Lan Zhanfei, a famous gaming streamer turned travel influencer, is known online as “the freest Chinese man on the internet” for his carefree journeys across China and around the world. In early December, however, that image was shaken by a traumatic experience in South Africa.
On December 9, 2025, Lan posted a series of messages on Sina Weibo describing how he was kidnapped inside a five-star hotel in Cape Town. He claimed that two armed suspects, allegedly aided by someone inside the hotel, used a key to enter his suite. They allegedly detained him for four to five hours, initially demanding a ransom. When that failed, they forced him to apply for online loans.
Before leaving, Lan claims the kidnappers photographed him nude and collected biological samples, including fingerprints, saliva and hair, Chinese news outlet Guancha reported. Lan said the perpetrators threatened to fabricate a rape case using the materials if he reported the crime.
After the suspects left, Lan contacted South African authorities and the Chinese embassy. The case was formally filed with South African police on December 10, though he was reportedly told the chances of solving it were slim.
Born in 1992 in Yunfu, Guangdong Province, Lan began his career as a professional e-sports player before transitioning into livestreaming. In March 2023, he shifted his focus to travel content, launching a six-month journey across China that documented both scenic locations and physical challenges.
His travels later expanded into a global expedition covering Asia, Europe, the Americas and Antarctica. His videos, which feature everything from hot air balloon rides in Türkiye to ice diving in Lake Baikal, have earned him more than 26 million followers on Douyin.
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