Zhu Ming is a tour guide from Zhejiang who has gained internet fame in recent years for his ability to captivate his clients with his unique perspective and charm. With his talent for drawing people’s attention and keeping them engaged, Zhu has amassed over 10 million followers on short-video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou. Many of his fans praise him for the fun-filled and educational journeys he takes them on, which have broadened their minds and left them feeling swept off their feet.
As a tour guide, Zhu Ming’s approach to his work is not just to provide a basic overview of the sights and sounds of the places he visits with his clients. Instead, he strives to give them a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and traditions of the places they explore. This requires not only a wealth of knowledge but also the ability to convey that knowledge in an engaging and entertaining way.
Zhu’s ability to connect with his clients comes from his natural charisma and passion for his work. He has a way of making even the most mundane details of a location come to life with his animated storytelling and humorous anecdotes. He also encourages his clients to ask questions and participate in the journey, making it a more interactive and memorable experience.
Through his unique perspective and approach, Zhu Ming has become an inspiration to many aspiring tour guides and travelers alike. His ability to broaden minds and entertain his clients has made him a beloved figure on the internet, and his influence shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Zhu Ming’s ability to captivate his audience is not limited to just historical trivia. He also has a knack for uncovering lesser-known aspects of popular destinations that pique his guests’ curiosity. For instance, while touring Chongqing, Zhu posed the intriguing question, “What’s underneath the People’s Liberation Monument?” before delving into the history and architecture of the structure.
Similarly, when visiting the Shaolin Temple in Henan province, Zhu went beyond the obvious attraction of kung fu to uncover the temple’s other hidden gems. His in-depth exploration of the temple’s art and architecture, as well as its lesser-known practices like meditation and chanting, gave his guests a more holistic understanding of the site.
Another example of Zhu’s ability to bring a destination to life is his interpretation of the ancient imperial examination system. By highlighting the challenges test-takers faced in terms of food, sleep, and cramped quarters, he gave his audience a sense of the intense pressure and commitment required to succeed in the test.
Zhu’s talent lies not just in uncovering intriguing details, but also in delivering them in an engaging and fact-based manner. He has a way of weaving stories and anecdotes into his explanations that captivate his audience, leaving them eager to learn more. This has made him a valuable asset not just to his clients, but also to his fellow tour guides and the travel industry at large.
Zhu Ming’s ability to uncover lesser-known aspects of popular destinations and deliver them in a captivating and informative manner has made him a sought-after tour guide and an internet sensation. His passion for his work and his ability to engage his audience make him an inspiration to travelers and tour guides alike.
Zhu Ming’s more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry have given him a unique perspective on China’s culture and history. He approaches these topics from intriguing angles that keep his audiences engaged and on the edge of their seats. His ability to captivate his clients has made him a renowned guide in his local area.
In 2019, Zhu decided to experiment with uploading short videos featuring the highlights of his tours on Douyin. He did not expect these videos to become a big deal, but to his surprise, they quickly gained a following. His ability to deliver informative and entertaining content in a concise and engaging manner was a hit with viewers.
Since then, Zhu’s online presence has grown rapidly, and he now has over 10 million followers on short-video platforms like Douyin and Kuaishou. His success has not only made him an internet sensation but has also given him a platform to share his passion for China’s culture and history with a wider audience.
Zhu’s journey from a local renowned guide to an internet sensation is a testament to the power of curiosity, experimentation, and a passion for one’s work. His ability to engage his clients and his online audience has made him a valuable asset to the tourism industry and a beloved figure on the internet.
Zhu Ming’s online endeavor began with a desire to change the public’s stereotypes about tour guides. He was disheartened by the low expectations that many travelers had of tour guides, with some saying that a good guide was simply someone who did not force them to go shopping during their trips. Zhu saw this as an opportunity to improve the industry’s image and provide a better experience for his clients.
Through his online content, Zhu aims to showcase the value of a good tour guide by highlighting lesser-known aspects of popular destinations and offering unique insights into the culture and history of China. He hopes to inspire other tour guides to follow suit and raise the standards of the industry as a whole.
One example of Zhu’s approach is his tour of Hangzhou, where he explained the ebb and flow of tourism development in the city’s ancient towns over the past two decades. By providing historical context and analyzing the impact of tourism on the town’s residents and culture, Zhu gave his clients a more nuanced understanding of the destination.
Zhu’s dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed. His engaging and informative tours have earned him a loyal following and made him a beloved figure in the tourism industry. He has even been recognized with awards such as the “Outstanding Tour Guide” title by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission.
Zhu’s efforts to change the public’s perception of tour guides and elevate the industry’s standards are admirable. His passion for his work and his commitment to providing the best possible experience for his clients make him a valuable asset to the tourism industry and a role model for tour guides everywhere.
Zhu Ming’s online endeavor began as a response to the low expectations that many travelers had of tour guides. Through his unique approach to touring and his engaging online content, Zhu hopes to change public stereotypes about tour guides and improve the industry’s image. His dedication to providing a high-quality experience for his clients and his passion for his work make him a valuable asset to the tourism industry.
