During this year’s May Day holiday, Kaifeng, Central China’s Henan province, became a hotspot due to local viral dating show Wang Po Matchmaking, hosted by livestreamer Zhao Mei. Livestreamers from all over the country flocked to the area to stream the show. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

People gather to film livestreamer Guo Youcai as he entered a car on May 17, at the National Flower Expo Park in Heze. Guo is popular for livestreaming his singing. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

In the early morning of May 2024, a livestreamer lies next to Guo’s site at National Flower Expo Park in Heze, playing with her phone. The surroundings are filled with various livestreaming equipment and camping gear. Livestreamers queued all night to secure a prime position. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

Chen Lisi rests inside his electric tricycle in the parking lot of a scenic spot in Kaifeng. He used to be a programmer, but at the age of 38 he was laid off and worked as a courier. Later, he began his “traveling while being poor” livestream. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

Yang Yang, who is also a livestreamer, takes a shower inside a tent at a parking lot in a scenic area in Kaifeng. He began livestreaming after leaving his job and quickly attracted over 1,000 followers. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

In a Kaifeng parking lot, Xiao He hangs his quilt out to dry. He gained over 7,000 new followers in two months of livestreaming in Kaifeng, doubling the number he had in the previous year. With platform commission based on traffic, he earns an average income of 200 yuan ($27.50) to 300 yuan per day. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

At the northern entrance of Heze National Flower Expo Park, three livestreamers do laundry and wash dishes in a public restroom on May 14. For those livestreamers who live in their cars and constantly travel, finding water and power sources are crucial considerations when selecting a camping site. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

A livestreamer climbs onto a fence over 4 meters (13 feet) high to watch Guo Youcai’s livestream at Heze South Railway Station on May 14. Guo was immediately surrounded by a large crowd when he began streaming at 10 a.m. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

Urban management officers wake a livestreamer who is sleeping on the ground at Heze South Railway Station. The station’s popularity resulted in issues such as congestion, hygiene problems and noise disturbances. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

A livestreamer sings at Heze National Flower Expo Park on May 20. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

At the north gate of the National Flower Expo Park, livestreamers gather to discuss making money. Yan Zi (right) said she is anxious because she is earning just enough to make ends meet. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin

Yan Zi and other streamers talk about their future plans at National Flower Expo Park. On May 21, Xiao’s younger sister, a college student, suffered a stroke, but Xiao He's livestream earnings were far from enough to cover her medical expenses. From that day, Xiao He's Douyin livestream channel never went live again. Photo: Chen Liang/Caixin