When Thibaut Grzelak first stepped foot in China in 2018, the French mechanical engineer didn’t expect to swap blueprints for baozi (steamed buns) . Now based in Hangzhou, this charismatic vlogger has become a human bridge between East and West, sharing his passion for Chinese culture with 500k+ followers.
From Characters to Ping Pong
For Thibaut, Mandarin isn’t just a language – it’s a time machine. \"Every character carries centuries of stories,\" he says, recalling how a fisherman once taught him ancient net-casting techniques by a misty lake. His camera roll overflows with snapshots of warmth: fruit vendors gifting him dragon eyes, neighborhood kids challenging him to ping pong duels , and elderly locals sharing tea with this \"laowai\" (foreigner) turned honorary resident.
60 Years of Cross-Cultural Ties
As China and France celebrate six decades of diplomatic relations this year, Thibaut envisions \"more joint projects that make our cultures dance together – like a perfect French-Chinese fusion dish.\" His latest mission? Documenting Hangzhou’s tech innovations while preserving its Song Dynasty-era charm – proving tradition and modernity can thrive side by side .
Reference(s):
cgtn.com