Why Cottagecore Is Couch‑Cottage’s New Chill Culture
Picture this: you’re sippin’ a latte, scrolling through Instagram, and suddenly you stumble on a scene so calm it feels like you’re stuck in a fairy‑tale. That’s the essence of cottagecore – a glossy, pastoral paradise that celebrates life at a slower tempo.
Fast‑Moving, Fast‑Lening — The Modern Grind
- Endless notifications, traffic jams, and the feeling that yesterdays are passing before we even breathe.
- Faced with endless deadlines, many of us are tucking away our irritation on the top of our head.
- The soothing vision of a quiet farm life (lets just pretend the link is out. No real links needed.)
China’s Cottagecore Craze
A lot of folks from Shanghai to Shenzhen are tempted to cut the digital noise. And that’s where the cottagecore wave is rolling right over the Qinling mountains—both literally and metaphorically.
- Over the past few years, “cottagecore” exploded across the country. People rally for wholesome offline moments, comfy coffee, and down‑to‑earth diets.
- It symbolizes an escape to moments when the past didn’t include Wi‑Fi hiccups.
- The movement has gained 10,000 followers per day!
Meet the YouTube Farmers—Li Ziqi and Dianxi Xiaoge
Imagine a farmer in a green field, letting you watch a wooden pot—hand‑crafted in a minute—turn from raw to fragrant food. These vloggers have helped craft the look of the digital countryside, and let’s admit: they’re so good at storytelling, we feel the precision of their eyes.
- Li Ziqi hates nothing. She cooks fresh, shrinks, and spices, making no modern spices.
- Dianxi Xiaoge rings laughs with a quick laugh in many ways. He twist out of meeting, straight behind a farm, for a realistic flood of home.
- These videos inspire an unprecedented widening of mental detection.
Do You Dare to Go Cottagecore?
A hamorous mixture of hearty, sweet, and nostalgic, the cottagecore experience can be a rich, new source where you can all enjoy a pep—whether you’re a digital net or any.
So why struggle with the urban city? Grab the imagined cottage, and start leaving your own world behind. Enjoy cottagecore in a bam‑bam mod in an imagination, just a little bit less smooth or circle and let yourself be in that frame—a feeling that you’ve tried very a lot. Enjoy your experience.
Li Ziqi
Li Ziqi: The Rural YouTube Queen With a Subscriber Fortune
What She’s Known For
Li Ziqi has captured the hearts (and screens) of millions by turning everyday farm life into a visual feast. She’s the cinematic sorceress who lets a simple bamboo fence or a humble wok command the gallery of YouTube. Thanks to her stunning cinematography and high production value, this seasoned content creator holds a Guinness World Record for the most subscribers on a Chinese‑language channel.
Why There’s a Pause
- She’s stuck in a legal melee with former business partners.
- Because of the dispute, her last upload dates back to July 2021—a gap that feels like a broken video diary.
- The rest of her fans are left scratching their heads, wishing a fresh episode would pop up like an unexpected plot twist.
In a World of Ducks & Dishes
Picture this: a serene Sichuan village, rustling leaves, and Li Ziqi standing in a sun‑lit kitchen, whisking mystery into a pot. She transforms ordinary resources into majestic meals, handcrafted furniture, and delicate embroidery—all shot with a lens that makes the whole scene look like a living painting.
Who’s on the Watch?
Li Ziqi is more than a creator—she’s a living legend. Her fans are part of an entire community that believes the world can be both humble and breathtaking if you just take a little time to savor it. They’re waiting on us to see whether the legal battle will put her back in the frame.
Looking Ahead
Will she break free from this legal labyrinth and rekindle her channel? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her visual style is a reminder that even in the most picturesque countryside, the stories that are worth watching are the ones with a little depth, a perfect soundtrack, and a touch of creative genius. Until the next episode, we’ll keep our notifications turned on, our hearts open, and our curiosity full of “humans of rural life.”
