The 50 Essential YouTube Channels About China
Annnnnd why is this the essential list of YouTube channels about China? With constant (slightly obsessive) updating, I continuously collect a rich mix of opinions, from bright and optimistic to more critical and probing about China. I’m not affiliated with any government or corporation and personally have mixed views on China after living there for 15 years. I have a deep respect for China but I’m also very aware of the negatives of life there. As no opinion can truly be un-biased, my intention with this page is to provide channels that include a wide range of authentic perspectives, both pro-China and those that may be less flattering, but perhaps more true to life. In this list you’ll find light and fun channels that show culture, cooking, and life in China as well as channels that delve deep into some of the not so pretty aspects of real life. Here they are in no particular order, so you can follow them according to what interests you most. I hope you enjoy this list and that you bookmark it for later!
1 China Country Life Experience the authentic, unvarnished rural life in China through this channel. It showcases the simple daily routines, traditional practices, and raw beauty of farming and village existence, offering a truly grounded perspective away from urban centers.
2 Nini Music Nini from Taiwan plays various Chinese traditional instruments like the Zhong Ruan, Liuqin, San Xian, and Pipa. Her goal is to share and teach the world about these beautiful instruments, often performing covers of popular songs or traditional pieces.
3 Chef Wang Gang (王刚) Learn authentic Chinese cooking techniques from the master himself! Chef Wang Gang's channel provides detailed, traditional recipes, often focusing on Sichuan cuisine. His clear, professional instructions offer a deep dive into Chinese culinary culture, demystifying complex dishes and making them accessible to home cooks.
4 China Insider with David Zhang Get unfiltered analysis and insightful opinions on the latest happenings in China from David Zhang. His channel delves into everything from US-China relations to evolving societal issues and political nuances, offering a sharp, independent perspective that challenges mainstream narratives. Prepare for thought-provoking discussions!
5 PolyMatter Dive into fascinating animated explainers on a variety of global topics, often including China's role in technology, economy, and global trends. PolyMatter's clear visuals and concise narratives make complex subjects digestible and highly informative.
6 Alex Absolute Explore Wenzhou, a less-explored city in China, through the eyes of British expat Alex. His vlogs delve into local traditions, family life, and unique travel experiences, showcasing a side of China you might not typically see.
7 Sabrina in China Follow Sabrina, a Jamaican vlogger, on her personal journey of moving to and living in China. Her channel shares the joys and challenges of adapting to a new culture, navigating daily life, and her unique experiences as a foreign mother in China. It's a relatable and inspiring perspective on cross-cultural living.
8 ZhenTea For tea enthusiasts, ZhenTea offers deep dives into Chinese tea culture. Zhen, who grew up in a tea family with extensive academic and practical experience, shares tips on brewing, choosing teaware, and exploring different tea regions, bridging Western understanding with Chinese tea traditions.
9 Miriam in China Discover the charm of rural Chinese life through Miriam's heartwarming vlogs. She shares her experiences living with her Chinese husband and son in the countryside, showcasing traditional farming, local food, and the simplicity of village life with warmth and authenticity.
10 Rachel Meets China Join Rachel, an American expat, on her captivating travels across China. Her vlogs beautifully showcase famous landmarks, hidden gems, and the everyday realities of living in Chinese cities. Expect personal stories, practical tips, and a genuine passion for cultural exchange.
11 Li Ziqi (李子柒) Immerse yourself in the poetic beauty of traditional Chinese rural life and craftsmanship. Li Ziqi's visually stunning videos depict her creating everything from ancient foods to intricate traditional crafts, offering a serene and idealized view of Chinese cultural heritage.
12 Jared (杰里德Jared) A Canadian expat who offers thoughtful comparisons and cultural insights between Western and Chinese societies. While sometimes discussing tech, his vlogs frequently delve into the fascinating differences and similarities, helping viewers gain a deeper understanding.
13 Dianxi Xiaoge (滇西小哥) Escape to the tranquil countryside of Yunnan with Dianxi Xiaoge. Her captivating videos showcase traditional rural life, cooking with fresh ingredients from her farm, and ancient customs. It's a beautifully shot, calming glimpse into an often unseen side of Chinese culture.
14 Expat Natt Join an English-Chinese couple on their journey across China, exploring diverse regions and cultural nuances. Their vlogs provide an authentic look into local traditions, stunning landscapes, and the daily realities of cross-cultural life in China.
