AI-generated cats showcasing rural life, Chinese cuisine land major brand sponsorships

China’s pet scene has found its digital answer to cottagecore icon Li Ziqi – “Meow Ziqi,” a social media account featuring three AI-generated cats that cook traditional Chinese dishes and practise heritage crafts. Since bursting onto the scene in April, the account has amassed over 1.76 million followers and more than 500 million views.

The parallels with Sichuan-born cultural influencer Li Ziqi are unmistakable. Li captivated over 56 million fans worldwide with her cinematic depictions of...