Dianxi Xiaoge
Meet China’s Second Cottagecore Star: Dianxi Xiaoge
Move over Li Ziqi, because there’s another YouTuber who’s turning every rural corner into a cozy Instagram backdrop. Meet Dianxi Xiaoge – real name Dong Meihua – the former police officer who swapped handcuffs for hoes.
Why You’ll Fall in Love With Her Channel
- Truck‑to‑Turf Lifestyle: She shows how to live off the land – a mix of hand‑picked farming and wild‑foraging that makes your kitchen a jungle.
- Yunnan Roots: Born and raised in the picturesque province, she brings the Dai ethnic culture to the forefront of every video.
- Beyond the Dai: Now, she’s exploring the traditions and cuisines of other Chinese minorities, giving viewers a kaleidoscope of cultural wonders.
- Family Nickname: The crew lovingly calls her Penji – a secret favorite that pops up in her vlogs.
What Makes Her Story Stand Out?
She’s the kind of person who can go from patrolling streets to patting soil, all while keeping the humor and warmth that keep viewers glued to the screen. Picture a former cop planting cucumbers, telling jokes about “no offense, but the crop is on the –” (you get the idea). Her content feels like a breath of fresh rural air, and the pacing is just right for those who want a soft‑core refresh from the digital grind.
Takeaway
Dianxi Xiaoge proves that anyone can find their niche – even a former officer who now trades in weeds for wealth. If you’re in the mood for gentle laughs, a generous dose of nature, and a linguistic tour of China’s minority heartlands, her channel is the perfect garden to visit.
Wild Girl
Meet Wild Girl of Guizhou
Wild Girl (real name Ye Xiao Mei) is a modern‑day hermit who calls the misty mountains of rural Guizhou her home.
Why she’s a YouTube sensation
- She streams 24/7 from her tiny cabin, showing how rivers, forests, and dramatic peaks shape her daily routine.
- Her DIY‑cooking videos are a hit—think “From brick‑i‑t” to table and “Get‑zen-while‑the‑coffee‑brews.”
- Her channel’s feed is a visual diary: “We chase the sunrise, harvest the moonlight, and eat what the earth gives.”
Living off the land
The village is a farmers’ guidebook, where every day comes with a sprinkle of nature’s menu. Wild Girl’s daily survival hinges on:
- Growing her own crops—smooth beans, robust roots, and a handful of herbs that keep the taste buds dancing.
- Fishing a few trout ‘just for fun’ in the crystal streams.
- Harvesting wild mushrooms, carefully selecting only the safe “bounty” for her family’s pot.
She turns these ingredients into nourishing meals that keep the family—and her viewers—happy and healthy.
A kitchen full of stories
Behind every dish is a story: the ancient methods of blanching ginger‑leaves, the perfect heat of a stone‑pot, and the savory end of a “sneaky splash” of chili oil to disarm picky taste buds.
Her videos never stop entertaining—maybe because she believes “good food plus a goofy grin” is the recipe for a content, happy life.
Laotai Arui
Meet Laotai Arui: Yunnan’s Culinary Soul of the Muslim Faith
Laotai Arui, a demure yet spirited Muslim woman from Yunnan, offers us a window into the everyday and sacred moments that shape the life of a Chinese Muslim. She’s the kind of person who can cook a feast for a family gathering or a simple bowl of soup for her prayers—every dish a testament to her faith and culture.
How Laotai’s Kitchen Brings Her Faith to Life
- Daily Dishes: A humble rice and lentil stew that keeps her toes warm while she tends to chores.
- Special Occasions: When the crescent moon lights up the night, spiced lamb kebabs appear on her grill, and the kitchen buzzes with shared smiles.
- Festive Foods: For significant religious celebrations, she crafts sweet rice pudding where the sweetness mirrors the joy of community.
- Spiritual Kitchen: Every step of cooking is a prayer; the aroma becomes a quiet reminder of dhikr (recurring worship).
Her story reminds us that faith can simmer in the pot and grow in the served plate—one plate at a time.
Long Meimei
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Meet Long Meimei: A Sun‑Kissed Chinese Family Affair
Long Meimei is painting a bright, almost postcard‑like life for her family – the little girl, her handsome husband, and the entire flurry of rural charm.