During Zhu Ming’s tour of Hangzhou, he captivated his audience with exciting anecdotes and fascinating truths about the city’s ancient towns. His delivery was so impressive that it led to different popular features among those towns.
When Zhu uploaded a 12-minute clip of his tour on Douyin, it quickly went viral and took the virtual world by storm. The video garnered over 68 million views, and netizens were quick to praise Zhu’s erudition and talents. Many expressed a desire to book his tours and experience his unique approach to guiding firsthand.
Zhu’s success on Douyin has made him an internet sensation, with over 10 million followers on the platform. His content is not only entertaining and informative, but it also inspires a newfound appreciation for the culture and history of China.
Through his online presence, Zhu has become a valuable asset to the tourism industry. His dedication to providing a high-quality experience for his clients has earned him numerous accolades, including the “Outstanding Tour Guide” title by the Hangzhou Tourism Commission.
Zhu Ming’s journey from a local renowned guide to an internet sensation is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft. He has not only changed the public’s perception of tour guides but also raised the standards of the industry as a whole. His innovative approach to guiding and his engaging online content continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
“I figured the foundation of my popularity lies in the public’s desire for traditional cultural knowledge,” Zhu says, adding that he just stays true to himself in the videos, like he does with his guests on a real tour.
“I dumb down major knowledge points, sort them out before weaving them in the tour explanations, and then I throw in a few punchlines here and there,” he says.
Zhu applied for trade license as a tour guide in 2000, when he was discharged from military service and returned to his hometown Wuzhen in Zhejiang province.
“Tourism development was in full swing then,” he recalls.
That was when he thought he could tap into his gift of the gab.
“I had practiced stand-up comedy at school and managed to crack people up,” he says.
Therefore, he opted for the tour guide certification test and managed to become a professional guide in Wuzhen later that year.
At the beginning of his career as a tour guide, Zhu says he stealthily went over the guidance scripts from all of his colleagues, just to make sure he was fully prepared.
His first group of guests were 40 experienced tour guides from other regions.
“I felt like I had to give them a tour that was different from before,” he says.
He managed to do that after reading up on local history and culture books and compiled them into his own explanation.
This initial experience has since had Zhu develop the habit of reading.
“I’ll read on my phone whenever I’m free,” he says.
In his opinion, a tour guide worth their salt should know a lot more than just the official introduction of a destination.
“You need to listen to your guests, and get to know their preferences before leading them in with anecdotes to their taste,” he says.
Sun Yanlan has known Zhu for 15 years from the time when she was also a tour guide. Now, she helps to take care of Zhu’s tour business operations.
She says she is impressed by how he could always come up with good answers to all the miscellaneous questions thrown at him by travelers.
“He can explain the complex issues in simple terms, which has been very popular among his clients,” says Sun.
She had long noticed Zhu’s flair for public performance.
“I noticed him when he was a blogger at a tourism forum and he stunned me by pulling off a tour guide practice training meeting on his own that ended up gathering more than 2,000 people,” Sun recalls.
“He loves interacting with people, and learning and getting to the bottom of things,” she says.
Zhu Ming’s initial videos were often filmed by his clients during tours. They featured his lively explanations and humorous interactions and reflected his firm grasp of local culture and history. Despite the lack of professional equipment, Zhu’s talent shone through, and his online following began to grow.
In his videos, Zhu presents himself as an amicable next-door uncle, wearing a pair of black-framed glasses and a traditional Chinese costume. He knows how to pique curiosity toward things often taken for granted and spontaneously shares his feelings without reservation with his clients, treating them like family or friends.
Zhu’s relatable approach to guiding has helped endear him to his fans online. His ability to connect with his audience on a personal level has made him a popular figure on social media. His followers appreciate his informative yet entertaining style, and his videos have become a valuable resource for travelers seeking unique and authentic experiences.
Zhu believes that the reason for his success online is that Chinese travelers increasingly put a premium on quality tour service. With the rise of social media, travelers have access to a wealth of information and are more discerning in their choices. They expect high-quality service and unique experiences, and Zhu’s innovative approach to guiding meets these expectations.
Zhu’s success has not gone unnoticed in the tourism industry, and he has become a sought-after guide for both domestic and international travelers. His dedication to providing a high-quality experience has earned him a reputation as one of the best guides in China. His popularity on social media has also helped promote the country’s tourism industry and showcase its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Zhu Ming’s success story is an inspiration to those in the tourism industry. His innovative approach to guiding and his engaging online content have set a new standard for the profession. As travel continues to evolve, it is guides like Zhu who will shape the industry’s future and provide memorable experiences for generations to come.
Zhu Ming’s talents as a tour guide have been recognized by the tourism industry for many years. He won first prize at the Zhejiang provincial tour guide competition in 2004 and has been named a “golden guide” in Hangzhou multiple times. The Hangzhou authorities have accredited Zhu as having a special talent for his work. Despite having worked in the industry for over two decades, Zhu still finds his job fulfilling and enjoyable.