15 Kaho's Channel A Japanese vlogger sharing her life and travels in China. Her videos have a calming, aesthetic quality, often focusing on daily routines, food, and the scenic beauty of Chinese cities and landscapes from an appreciative and gentle viewpoint.
16 Mike in China (Teacher Mike) Join American teacher Mike for a down-to-earth and often humorous look at living and working in China. His channel covers daily routines, cultural observations, classroom stories, and tips for understanding the nuances of Chinese society from an expat perspective.
17 Rafa Goes Around Follow Rafael, an expat based in Shenzhen, as he explores the dynamic side of modern China. His channel delves into urban life, technological advancements, local food scenes, and the evolving culture of Chinese cities through engaging vlogs and personal experiences.
18 The China Traveller (Stu) Embark on unique travel adventures across China with Stu, a British expat. His channel is a treasure trove of authentic experiences, from hidden gems to local food, providing a fascinating and often humorous look at various regions and their distinct cultures.
19 Living in China (Jason Lightfoot) A British vlogger who shares his experiences and observations of daily life in China. His channel documents daily routines, cultural encounters, and offers insights from an expat living in the country.
20 Our Chinese Life (The VHS Family) Follow this expat family as they share their daily adventures and insights into living in Shenzhen, China. Their vlogs capture the everyday joys, challenges, and cultural discoveries of raising a family in a bustling Chinese city.
21 History of China Delve deeper into China's past with this dedicated channel that meticulously documents historical events and fascinating anecdotes. From emperors to revolutions, it provides a comprehensive and engaging narrative, perfect for history buffs eager to understand the foundations of Chinese culture.
22 Unconventional Chinese Break free from textbook learning with Keren's unique approach to Mandarin. This channel combines engaging language lessons with explorations of Chinese customs, social trends, and often overlooked cultural nuances, making your learning experience truly authentic and unexpected.
23 Chinese Cooking Demystified For anyone serious about learning authentic Chinese cooking, this channel is a goldmine. Run by two passionate individuals, they break down complex techniques and traditional dishes with incredible clarity, making the art and science of Chinese cuisine accessible to all.
24 Yoyo Chinese Start your Mandarin journey with Yoyo Chinese! While famous for language lessons, Yangyang Cheng effortlessly weaves in fascinating cultural insights, making learning not just effective but genuinely fun. You'll pick up practical language skills while understanding the cultural context that makes Chinese so rich and vibrant.
25 The China History Podcast Unravel the complex tapestry of China's millennia-long history with Laszlo Montgomery. This podcast-style channel brings ancient dynasties, forgotten figures, and modern turning points to life through captivating storytelling. It's an accessible and fascinating journey for anyone curious about China's past.
26 South China Morning Post (SCMP) Dive into in-depth reports and compelling documentaries from Hong Kong's leading English-language newspaper. SCMP offers a unique, often critical, lens on China, global affairs, and Asian stories. It's your go-to for nuanced news analysis and deep dives into societal trends that keep you informed and intrigued.
27 Thomas阿福 (Thomas A Fu) A German vlogger fluent in Chinese, Thomas A Fu brings you engaging interviews with Chinese locals and explores everyday life in Shanghai. His channel offers unique insights into contemporary Chinese perspectives on culture, society, and current trends.
28 Johnny Harris Join Johnny Harris for his signature documentary-style videos that explore various global topics, often with a unique visual flair. He occasionally tackles subjects related to Chinese culture, history, or societal trends, bringing a fresh and engaging storytelling approach.
29 Asian Boss While covering all of Asia, Asian Boss frequently delves into fascinating social and cultural issues within China through man-on-the-street interviews and mini-documentaries. They aim to present unfiltered perspectives directly from everyday people, sparking important conversations.
30 Mandarin Before Bed is your secret weapon to get the whole family speaking Chinese. Catchy songs, a dash of silliness, infused with essential Chinese words and phrases that even the sleepiest heads will remember. Perfect for parents and kids who want to learn together without an expensive tutor (Full disclosure: This is my channel that I’m making sorry for the shameful plug but I think the content is unique, hence I spend time making it!)
31 Ms Yeah A viral sensation who gained fame by creating elaborate cooking videos in an office environment using only office supplies. Her content is creative, humorous, and visually engaging.
