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0Today’s episode is a special one, I’m usually trying to introduce aspects of the lives people lead in China without going over too much familiar territory to China experts. But with today’s episode, my role is reversed. My guest today is Michael Zee, who is a social media influencer with a global fan base on Instagram. However, Instagram is very difficult to access from within China, so there might be listeners to this in China who haven’t ever seen Instagram, let alone come across Michael’s account.
Michael’s background is as an educator, and there are other parts of his story that will lead you to conclude, as I did, that it’s no accident that he has become the biggest and best Food Instagrammer in China today. We discuss the fluctuating nature of national cuisines, the cultural connections between Shanghai and Liverpool, and the glamorous (and decidedly unglamorous) life of a full-time social media influencer in China.
Michael Zee’s Object: His signet ring, which tells a fascinating Shanghai/Liverpool family story.
Michael Zee’s Instagram Account: Symmetrybreakfast.
Michael Zee’s favourite WeChat sticker: Honey Boo Boo waving goodbye.
(Add @oscar10877 on WeChat to join the Group and see the original sticker)
Michael Zee’s most recent karaoke experience.
Michael Zee’s favourite place to visit in China: 千岛湖 (Qiāndǎohú) Qiandao Lake / "Thousand Island" Lake.
Michael Zee’s best purchase in China: the customised pink leather chair he order from Taobao.
If he left China, Michael Zee would miss... old men wearing pajamas in public in Shanghai.
Michael Zee’s recent favourite restaurant: Heritage by Madison.
Michael Zee’s favourite China-related fact: 你好 (Nǐhǎo) doesn't mean hello.
Michael Zee’s favourite phrase in Mandarin: 腐 (Fǔ) meaning “Rotten” but also referring to the 腐女 (Fǔnǚ) “Rotten Women” subculture.
Michael Zee’s selfie with Oscar.
Some clues to Michael Zee’s journey in becoming a social media influencer.
Michael Zee’s comment on Sichuan chilli peppers: they only came to China 300 years ago.
Michael Zee’s comment on helping friends on social media: dealing in the drug of dopamine.
