Derksen performs in his videos that talk about his life in China. They have been viewed millions of times online.[Photo provided to China Daily]

He also appears on TV and has founded his own company, which undertakes Sino-German cultural projects and facilitates cooperation between the two countries' companies.

"I really think this kind of career is just possible in China because the speed of economic development here is incredible," he tells China Daily.

"Everything goes so fast. Also, there are many more people using social networks in China than there are in Germany. In Germany it would take many more years to get so many followers."

Derksen was born in a small German village to a retired electrician and a housewife. He first came to China as a tourist in 2007 and immediately fell in love with the people and culture. He studied Chinese in Fudan University in Shanghai over 2012-13. He married in 2013 and settled in the city.

Derksen made the first video when he was bored on a weekend.

He now posts one or two videos, articles or photos a week. He works with a team of six people to create content. They start by searching for trending topics and discuss personal experiences and opinions before writing the scripts, shooting and editing.

His experience shows it's possible to become a celebrity on the Chinese internet with a charismatic personality, knowledge of videography and understanding of self-promotion.