What’s for Breakfast… and Beyond?
- Local Greens: Fresh lettuce, cucumber, and a stack of peas ahoy!
- Fruit in the Cool Cracks: In the hills of China, you won’t find cherries or apples, but akenia quinata (aka the “Squirrel’s Treasure”) and chocolate vine fruit which look like candy straight from a fairy’s pantry.
- Wheatr Eco‑wonders: Imagine lettuce that’s smiling, potatoes that can’t wait to be mashed. Truth: it’s an endless supply of nature’s good stuff.
Her humble, “Picture‑Perfect” set up in the countryside shows how part of a human family is everything you need to thrive. Every little help from the local harvest is a little reminder that the best homes are built with love, a bit of humor, and gowns of fresh produce that keep the stomach happy and spirits high.
Why It Matters
Long’s story is a gentle reminder that sharing simple food with family is more than feeding humans, it’s building a story that feels real – and it’s exactly what the rest of us can try to do.
Guangxi Grandma
Granny on the Rise: Age Is Just a Friendly Reminder
Meet the vibrant superstar of Guangxi — a grandma who proves that seniors can still rock the scene. At the heart of her daily routine are three pillars: harvesting fresh greens, whipping up hearty meals, and mastering medieval preservation techniques—all on her own.
Harvesting with Heart
- Sunrise to Sunset — She starts the day outside, scattering her seeds in the warm morning light.
- Counting Roots — Every berry, carrot, and leaf is carefully measured, because a good grandma never skips a step.
- Family Ferns — The produce is destined for her kitchen, the place where recipes come alive.
The Kitchen Chronicles
- Stir‑Fry Magic — She tosses sautéing veggies like a DJ spins records, keeping the rhythm vibrant.
- Spice Symphony — A pinch of garlic, a dash of chili, and her signature thyme create a flavors piqué that makes even the snackiest grandkids smirk.
- Community Chow — Each dish is shared, strengthening bonds as delicious aromas carry through the house.
Preservation: A Timeless Touch
Who needs a fridge when you have a bunker of jars? Our lil’ granny’s pantry is a treasure trove of pickles, sauces, and sweet preserves. She labels every item with her unique style—think handwritten notes in bright ink—making every meal a quest back to the garden.
The Grandkid Cameos
- Learning by the Hearth — The children watch her trim herbs and marinate meats, soaking in lore as if it were a secret treasure map.
- Hands‑on Sessions — Small hands help stir, taste, and even crack jokes—guardian giggles echoing through the kitchen.
- Legacy in Progress — Each generation takes a pill of grandmother’s wisdom, ready to pass it on when the day comes.
So, when you read “age is just a number,” remember that one grandmother in Guangxi is showing the world how to turn every number into a story of strength, flavor, and a splash of humor.
Fujian Grandma
Fujian: The Hidden Roots of Singapore’s Foodie Clan
Did you know that many families in Singapore can trace their ancestry back to the beautiful coast of Fujian? It’s a place that feels like a comfy blanket—warm, familiar, and downright delicious.
Grandma’s Kitchen: A Time‑Travel Experience
- Not just the food: The charm of Fujian grandma’s kitchen isn’t just in the flavors—it’s in the whole vibe.
- Every dish tells a story: Each stir and simmer is a quiet reminder of slow, soulful living.
- Pastoral feels: Picture a quiet coastal cottage—boats bobbing on calm waters, and the gentle hum of cooking. That’s the “cottagecore” feel that floods her videos.
- Easy‑going humor: Grandma’s playful banter about chopping veggies keeps you smiling, even while you’re watching.
- Emotional connection: Watching her flourish ingredients into comfort food reminds you that home tastes best when shared.
Why It Matters
In a buzzing, fast‑paced world, a few minutes spent watching a grandparent stir a pot can feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that good food, old traditions, and a relaxed pace are still alive in the heart of Fujian—and in Singapore’s culinary tapestry too.
