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Ahmed Mohammed Jaber Alkalthoom, a 30-year-old Iraqi man, has captured the hearts of millions in China with his food reviews and inspirational journey from war-torn Iraq to a life of peace and fulfillment in China.
Alkalthoom grew up in a wealthy family in Iraq with two younger sisters. However, the Iraq War, which began in 2003, forced his family to flee their hometown. Moving from Syria to Lebanon and then to Egypt, they faced constant threats to their safety. Alkalthoom recalled harrowing moments from his childhood, including being hidden in a refrigerator by his parents during heavy shelling and surviving a missile explosion that ruptured his eardrum.
Despite the challenges, his family remained determined to secure a safer future. In 2014, with support from relatives, Alkalthoom relocated to China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, a decision that would change his life forever.
Starting as an Arabic teacher at an international school, Alkalthoom immersed himself in Chinese culture and society. Driven by a desire to integrate, he taught himself Mandarin and memorized 108 Chinese characters within just three months. Within a year, he was fluent and adopted the Chinese name "Wang Lixuan."
Before becoming a social media sensation, Alkalthoom explored various careers in China, including acting and modeling. His natural charm, humor, and linguistic talent helped him thrive in these fields. However, it was his transition into food reviews that propelled him to stardom.
In 2024, Alkalthoom began sharing his food adventures across China on social media, quickly gaining over 10 million followers. His humorous and heartfelt reviews of regional delicacies resonated with audiences. From spicy Sichuan barbecue to Wuhan's famous hot dry noodles, his culinary explorations span the length and breadth of China.
One memorable moment occurred during a visit to Sichuan, where he struggled with the fiery flavors and joked in Mandarin, “It feels like all the chili peppers are meeting to plot my demise!” In Changsha, he humorously described eating chopped chili fish head as “kissing the fish,” delighting netizens with his relatable and entertaining commentary.
His videos, which have garnered over 3.5 billion views, also show him interacting warmly with fans who often insist on paying for his meals. In return, Alkalthoom expresses his gratitude by buying fruit and drinks for them.
Despite his newfound success, the trauma of war lingers. In one video, Alkalthoom recounted being startled by the sound of a noodle chef slapping dough in Wuhan, mistaking it for gunfire. On another occasion in Henan, the sound of firecrackers triggered a moment of panic as he instinctively thought it was a bomb. These moments resonate deeply with his followers, many of whom have offered words of comfort. One viewer commented, “Do not worry, you are in China now. You are safe.”
Alkalthoom often describes his life in China as a second chance. “The old me already ‘died’ on Earth. Now, I am living my next life in paradise, China,” he shared. His social media biography reflects this sentiment, stating: “After experiencing the pain of life and death, I truly cherish the peace and stability I’ve found in China.”
His journey has inspired countless fans, with one online observer commenting, “It is always ordinary people who suffer from war. I am happy you’ve found a new life in China. I hope you enjoy it here!”
Source: SCMP
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