Original source
We Visited China’s Most Viral City You’ve Definitely Never Heard Of
Zibo, China: The Ordinary City That Became a Viral Sensation
When you think of China’s most famous cities, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Chongqing. But in 2023, one unexpected city became the biggest viral sensation in China, attracting millions of visitors and taking over social media.
Outside of China, hardly anyone has heard its story.
So...
When you think of China’s most famous cities, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Chongqing. But in 2023, one unexpected city became the biggest viral sensation in China, attracting millions of visitors and taking over social media.<br>Outside of China, hardly anyone has heard its story.<br>So we’ve travelled to Zibo, Shandong to discover why this ordinary city became China’s hottest destination, how it welcomed over 20 million visitors, and why Western media never talked about it.<br>July 2026 | Vlog 627 | Qingdao, china<br>Road to Every Province in China: 22/34 so far<br>When we finally started our adventure
Zibo, an unassuming city in Shandong, suddenly became the biggest viral sensation in China in 2023, drawing millions of visitors and dominating social media. Our travelers dive into the story behind this ordinary city's extraordinary rise, uncovering why it attracted over 20 million tourists and why Western media completely missed it. A fascinating look at unexpected tourism and a city that refuses to be ignored.
When you think of China’s most famous cities, you probably think of Beijing, Shanghai, or Chongqing. But in 2023, one unexpected city became the biggest viral sensation in China, attracting millions of visitors and taking over social media.<br>Outside of China, hardly anyone has heard its story.<br>So we’ve travelled to Zibo, Shandong to discover why this ordinary city became China’s hottest destination, how it welcomed over 20 million visitors, and why Western media never talked about it.<br>July 2026 | Vlog 627 | Qingdao, china<br>Road to Every Province in China: 22/34 so far<br>When we finally started our adventure
Everyone knows Beijing, Shanghai and Chongqing. But Zibo? Unless you're Chinese or obsessed with viral internet stories, chances are you've never heard of it. Reanne & Ben have made it their mission to change that. Standing beside a peaceful lake in Shandong Province, they point out that this unassuming city became China's most talked-about destination after a student vlog blew up in 2023. The video racked up 45 million views, and suddenly millions of travellers were flooding in. It wasn't just about barbecue either; it was about hospitality. Today, Zibo is proudly labelled China's friendliest city, and this night-walking couple are among the only Western travel creators to have shown it to the world.
Their first stop is Haidai Tower, a 220-foot, nine-story landmark that once belonged to the ancient Qi capital. Inside, a clever mirror trick makes the library look far grander than it is, and on the upper floors they discover a whiskey bar with panoramic views. The city, home to 4.7 million people, is surprisingly green in the golden evening light. From there, a cheap taxi ride takes them to Badaju Market, the former epicentre of Zibo's viral fame. Even on a weekday, hundreds of people pack the street. They sample bean pies and purple rice cakes, meet excitable locals who want photos, and watch a violinist playing as the sun sets.
The big moment, of course, is Zibo barbecue. They had planned to try it the night before, but after wandering and shopping at Wanda Plaza, the day got away from them. So the next morning, before their flight, they head to a barbecue spot armed with a Meituan voucher. Raw skewers arrive with a tabletop grill, thin pancakes, spring onion, and spice. One half of the duo almost loses the food, but she steps in to make the perfect wrap. The DIY style turns lunch into a social event, and they quickly learn the local move: slide grilled meat into a pancake, add seasoning, fold it like a taco, and enjoy.
What lingers most is the warmth. Everyone they meet is genuinely friendly, from the vendor who laughs as Reanne & Ben show her Chinese TikTok to the staff at the Sheraton Zibo, a surprisingly affordable five-star right near the barbecue street. As they leave, they reflect on why this city became a phenomenon: the combination of delicious food, a government that embraced the moment, and a culture that makes strangers feel welcome. For anyone looking to understand modern China beyond the usual hotspots, Zibo offers a rare, authentic glimpse.
Zibo is the Chinese city the West never heard of — until a student vlog exploded with 45 million views. Reanne & Ben chase the viral phenomenon, exploring Haidai Tower's hidden whiskey bar, wandering the lively Badaju Market, and finally mastering Zibo's DIY barbecue wraps. Along the way, they discover what made this unassuming Shandong city China's friendliest: incredible street food, cheap taxis, and locals who treat strangers like old friends. This is a rare look at a destination rewriting China's travel map.
Reanne & Ben explore Zibo, China's viral barbecue city, discovering friendly locals, bustling markets, and DIY BBQ wraps in an unlikely destination.
Zibo, China: Inside Viral Barbecue City Loved by Millions
2:44 Getting to Zibo is easy by bullet train from Qingdao, taking about three hours. The train ride is scenic and comfortable. Avoid flying; China's high-speed rail is a convenient, enjoyable way to reach this unexpected city.
