Across China: German vlogger amazed by China's ethnic cultures
Undated file photo shows Robert Adolf (R) learning batik-making skills from a local technician in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
In front of the camera, Robert Adolf, a 25-year-old German, is learning horsetail embroidery techniques from the Shui people by stitching horsehair on a shoe in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province. (Xinhua)
GUIYANG, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- In front of the camera, Robert Adolf, a 25-year-old German, is learning horsetail embroidery techniques from the Shui people by stitching horsehair on a shoe in Sandu Shui Autonomous County, southwest China's Guizhou Province.
Adolf, fascinated by Chinese culture after watching the Disney animation "Mulan" in childhood, is now immersed in recording the cultures of China's ethnic minorities by making documentaries.
Hailing from Munich, Germany, Adolf came to China after graduating from university in 2017 and now works as a translator in east China's Jiangsu Province. During his spare time, he prefers to visit ethnic areas and experience local cultures.
He has visited many places across the country during his stay over four years. He likes sharing videos about local customs and amazing sceneries and has attracted over 2 million followers on short video platforms, including Douyin and Kuaishou.
Intrigued by China's rich and diverse ethnic cultures, Adolf decided last September to record the country's ethnic minorities with his three vlogging friends during their tours. Their first stop was Guizhou, inhabited by 17 ethnic groups.
"In some ethnic regions in Guizhou, even two neighboring villages have different costumes, dialects and celebrations, which is amazing," the young man said.
He experiences locals' lives and records more details by living at their residences. So far, he has visited people of seven ethnic groups, including Miao, Dong, and Shui.
Adolf said despite the differences in cultures and customs, the people he met were warm and hospitable. When they shot videos in the villages, many villagers invited them to their homes for a meal.
While filming the horsetail embroidery, Adolf acquainted himself with 58-year-old Wang Minzhi, who posts short videos on Douyin and sells local specialties via livestreaming.
"In her 50s, she still keeps a young mind and passion for life, which moved me a lot," Adolf said about Wang.
The rich and diverse ethnic cultures bring him passion and motivation to record. "I don't have a fixed filming plan, but I will never stop until I meet all the 55 ethnic minorities," he said. ■
Related articles
Ben Whishaw lights up the Croisette as he joins his co
Ben Whishaw was all smiles at the world premiere of Limonov: The Ballad at the 77th annual Cannes Fi2024-05-21Oklahoma teen Noah Presgrove's cause of death is revealed
The mysterious death of a teenager found dead on a lonely highway is no longer being investigated as2024-05-21Country makes solar affordable worldwide
This photo taken on Feb. 17, 2024 shows a 50 MW Chinese-built photovoltaic power plant in Mymensingh2024-05-21Xi sends congratulatory letter to forum on space cooperation with LatAm, Caribbean countries
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory letter to the first China-Latin Amer2024-05-21- DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noi2024-05-21
Palestine denounces Israeli settlers' assault on Jordanian aid convoys
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates on Wednesday denounced the assault by Is2024-05-21
atest comment