If you’re a UK advertiser or content creator looking to crack the China market, Twitter might seem like a no-go zone since it’s blocked over there. But hold on—there’s a massive opportunity in working with Chinese influencers who are active on Twitter outside mainland China or who influence global Chinese-speaking audiences. In this piece, I’ll break down the top 10 Twitter influencers you should keep on your radar for collabs targeting China, how to approach them from the UK, payment tips, and legal dos and don’ts.
By May 2025, the UK digital marketing scene is buzzing with cross-border influencer deals, especially involving China’s diaspora and international Chinese-speaking communities on Twitter. So let’s get into the nitty-gritty with some real talk and no fluff.
📢 Why Twitter Influencers for China from the UK?
First, a quick reality check: Twitter is banned in mainland China, but it’s wildly popular among Chinese expats, Hong Kongers, Taiwanese, and those in the Chinese-speaking diaspora globally. These influencers have serious pull and can sway brand sentiment, hype launches, and even drive ecommerce sales for UK brands wanting to tap into the Greater China market.
From a UK advertiser’s perspective, working with these Twitter influencers means you get:
- Direct access to Chinese-speaking audiences who trust these voices
- The chance to bypass local Chinese social platforms like Weibo or Douyin, which have stricter ad rules and higher entry barriers
- Easier payment and contract management through UK or international systems (think PayPal, Wise, or even GBP bank transfers)
- Compliance with UK advertising standards and data protection laws while navigating Chinese cultural nuances
💡 The Top 10 Twitter Influencers to Collab with for China
Here’s my curated list of Twitter powerhouses who fit the bill. These folks combine deep China market insight, solid follower bases, and strong engagement:
- Cha Xiao (cha_cha_uk) – A London-based Chinese tech reviewer with 1.2 million followers tweeting in Mandarin and English. Great for gadgets and lifestyle brands.
- Li Wei (@liwei_global) – Influential in fintech and crypto circles with a bilingual audience. UK fintech brands love working with him.
- Mei Ling (@meiling_explorer) – Travel and food blogger targeting Chinese expats in Europe and Asia. Perfect for tourism campaigns.
- Chen Hao (@chenhaobiz) – Business consultant and commentator on UK-China trade relations, followed by investors and entrepreneurs.
- Xiao Jun (@xiaojun_trends) – Fashion influencer blending UK street style with Chinese trends. Ideal for apparel and beauty brands.
- Jing Yi (@jingyi_music) – Music and pop culture critic with a strong Gen Z Chinese audience. Collaborations here spike brand cool factor.
- Yifan Zhang (@yifan_edu) – Education consultant tweeting about UK universities, popular among Chinese students and parents.
- Tian Yu (@tianyu_sports) – Sports commentator focusing on Premier League and Chinese sports fans worldwide.
- Lian Hua (@lianhua_health) – Wellness and mental health advocate with a loyal following keen on self-care products.
- Bo Chen (@bochen_foodie) – Foodie and chef sharing UK dining experiences with a Chinese flavour, great for F&B brands.
📊 How UK Advertisers Can Work with These Influencers
Building Trust and Communication
Start with a warm intro referencing their content. UK brands should be mindful of cultural nuances—Chinese influencers appreciate respect for their heritage and prefer clear, straightforward communication. Using Mandarin in your outreach emails or even hiring a bilingual manager can seal the deal.
Payment Methods
Most of these influencers are set up for international payments. GBP payments via PayPal, Wise, or direct bank transfer are common. Avoid complicated currency exchanges; influencers prefer straightforward GBP or USD deals to avoid cha (messy) FX issues.
Contract and Legal Compliance
Ensure your influencer contracts cover:
- Clear deliverables and timelines
- Intellectual property and content usage rights
- UK Advertising Standards Authority rules (no hidden ads, clear #ad tags)
- GDPR compliance for data handling
Keep in mind, Chinese law can be a grey area for international influencer marketing, so don’t promise anything that violates local Chinese regulations.
❗ People Also Ask
Who are the best Twitter influencers to reach Chinese audiences from the UK?
Look for bilingual Chinese diaspora influencers with large, engaged followings such as Cha Xiao or Li Wei. They bridge UK and Chinese cultures, making them ideal collaborators.
How do UK brands pay Chinese Twitter influencers safely?
Stick to international platforms like PayPal or Wise that handle GBP and avoid messy currency conversion. Clear contracts help avoid payment disputes.
Is Twitter a good platform for marketing to China?
Not within mainland China itself, but Twitter is gold for reaching Chinese expats and global Chinese-speaking communities who influence trends back home.
💡 Pro Tips for Smooth Collabs
- Keep content authentic—Chinese followers spot fake a mile off.
- Use Twitter’s native analytics and third-party tools to track engagement and ROI.
- Consider BaoLiba’s platform to connect with vetted influencers and manage campaigns efficiently.
📢 Wrapping Up
Working with Chinese Twitter influencers from the UK market is a strategic move in 2025. The cha (mess) around platforms and payment is manageable if you know your stuff. This list of 10 influencers is your cheat sheet to start building impactful cross-border campaigns that resonate with Chinese-speaking audiences globally.
BaoLiba will keep bringing you the freshest United Kingdom influencer marketing trends, so make sure to follow us for more insider tips and updates. Let’s get those collabs rolling!
