Chen Jinxiang, the producer of Ling, says the digital avatar's eyes were paid special attention to so that they looked good in Peking Opera makeup. Earlier this year, Ling participated in a talent show featuring traditional culture held by State broadcaster China Central Television and won a lot of young followers. She is expected to promote Chinese culture around the world by her creator.

Liu Yexi made a bigger splash when she made her debut on Douyin last October. The "virtual beauty blogger "attracted more than 1 million followers and 2 million likes in a single day after posting her first 2-minute video.

Liu's makeup tutorials blend traditional Chinese beauty routines with modern techniques. She is quite the influencer, who changes her wardrobe in every video and prompts her avid followers to emulate her looks.

In a post on July 9, Liu turned herself into a Kunqu Opera actor. Until Monday, the video had received more than 280,000 likes. Many commented on the inimitable style of the opera, which evolved from the local melody of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu province. As one of the oldest drama styles, Kunqu Opera was listed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001.

According to Liu's creator Liang Zikang, most followers of digital humans are young and find it easy to grasp the concept of the metaverse, an immersive virtual world for real-time interactions and experiences.