曝可能告别直播" (Zhang Xuefeng reveals possible farewell to livestreaming) trending on Weibo. While he didn't explicitly state the specific reasons, his emotional response and references to "touching too many people's cake" suggest he may have faced pressure from various interests in the education consulting industry. The public reaction to Zhang Xuefeng's comments has been largely sympathetic and supportive, with many viewers understanding that his direct and sometimes controversial statements about education and career choices may have put him at odds with various interests in the education sector.

Many netizens have expressed support for Zhang Xuefeng, viewing him as someone who dares to tell the truth and reveal "cruel truths" and "behind-the-scenes secrets" that have helped parents and students. Some have expressed regret about his situation, noting that he has "touched too many interests" across different sectors, and there seems to be understanding that he's under significant pressure, especially given his emotional state during the livestream. Zhang Xuefeng's statement about '动了太多人的蛋糕' has significant implications, including industry disruption, educational reform impact, business and political sensitivity, and social impact.

By challenging traditional education consulting and training institutions, Zhang Xuefeng is forcing a broader conversation about education-employment alignment and highlighting ongoing tensions in China's education system. His pragmatic, employment-focused advice resonates with many families concerned about future job prospects, representing a shift from idealistic educational goals to practical economic outcomes. The situation reflects broader tensions in China's education reform and the increasing commercialization of education services, while highlighting the challenges faced by those who challenge established interests in the sector.