Ryan Chen

Chen Rui ( ; born c. 1982 Chen has also been interviewed by Western media outlets, including NBC News, CNN, and the New York Times.

Background and education Chen Rui was born around 1982 as an only child in a working-class family. His father worked in shipping on the Yangtze River, and his mother worked in a government-run textile factory.

Career

While working as a marketing manager in Chongqing in 2020, Chen started uploading videos to social media. Chen has cited American impressionist Matt Friend as an influence. Chen avoids political commentary. He focuses on entertainment content, including promotion of Chinese cities, cuisine, culture, and travel, delivered in Trump-like mannerisms. He has stated that he deliberately avoids sensitive political topics in both China and the U.S. and American social media creator Darren Jason Watkins, known online as Ishowspeed.

Reception

Chen has millions of followers in China, including approximately 1.3 million on Douyin as of late 2025 In early 2025, concerns over a potential U.S. ban on TikTok led some American users to seek content on Chinese platforms. Chen's videos have occasionally been reposted without permission, prompting him to issue a cease-and-desist notice.

Chen has been covered by media outlets including NBC News, CNN , and the New York Times His impressions have been described as "pitch-perfect" by the New York Times.