IShowSpeed’s China Tour: Top 5 Shocking Moments Revealed
Few internet personalities attract attention the way IShowSpeed does. Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known online as IShowSpeed or Speed, was known for his unfiltered charisma, unpredictable outbursts, and comedic timing. This American streamer and YouTuber has built a global fanbase by simply being himself—loud, wild, and unapologetically authentic. But even for someone used to viral fame, Speed’s recent tour of China was on a whole new level.
From Chengdu to Beijing, his journey wasn’t just a sightseeing trip—it was a full-blown cultural phenomenon. He trended repeatedly on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, Douyin, and Bilibili, drawing massive attention and sparking debate. Speed’s visit to China received a warm welcome from his fans and passersby in China, earning the nickname “甲亢哥 jiǎ kàng gē” meaning “King of Chaos” from locals. Whether it was laughter, confusion, admiration, and more, Speed left a strong impression at every turn.
Speed’s visit to China was live-streamed globally, and his casual remark, “Let’s see the real China,” sparked interest in exploring the country through his travels. Some online users even commented, “Anti-China propaganda destroyed by IShowSpeed’s livestreams. People around the globe saw how cool, friendly, and fun China is.”
Let’s explore the Top 5 Most Shocking Moments from IShowSpeed’s whirlwind China tour—a trip that both united and confused the internet, all in true Speed styles.
Is China Safe?
Speed’s journey began in Shanghai, where he was shocked at China’s seamless 5G connectivity, even when he was in underground MRT or aboard the high-speed trains—a stark contrast to the patchy, unreliable networks of the US’s MRT.
Another point that amazed Speed was how safe and regulated China was. He noticed that even his bodyguards felt much more relaxed in this environment. This atmosphere allowed Speed to immerse himself in the local culture, engaging with the friendly locals and exploring the countless experiences China had to offer unimpeded. As he navigated the bustling streets and vibrant markets, he couldn’t help but notice the sense of order that seemed to permeate every city he visited.
1. “Bing Chilling” Returns: A Meme Reborn
It all began with ice cream. For Chinese netizens, the phrase “Bing Chilling” (冰淇淋 bīng qí lín), meaning “ice cream” in Mandarin, became popular thanks to a viral video of WWE superstar John Cena awkwardly praising ice cream in Chinese. IShowSpeed resurrected the meme during his first few days in China, randomly blurting out “Bing Chilling” while livestreaming from Shanghai. His enthusiastic approach and exaggerated delivery quickly caught fire despite the not-so-perfect pronunciation.
But unlike Cena’s, Speed’s obsession with ice cream was genuine. He turned eating ice cream into a recurring gag, trying out various local flavors across different cities, even trying out the chili-flavored ice cream in Chongqing, which he commented, “It’s spicy, but it’s good.” This resulted in fans eagerly anticipating the next “Bing Chilling moment,” with videos of him eating ice cream while dramatically reacting to flavors becoming trending topics.
On Weibo, some users joked that he should become the face of Chinese ice cream branding. One commenter wrote, “他不是来旅游的，他是来找冰淇淋的!” (“He’s not here for tourism—he’s on an ice cream quest!”). What made it memorable wasn’t just the meme—it was Speed’s genuine joy over something as simple as a frozen treat, connecting with audiences across language and cultural divides.
2. Sichuan Hot Pot Meltdown: Fire in the Hole
Speed’s fiery personality met its match in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and home to China’s spiciest cuisine, mala (麻辣).
During a live-streamed hotpot dinner, Speed plunged headfirst into the world of mala—the signature tongue-numbing, sweat-inducing flavor of Sichuan peppercorn and chili oil. From the moment he took his first bite, the results were painful yet hilarious as he started coughing uncontrollably, wiping sweat off his forehead, and gasping for milk.
His repeated “I think my tongue’s disintegrating,” he shouted, followed by a dramatic reenactment of his digestive system “on fire.”
This wasn’t just a joke for views. Speed genuinely tried to keep up with his Chinese hosts, determined to finish the meal despite the spiciness. His perseverance and willingness to step far out of his comfort zone to respect other cultures earned him praise. To this, viewers commented on his sincerity, even as they laughed at his struggles.
Chinese viewers particularly appreciated his respect for local customs—even when he didn’t quite understand what was happening. “He’s chaotic, but he’s trying,” wrote one netizen. “And that’s what makes him loveable.”
3. The Chongqing Chaos: When Speed Got Mobbed
Speed’s popularity in China became impossible to ignore in Chongqing, where a routine outdoor livestream turned into a pandemonium.
What began as a casual walk through a shopping district quickly escalated into a fan mob as dozens, and eventually hundreds, of fans recognized him. This resulted in Speed and his crew being surrounded by screaming teenagers, selfie sticks shoved into his face, and even crying admirers within minutes. In the end, the local police had to intervene to manage the crowd and escort him safely to his car.
The scenes shocked both domestic and international viewers. On Douyin, the Chinese TikTok, the clip went viral under the hashtag #Speed被围堵 (Speed surrounded), garnering millions of views. Many Chinese fans expressed surprise at how an American streamer could stir up such a reaction in China, considering the challenges of cross-cultural fame and language barrier.
