When Ryan Chen first launched his English teaching videos on Douyin in early 2024, he never imagined he’d become a viral sensation. A playful impersonation of Donald Trump last December earned him the nickname “the Chinese Trump,” but Ryan has since traded political impersonations for something even more exciting: showcasing the vibrant culture of his hometown, Chongqing, and the diverse charms of regions across the Chinese mainland.
In just one year, Ryan’s bold energy and creative editing scored him over one million followers by mid-2025. His downtown Chongqing street food tours, hidden mountain villages, and night-time cityscapes have turned his social channels into a passport for young explorers around the world. “I wanted to break stereotypes and show the real vibes of the Chinese mainland,” Ryan says with a grin.
This year, Ryan has pushed his storytelling to new heights. He teamed up with local Uygur musicians to highlight Xinjiang’s rhythms, sampled Hunan’s spicy dishes straight from family kitchens, and even floated down the Li River with bamboo raft guides in Guilin. Every clip feels like a mini-adventure, packed with emojis, catchy music, and Ryan’s signature enthusiasm. 🚀🎶
As 2025 comes to a close, Ryan reflects on the whirlwind journey. “I started as a language teacher, then a Trump impersonator, now I’m a cultural storyteller,” he chuckles. He’s planning a series on ancient Silk Road sites in early 2026, hoping to connect even more friends with the history and heartbeat of the Chinese mainland.
For fans and fellow creators, Ryan’s message is clear: “Stay curious, keep exploring, and use your creativity to build bridges.” Here’s to more discoveries and memorable stories from Ryan Chen in the year ahead! 🌟
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From 'Chinese Trump' to cultural storyteller: Ryan Chen unfiltered
cgtn.com