3:43 Haidai Tower is worth exploring, especially around sunset. It has nine stories and a grand interior. You can wander through its library-like floors and even enjoy a drink at a hidden whiskey bar with panoramic city views. Golden hour makes the scenery unforgettable.
11:39 Taxis in Zibo are extremely affordable. A ten-minute ride cost us just seven yuan. Don't hesitate to use taxis around town, especially when you are short on time and need to get between shopping malls, markets, and restaurants quickly.
13:27 Badaju Market remains a lively destination even on weekdays, with hundreds of people browsing food stalls and shops. Try local street snacks as you stroll, and expect friendly vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's viral food culture firsthand.
16:23 Don't miss the bean pie and purple rice cake at the market. The purple rice cake has a mild jasmine tea flavor and is not very sweet, so keep that in mind if you have a sweet tooth. Sharing small bites is the best way to explore.
18:40 Lamb skewers are a must-try in Zibo. They're cooked on a hot stone, served with seasonings, and incredibly juicy. A large skewer costs about 25 yuan. Watch the vendor grilling in the heat; the smoky flavor and tender meat are unforgettable.
22:50 Use a Meituan voucher to pre-order a Zibo barbecue set. This saves you from complicated menu decisions and makes the whole experience smooth. You'll get pancakes, spring onions, assorted meats, and chili garlic sauce all prepared for the tabletop grill.
31:24 To eat Zibo barbecue like a local, take a cooked skewer, slide the meat into a thin pancake, add spring onions and a sprinkle of seasoning. Fold it like a taco and enjoy. It's messy but delicious, so use the napkins provided.
2:44 Getting to Zibo is easy by bullet train from Qingdao, taking about three hours. The train ride is scenic and comfortable. Avoid flying; China's high-speed rail is a convenient, enjoyable way to reach this unexpected city.
3:43 Haidai Tower is worth exploring, especially around sunset. It has nine stories and a grand interior. You can wander through its library-like floors and even enjoy a drink at a hidden whiskey bar with panoramic city views. Golden hour makes the scenery unforgettable.
11:39 Taxis in Zibo are extremely affordable. A ten-minute ride cost us just seven yuan. Don't hesitate to use taxis around town, especially when you are short on time and need to get between shopping malls, markets, and restaurants quickly.
13:27 Badaju Market remains a lively destination even on weekdays, with hundreds of people browsing food stalls and shops. Try local street snacks as you stroll, and expect friendly vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's viral food culture firsthand.
16:23 Don't miss the bean pie and purple rice cake at the market. The purple rice cake has a mild jasmine tea flavor and is not very sweet, so keep that in mind if you have a sweet tooth. Sharing small bites is the best way to explore.
18:40 Lamb skewers are a must-try in Zibo. They're cooked on a hot stone, served with seasonings, and incredibly juicy. A large skewer costs about 25 yuan. Watch the vendor grilling in the heat; the smoky flavor and tender meat are unforgettable.
22:50 Use a Meituan voucher to pre-order a Zibo barbecue set. This saves you from complicated menu decisions and makes the whole experience smooth. You'll get pancakes, spring onions, assorted meats, and chili garlic sauce all prepared for the tabletop grill.
31:24 To eat Zibo barbecue like a local, take a cooked skewer, slide the meat into a thin pancake, add spring onions and a sprinkle of seasoning. Fold it like a taco and enjoy. It's messy but delicious, so use the napkins provided.
0:25 Arriving in China's viral city
1:02 How Zibo became viral
3:43 Exploring Haidai Tower
6:44 Hidden whiskey bar discovery
13:27 Wandering Badaju Market
20:44 Zibo's unique barbecue style
22:15 Morning barbecue before flight
31:24 Making wraps like locals
37:02 Reflecting on friendly Zibo
0:25 Arriving in China's viral city
1:02 How Zibo became viral
3:43 Exploring Haidai Tower
6:44 Hidden whiskey bar discovery
13:27 Wandering Badaju Market
20:44 Zibo's unique barbecue style
22:15 Morning barbecue before flight
31:24 Making wraps like locals
37:02 Reflecting on friendly Zibo
Why did Zibo become so famous in China?
It started in 2023, when students stranded here began posting about the city's barbecue and friendly locals. One video hit 45 million views, and then another went viral. Overnight Zibo became China's friendliest city, and millions came to taste it for themselves.
What makes Zibo barbecue different?
The barbecue is DIY. You get a small charcoal grill in the middle of the table and cook the skewers yourself. It comes with thin pancakes, spring onions, and seasoning. It's not just a meal; it's a fun, social experience.
How do you eat Zibo barbecue properly?
Take the cooked meat off the skewer, put it on a pancake, add spring onion and your favourite seasoning, then fold it over like a taco. You can add spicy sauce if you want a kick. It gets messy but tastes amazing.
What should you try at Badaju Market?
You have to try the bean pie and the purple rice cake. The purple rice cake is quite mild and a bit like jasmine tea flavor, not super sweet. Also, the lamb skewers are unbelievably juicy and full of flavour.
