Chinese American Sherry Zhu, also a social media influencer who had expected to explore China's Yunnan, arrived on Friday in Kunming for her TikTok series "Becoming Chinese".

Sherry has captivated audiences worldwide with her viral TikTok series "Becoming Chinese," sparking both widespread attention and deep cultural appreciation. Her videos tell the lifestyle habits of Chinese people in a lighthearted and humorous way. Some articles described Sherry's videos as having "a witty, dry humor," a quality she believes also contributed to their viral success on TikTok.

Chinese American Sherry Zhu takes a selfie in front of flowers at Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (L) and her friends take a selfie while tasting traditional flower cakes by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (L) and her friends visit Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

In Kunming, Sherry and her friends immersed themselves in the city's vibrant, poetic everyday life. They first explored Dounan Flower Market, Asia's largest fresh-cut flower trading market and experienced its dynamic commercial energy. Then they sampled the distinctive "peacock banquet" with mixed flavors, which was beyond their expectations. After that, they strolled around Cuihu Lake and nearby artsy neighborhoods and enjoyed modern tea drinks and traditional flower cakes, and were impressed by the city's relaxed yet romantic rhythm.

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (R) and her friends visit Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (L) and her friends taste modern tea drinks by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu's friends buy traditional flower cakes by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu visits Cuihu Lake park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

During the trip, Sherry also visited Vincent, a French chef who has lived in Kunming for over a decade. At his restaurant, local Yunnan ingredients are skillfully incorporated into European-style baking. "You've given Western bread a Chinese flavor," Sherry noted. What she said also echoed the connotation behind her "Becoming Chinese" of cultural exchange and integration.

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (R) chats with Vincent at his restaurant in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu (R) chats with Vincent at his restaurant in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

French chef Vincent introduces food to Chinese American Sherry Zhu (R) and her friends at his restaurant in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Sherry reflected that, as a Chinese American, she had thought she understood Chinese culture well, but found more than that after coming to Yunnan. This journey became a rediscovery of her cultural roots. Through her "Becoming Chinese" series, she is transforming these everyday experiences into bridges connecting Eastern and Western cultures.

Chinese American Sherry Zhu poses for photos at Cuihu Lake park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026.  (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

Chinese American Sherry Zhu poses for photos with a horse wall painting by Cuihu Lake in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)