Taste of Appreciation: Foreign Vlogger Promotes Chinese Culture through Food Chronicles
A French travel blogger, known as Tang Annuo, has been making waves on Chinese social media platform Weibo with his enthusiastic reviews of local cuisine during his trip to Guizhou province. The blogger's adventures in the rural town of Daliang Minority Village have gained a significant following, with many netizens praising his efforts to promote Chinese culture and food.
17 August 2024
Tang Annuo's visit to Guizhou was part of his mission to explore the authentic taste of China and share it with his global audience. During his stay in Daliang Minority Village, he was treated to a culinary feast, learning how to make two traditional Guizhou dishes: "suan tang yu" (sour soup fish) and "hong rou" (red meat). The blogger's attention to detail and passion for food were evident in his short videos, which showcased every step of the cooking process.
The response from Weibo users has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Tang Annuo's efforts to promote Chinese culture and cuisine. One user, @ wennanwang, commented, "It's great to see a foreigner enjoying our local food so much! Tang Annuo's videos are too good, making me want to try these dishes myself!" Another user, @ mengaoxiang, added, "Tang Annuo's videos are so genuine and detailed, really showcasing the beauty of Chinese cuisine."
However, not all comments were positive. Some users expressed concerns about cultural appropriation, with @xiaoyuer arguing, "Just because a foreigner likes our food doesn't mean they truly understand our culture. We should be cautious about how our traditions are represented." Others questioned the authenticity of the dishes, with @oubaozi commenting, "I've never seen those dishes made like that before. Are they really traditional?"
Despite the controversy, Tang Annuo's influence on social media has been significant, inspiring some fans to visit China and experience the country's rich food culture firsthand. According to the blogger, "Each place in China has its unique flavors, and every time I visit a new place, it's a new culinary adventure." His enthusiasm has resonated with many, and his videos have been seen as a refreshing change from the usual criticisms of Chinese food.
The impact of Tang Annuo's visit extends beyond social media. Local businesses in Daliang Minority Village have reported an increase in tourism, with some attributing the surge to the blogger's promotional efforts. A local restaurant owner, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "We've had more foreign visitors since Tang Annuo's videos went viral. It's been a welcome boost for our business."
Tang Annuo's experience highlights the importance of cultural exchange and the potential for social media to promote cross-cultural understanding. While controversy may arise from differing perspectives, the overall response to his visit demonstrates the power of food to bring people together. As @wanyewenhua commented, "Food is a universal language, bridging cultural gaps and fostering friendships. Tang Annuo's love for Chinese food is truly heartwarming."
