The Caowa fair in Linyi, Shandong, becomes a hot destination to experience fair culture. [Photo/Qilu Evening News]

An American food blogger named "Thunder Brother" recently toured the Caowa fair with his wok. He spent only 100 yuan ($14.2) for a feast of six dishes and a soup, all featuring high-end seafood and noodles. His video about the fair has garnered over 2 million views.

The Caowa fair in Linyi, East China's Shandong province, has gone viral recently, with over 100,000 visitors flooding into Caowa county to experience the vibrant fair culture. Not only "Thunder Brother" but influencers nationwide have launched more than 2,000 live streams, drawing over 400 million viewers for the online fair.

One of the market's highlights is the glutinous rice cake made by Sun Yaokui, who has been selling rice cakes at the Caowa fair for over 30 years. Using traditional methods passed down through generations, his cakes are a favorite among regular customers.

"Every time the fair opens, we can sell up to two metric tons of rice cakes, generating an income of over 30,000 yuan," Sun said.

The market's popularity also lies in its cultural significance. It's not just a place for shopping but for local traditions and a source of comfort for those away from home. Dong Yanling, a professor from Shandong University of Finance and Economics, suggested that to sustain its growth, the market should integrate with nearby rural tourism projects and develop cultural and creative products to boost the local economy while preserving its unique charm.