Rap is a popular music genre in China that can convey social criticism between the lines. One of the latest examples is the song „Factory“ by Zhang Fangzhao. The 27-year-old gained a wider audience through the talent show „The Rap of China“ and in this song, he tells the story of his escape from his hometown of Jiaozuo in Henan Province. In recent years, the area has faced environmental pollution, mass layoffs and population outflows. The music video depicts the region in bleak colors but also celebrates the resilience of its residents. The song struck a chord on social media, with thousands of people sharing their experiences on platforms like Weibo about still being discriminated against in cities like Shanghai as country bumpkins from the provinces.