According to Zhu, every tourist is unique and interesting, and he learns something new from each of them. He believes that his job gives him a sense of fulfillment and fun. Despite having visited the same places multiple times, Zhu always manages to find something new to discover in the interactions with different travelers.
Zhu’s passion for his job is evident in his approach to tour guiding. He presents himself as an amicable uncle in traditional Chinese costume and uses humor and anecdotes to bring local culture and history to life. Zhu’s clients appreciate his lively explanations and his ability to make complex topics easy to understand.
Zhu’s success as a tour guide and online influencer has been due to his ability to go beyond the expectations of his clients. He believes that Chinese travelers are increasingly looking for quality tour services, and his approach to tour guiding has resonated with them. His popularity has helped change public stereotypes about tour guides, showing that they can be knowledgeable and entertaining.
Zhu Ming’s career as a tour guide has been long and distinguished. He has won numerous awards for his talent, and his passion for his job remains undiminished. Zhu’s ability to engage and entertain his clients has earned him a large following online and helped change public perceptions of tour guides. His success is a testament to the value of quality service and the importance of connecting with travelers on a personal level.
Zhu, despite his online popularity, still enjoys taking guests on tours, as he finds excitement in the unknown and finds the job to be anything but repetitive. He hopes to be seen as a “happiness conveyor” who can enthusiastically and humorously talk nonstop about scenic spots and culture.
The pandemic has brought about a new direction in Zhu’s career. His followers have thanked him for enriching their lives by showing them the country online, giving them more options when making travel decisions. Moreover, his works have helped introduce travelers to struggling scenic spots and tourism business operators during the pandemic.
For instance, after Zhu’s introduction, a tulip scenic spot in Jiangsu’s Yancheng saw a more than 30 percent increase in business turnover in 2021. Such successes have woken Zhu up to the potential of digital media and the internet as a means of promoting tourism in China.
Zhu believes that his success on Douyin is not just about him, but about the quality of tour service in China. He hopes that his work can raise the standards of tour guiding and tourism in the country. He also hopes to encourage other tour guides to embrace digital media and the internet as a way of reaching a wider audience and promoting the country’s tourism industry.
Despite his newfound fame, Zhu remains humble and committed to his job. He believes that every tourist is an interesting being and that each one can teach him something new and interesting. He is grateful for the opportunities he has had as a tour guide and is determined to continue conveying happiness and excitement to his guests, both online and offline.
Zhu has been able to bring about significant changes to businesses and attractions after he recommends them to his followers. A small restaurant in Hangzhou saw its business increase after Zhu recommended its gourmet food. Similarly, a tulip scenic spot in Jiangsu saw an increase in its business turnover after Zhu’s introduction. Seeing the positive impact he could bring about, Zhu began uploading one or two videos a day, resulting in a significant increase in his followers.
Most of Zhu’s diehard fans are men between 30 and 50, with a keen interest in politics, economy, and history. Zhu’s videos are informative and engaging, and he has been able to capture his audience’s attention with his lively explanations and humorous interactions. His firm grasp of local culture and history has helped endear him to his fans online.
Zhu insists on maintaining his online presence to breathe positive changes into his trade. The tourism industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, and Zhu’s online videos have helped introduce travelers to struggling scenic spots and tourism business operators. Zhu hopes that by promoting these businesses, he can help them recover from the impact of the pandemic. Moreover, Zhu’s videos also offer travelers more options when making future travel decisions.
For Zhu, being a tour guide is anything but repetitive. He enjoys the excitement of the unknown and takes pleasure in meeting different travelers. Despite his online popularity, Zhu still takes guests on tours and hopes to remain a happiness conveyor who can talk nonstop about scenic spots and culture enthusiastically and humorously.
Zhu believes that building confidence in his line of work is crucial, and encouraging future tourism players to stay the course is more important than ever. As his fan base grew to 300,000 in 2019, he began sharing stories of his initial success with other tour guides, hoping to inspire them to persevere through tough times.
In the past three years, many young tour guides have left the industry to pursue delivery, car-hailing services, insurance, and other odd jobs. Zhu believes that they are waiting for the recovery of tourism and hopes to help them by showing them how to create opportunities in times of crisis and how to gain attention through excellent tourism service.
Zhu’s online success has also helped him to become a role model for younger generations. He hopes that by demonstrating his achievements online, more young people will be inspired to join the field and help to revive the tourism industry. Zhu believes that showing young people how to succeed in the industry will help them to see the value in the work and to approach it with a positive attitude.
As Zhu continues to upload one or two videos a day, his fan base has grown exponentially. His diehard fans are mostly men between 30 and 50 years old, who appreciate Zhu’s ability to tackle topics like politics, economy, and history in his videos. Zhu’s success online has not only helped to reach a wider audience and boost business but also to inject positivity and enthusiasm into his line of work.
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