But Speed handled the chaos with a mix of excitement and bewilderment. In the end, he laughed, signed autographs, shouted “I love China!” in between security rushes, and later thanked fans during his stream. “This is unreal, Bro,” he said. “I feel like a pop star!”
This incident became a major indicator of his rising status in China—and a reminder of the power of internet virality in today’s hyper-connected world.
4. Funky Brothers: Collabs with Da Zhangwei
Among the many moments of cultural collision, none was more delightful (or surreal) than Speed’s collaboration with Da Zhangwei (大张伟) a.k.a. Wowkie Zhang—a beloved Chinese singer, former punk rocker, and variety show icon, known with his memes of “Nei nei neige” (内个, a filler word literally mean ‘that’).
In a special livestream event in Mango TV (芒果TV mangguo), the two shared a stage for a rendition of “My Skate Shoes” (我的滑板鞋 wo de huabanxie), a song that has become an ironic internet hit in China. The performance was…chaotic, to say the least. Speed howled into the mic, danced wildly, and at one point fell to his knees in dramatic flair. As always, Da Zhang Wei was one to embrace absurdity as he played along with gusto.
Fans from both sides were ecstatic. Chinese netizens praised the interaction as a beautiful example of cultural openness, while international fans found it a hilarious and heartwarming crossover.
“It was like watching two different planets collide in harmony,” one Bilibili user commented.
Da Zhangwei later said in an interview that Speed had “an unstoppable kind of energy” and that their collaboration was “the most fun [he’s] had in a long time.” For many, the moment symbolized the tour’s success. It’s not a diplomatic mission but a spontaneous celebration of shared joy.
5. Shenzhen’s Future Tech
During his whirlwind China tour, IShowSpeed made a stop in Shenzhen, often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of China”—and it turned out to be one of the most eye-opening parts of his journey.
Far from his usual chaotic antics, Speed found himself face-to-face with China’s future tech. At the Shenzhen International Smart Terminal Industry Expo, he explored futuristic developments in AI, robotics, and wearable devices while live-streaming his amazed reactions to viewers worldwide.
In one viral clip, Speed tested an AI-powered service robot that responded in both English and Mandarin. “Bro, it’s like a real human!” he exclaimed, clearly impressed. His reaction while watching a robot dance show, where he even joined in and danced with the robots, created an energetic atmosphere. “It’s really dancing!” he shouted in surprise. He also tried on next-generation AR glasses, declaring them “better than anything I’ve seen in the States.”
Beyond the gadgets, what impressed Speed most was Shenzhen’s futuristic city vibe—from autonomous delivery vehicles zipping through the streets to AI kiosks in malls, even trying out flying cars. “This place feels like 2030,” he said in his stream. “No cap.”
His visit highlighted the growing curiosity from Western creators about China’s tech landscape—and showed how digital culture can bridge gaps between very different worlds. In classic Speed fashion, he ended the tour screaming, “Shenzhen, I’m in the future, bro!”
And honestly? He kind of was.
Cultural Missteps
Of course, not all moments were received positively. Speed’s raw and unpredictable style led to some cultural missteps during his trip.
One incident that drew criticism was a livestream where Speed danced shirtless in public, drawing concerned looks from locals. While others pointed out that his boisterous style, although popular with fans, clashed with the more reserved public etiquette common in parts of China.
There were also misunderstandings due to language barriers. At one point, Speed mispronounced a phrase that sounded inappropriate in Mandarin, leading to awkward moments on stream. Though clearly unintentional, it sparked a wave of comments urging him to “do some homework” before live streaming in foreign countries.
Still, many came to his defense. Several media outlets reported that while some found him overwhelming, a large portion of Chinese fans appreciated his honesty and magnanimous approach. His willingness to participate in local customs, even when confused or uncomfortable, struck a chord.
As one Weibo user summarized: “He’s not perfect. But he’s real. And that’s rare.”
Speed’s Diplomacy?
IShowSpeed’s China tour wasn’t about politics, business deals, or polished performances. It was sometimes messy and unpredictable, but you could feel the genuine emotion and its unique beauty. Although there was a language barrier and culture shock, Speed managed to forge genuine connections through his wild energy.
His tour in China revealed something powerful. He shows what it means for authenticity to transcend borders. Whether screaming “Bing Chilling” in the streets of Beijing, sweating buckets over a hotpot in Chengdu, or singing off-key with Da Zhangwei, Speed brought laughter and curiosity to millions. More than that, he changes people’s perspectives and brought people from different countries all over the world, closer, together.
He didn’t come to impress—he came to experience. In doing so, he reminded us that cultural exchange doesn’t always have to be tidy or serious. Sometimes, it’s a little crazy. Sometimes, it involves too much chili oil. But if done with heart, it can be unforgettable.
In the end, everyone was looking forward to his future livestream as Speed shouted in his final stream from China, “China! I’ll be back! Y’all are crazy—but I love y’all!”
Want More?
Stay tuned for in-depth analyses of viral influencer moments, from unexpected celebrity collaborations to heartwarming campaigns. Visit ApplyforChina as we explore more cross-cultural internet trends that highlight the amusing interplay between Chinese cultures and showcase the dynamic space where East meets West, revealing how these connections spark creativity and laughter.