Lizhangliu
Meet Li Zhangliu: Millennial Warrior on the Farm
Flip the age wheel and you’ll find Li Zhangliu—a bright‑eyed, sun‑smoothed millennial who puts the “get‑it” into farm life. Age is just a number when she’s turning dirt into dishes that wow the whole family.
What She’s Ready For
- Planting fields like a pro
- Cooking up bounty that everyone raves about
- Saving the day with a side of recipe ingenuity
Sure, Li’s age might be listed as “young” on a résumé, but she’s got more skill than a seasoned scout and a sturdy spirit—perfect for turning back the clock on traditional farm tales.
Ermi Chuiyan
Meet the Super Mom Who Turns Soybeans Into Gold
Ermi Chuiyan isn’t just a mom—she’s a culinary wizard and a video maestro, brewing up kitchen marvels that will make your taste buds do a pirouette. If you’re curious about how she conjures an interesting fermented soybean and a watermelon sauce that tastes like summer sunset, read on. She’ll spill the beans—literally!
Why Her Videos Are a Feast for the Eyes and Palate
- High‑Quality Production: Her footage is buttery smooth, so you can see every twirl of the spoon and every splash of sauce.
- Kid‑Friendly Cooking: She’s a mom, so the tricks are safe, simple, and perfect for little helpers.
- Secrecy‑Breakers: Who knew fermented soybeans could be so tastier than the snack you’re used to?
The Amazing Fermented Soybean
Step one: grab a packet of dried soybeans, soak them overnight, and let the magic begin. Ermi shows you how to:
- Trim the beans to keep the starch in check.
- Introduce a mix of salt and a dash of sugar to create a naturally sweet fermentation.
- Patience is key—treat the beans like you’d treat a good friend: give them time and care.
Result: a savory, slightly tangy side that’s the perfect companion to rice or noodles. Someone could almost swear the soybeans jumped off the plate after she tossed them!
The Watermelon Sauce That’ll Make Your Lips Sparkle
Who needs a fancy sundae when you can drizzle watermelon sauce over your breakfast? Ermi’s recipe is delightfully simple:
- Dice fresh watermelon and let the juice pool like the coolest caravan of summer.
- Blend it with lime, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of mint—because fresh flavors are always better.
- Cook it down to a syrupy consistency that will add that sweet‑and‑sour zing to any dish.
Try it on pancakes, yogurt, or just as a dipping sauce for grilled veggies. Trust us: you’ll quote it to your friends as your new secret weapon.
Ready to Hop Into Her Kitchen?
Ermi Chuiyan’s videos are the slick, tasty window into a world of food‑science gone fun. Pick a recipe, roll up your sleeves, and let the kitchen chaos (and the aroma) win you over. Bon appétit!
Summer Kitchen
Meet Chen Ershi: The Urban Farm Queen of Guangdong
While Summer Kitchen might not fit the idyllic cottagecore mold—after all, it’s set in an urban jungle in Guangdong province and not a rustic farmstead—Chen Ershi brings its own flavor to the table.
Why Chen is a Must‑Follow
- Relatable Urban Vibes: Anyone in a city can picture themselves at her kitchen table, even if they don’t grow tomatoes on their balcony.
- Recipes & Herbal Wisdom: From tasty dumplings to ancient tea blends, she serves up a menu that’s both delicious and health‑boosting.
- Spotlight on Local Culture: She can turn a simple lunch into a cultural storytelling session—conversations about the history behind each dish make every bite more meaningful.
What You’ll Find in Her World
Think of Summer Kitchen as a hybrid: a cozy cooking channel infused with mental‑health tips, herbal remedies, and a dash of community charm—all wrapped in a friendly, conversational tone that feels like chatting over a steaming pot of broth.
So whether you’re battling burnout or just craving a taste of something different, Chen Ershi’s videos offer a quick, accessible escape. Plus, they’re a reminder that even in the fast‑paced city, you can still bring a slice of home (and health) into your day.
Next Up? Chill Hobbies to Ease Your Stress
Curious about other ways to unwind? Check out those 8 therapeutic and fun hobbies that help calm your nerves while giving you a chance to explore new passions.
— First published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly
