The broadcasters gather in public spots in Guilin most nights, hoping to catch the attention of online "passers-by" scrolling through livestreams on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where viewers can donate to their favourite streamers
In the dead of night on a bridge in southern China, around two dozen livestreamers sat crooning and chatting into microphones, their identical ring lights spaced a few metres apart in glowing rows.
The broadcasters gather in spots like this in the city of Guilin most nights with the hopes of catching the attention of online "passers-by" scrolling through livestreams on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, where viewers can donate to their favourite streamers.
"There are too many indoor livestreamers," said 27-year-old Qiao Ya, who works from 9:00 pm to 3:00 am every night.
"For indoor livestreaming you need to look pretty to be able to attract viewers, but I'm too average for that."
Outdoor broadcasting took off about a year ago, and conditions can be harsh.