32 TRT World A global news channel that presents diverse perspectives on international affairs, including regular reports on China's role in the world, its foreign policy, and cultural developments.
33 Kate Wu - Chinese Painting Kate Wu shares her skills and knowledge in traditional Chinese painting. Her channel offers clear, step-by-step tutorials and demonstrations in English, making the elegant art of Chinese brush painting accessible to beginners and those interested in learning this beautiful craft.
34 Financial Times Provides in-depth financial news and analysis, with strong coverage of China's economic policies, markets, and business landscape. Essential for anyone tracking global finance and China's economic influence.
35 Chinese Cooking Channel This channel aims to make Chinese cooking simple and easy for you. It features step-by-step authentic Chinese recipes, including village recipes inspired by the roots from southern China. The creator also travels to China in search of the best food to share with viewers.
36 Wall Street Journal Offers comprehensive news and analysis on global business and financial markets, including extensive reporting on China's economy, trade, and its impact on international affairs. A key resource for serious business and economic insights.
37 Wendover Productions Explore the fascinating world of logistics, infrastructure, and unique systems with Wendover Productions. His deep dives sometimes feature China's impressive advancements in areas like high-speed rail or port operations, offering a fresh perspective on the country's scale and development.
38 ChineseClass101 Level up your Mandarin with ChineseClass101's high-quality lessons. While focused on language acquisition, they frequently integrate cultural notes, etiquette tips, and real-life conversational scenarios, giving you a holistic understanding of how language and culture intertwine.
39 J.P. Morgan While a financial institution, they often publish analyses and insights into China's economy and market trends, which can be relevant to news. Their channel provides a professional lens on global economic developments, including China's growing influence.
40 C-SPAN While primarily covering U.S. government proceedings, C-SPAN often broadcasts hearings and discussions directly related to U.S.-China relations, offering unfiltered insights into political discourse. It's a valuable resource for understanding policy debates.
41 China Uncensored With humor and sharp wit, Chris Chappell and the China Uncensored team dive into political issues, human rights, and censorship in China. They offer a highly critical, independent perspective on the Chinese Communist Party, aiming to expose what's often hidden from mainstream view.
42 The Food Ranger (Trevor James) Get ready for a culinary adventure! While his channel features food from around the world, Trevor James has extensive content dedicated to Chinese street food and regional cuisines. His energetic personality and genuine passion make every episode a mouth-watering dive into vibrant Chinese food culture.
43 Blondie in China Get your taste buds ready! Amy, an Australian vlogger, takes you on a delicious journey through China's diverse food scene. From street food stalls to regional delicacies, her adventurous spirit and genuine reactions make every food exploration a fun and mouth-watering experience.
44 Lei's Real Talk For sharp, independent analysis of global politics and economics with a focus on China, Lei's Real Talk is a must-watch. Lei, with her Chinese background and expertise in finance and media, offers a unique perspective on complex issues, challenging conventional narratives with well-researched insights.
45 ADVChina Created by long-term expats Winston Sterzel (SerpentZA) and Matthew Tye (Laowhy86), ADVChina provides a candid and often critical look at life in China, its politics, society, and the realities faced by both locals and foreigners. Expect no-holds-barred commentary.
46 Souped Up Recipes Mandy from Souped Up Recipes offers easy-to-follow tutorials for a wide array of Chinese dishes, often focusing on "better than takeout" versions of popular favorites. Her clear instructions and appealing presentation make authentic Chinese cooking accessible for home cooks.
47 SerpentZA Winston Sterzel's solo channel delves deeper into the political and social dynamics of China, often sharing personal anecdotes and observations from his years living in the country. He provides a highly critical and independent perspective on the CCP and Chinese society.
48 Laowhy86 Matthew Tye's individual channel offers further critical insights into various aspects of Chinese life, including surveillance, propaganda, and human rights issues. His unique experiences as an expat in China allow him to shed light on challenging realities.
49 Radio Free Asia (RFA) Providing uncensored news to regions with restricted press, RFA offers in-depth reporting on human rights abuses, political repression, and social unrest across China. It's a crucial source for information often suppressed by state media.
50 Voice of America (VOA) Chinese This channel delivers independent news, analysis, and discussion on political, economic, and social developments in China. It provides a platform for diverse viewpoints, including those critical of the Chinese government, often featuring interviews with experts and dissidents.
