A train runs on a bridge in Myanmar, taking Qi Dong on another signature tour.

Creative content

However, there are voices of caution.

"You need to have seen much of the world at first because being an influencer is not just about taking photos and writing articles," says 37-year-old Qi Dong from Shanghai.

"It takes time for you to become famous enough to financially support yourself from the earnings.

"The most important thing is to have your own ideas and personality," he says. "As many are entering the industry, only those who make creative content will survive."