IShowSpeed has his face painted like a panda in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
[Video provided to CGTN by Go Chengdu]American internet sensation IShowSpeed is making a splash across global social media with his marathon livestreams of his China tour.
With over 37 million followers, this Gen Z video creator is offering an unfiltered view of China, captivating audiences worldwide.Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed or simply Speed, has been nicknamed "Hyperthyroid Bro" by Chinese netizens for his boundless energy and expressive reactions.
As he travels through China, he continues to deliver viral moments, drawing millions of viewers.IShowSpeed's bodyguards are busy sipping on Chinese milk tea, ignoring their boss' exaggerated facial expressions and yells when he experiences traditional Chinese acupuncture in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Looks like China's safe and chill vibe got to them too! [Video provided to China Plus by Go Chengdu]During his trip, Speed has explored a matchmaking corner in Shanghai, performed backflips on the Great Wall, and learned martial arts at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.
He was amazed by the uninterrupted livestream signal in a high-speed rail tunnel and was excited to be recognized in the streets.In Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Speed had his face painted like a panda, experienced traditional Chinese acupuncture, and was hilariously startled by the fire-spitting and face-changing stunts of Sichuan Opera.
His Chengdu livestream alone drew about 8 million viewers, with some short clips surpassing 10 million views.His latest livestream from Chongqing has gained more than 450,000 views within 15 hours on YouTube.
Known for its dramatic elevation changes and layered urban design, the so-called "8D Magical City" offered a stunning experience.
Speed rode the monorail through a residential building at Liziba Station, took the 112-meter-long Crown Grand Escalator, and even got a haircut at a local barbershop.Speed's lively adventures have not only entertained but also reshaped many people's perceptions of China.
Through his real-time broadcasts, viewers worldwide are gaining a closer look at the country and its daily life.
"I was completely taken aback by how courteous and kind Chinese people are.
Their culture is among the greatest in the world," commented Lorna, a netizen.
"His streams on China changed my entire perspective, like their internet speed is so good, every city is clean and everything.
Bro this is crazy, my mind can't believe it," wrote Joshua Singzon, another netizen.From cultural exchanges between Chinese and American users on Chinese social app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, to Speed's uninterrupted livestreams across China, social media is bridging gaps and fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding through direct, people-to-people interactions.