Part of Harbin's enormous success can be attributed to a snowball effect, but the hype is also the result of a well-coordinated campaign.
As the entire country is watching how the Zibo BBQ hype has been unfolding, every little thing can create an online storm.
The essay suggests that the recent popularity of Zibo BBQ is a symptom of a society that's all about consumerism and empty social spectacle.
There are even special Zibo BBQ trains now. This is how Zibo barbecue suddenly became the hottest meal of the country.
