"Granny Wang, real name Zhao Mei, has captivated crowds in Kaifeng, China, with her matchmaking performances, drawing hundreds to her daily shows at a theme park."
"Zhao Mei introduced the matchmaking element to her performances in 2023, leading to viral fame and a surge in followers from hundreds of thousands to over 7 million on Douyin."
"The audience for Zhao's show consists mostly of families during the school holidays, with about one in five participants seeking romantic connections in a fun environment."
"Zhao's Granny Wang character revives the village matchmaker role, becoming a popular alternative as traditional ways of meeting partners decline in favor of online interactions."
Granny Wang, also known as Zhao Mei, attracts large audiences in Kaifeng, where she plays a matchmaker at a theme park. Thousands gather daily to see her performance, which incorporates matchmaking into its entertainment. Since introducing this element in 2023, her following has skyrocketed to over 7 million on Douyin. Many audience members are families with children, though roughly 20% are participants seeking love. Zhao's character revives traditional matchmaking, offering an alternative in a time when online dating is predominant.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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