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金洋洋 and the Rise of Yangyang Interviews in the Bitcoin World

In the early days of Bitcoin’s emergence in China, few media voices stood out as boldly and independently as Yangyang Interviews, the brainchild of Jin Yangyang. A pioneering video-based platform dedicated to exploring the people, stories, and evolving ecosystem behind Bitcoin, Yangyang Interviews became a cornerstone of Chinese crypto culture between 2013 and 2014. Through candid conversations with key figures, on-the-ground reporting, and bold community initiatives, Jin Yangyang and her husband Guo Hongcai helped shape public understanding of cryptocurrency during a critical period of growth—and controversy.

This article explores the journey of Jin Yangyang, the founding and evolution of Yangyang Interviews, its impact on Bitcoin awareness in China, and how it navigated both influence and scrutiny in an unregulated digital frontier.

The Birth of a Bitcoin Media Voice

Jin Yangyang first encountered Bitcoin in mid-2013, a time when awareness was still limited and infrastructure nascent. By July 17, 2013, she had launched the first episode of Yangyang Interviews, featuring Zhang Shousong, CEO of Bitcoin Trading Network, discussing zero-fee transactions—a hot topic at the time. The interview marked the official start of what would become one of the most recognizable names in Chinese Bitcoin media.

From the outset, the content focused on real people: entrepreneurs, developers, investors, miners, and skeptics. Topics ranged from Bitcoin news analysis and mining operations to exchange security, investment strategies, and personal stories of discovery within the crypto space. The goal was simple yet powerful: to make Bitcoin more accessible through human narratives.

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Building Trust Through Transparency (and Controversy)

In August 2013, Yangyang Interviews experimented with monetization by introducing a paid membership model—charging 2 BTC or 1,200 RMB annually for access to exclusive content. Password-protected videos were shared within a “close friends circle,” reflecting early attempts to build sustainable crypto journalism.

However, just months later, on November 3, 2013, the team reversed course. Citing community feedback and values of openness, they announced the removal of all video passwords and promised full refunds to subscribers. This decision reinforced their image as a public-serving, anti-commercial voice in a space increasingly rife with scams and profit-driven actors.

Despite this transparency, the platform wasn’t immune to criticism. In early 2014, two notable market events—March 21 and April 15—sparked accusations that Yangyang Interviews may have been used to manipulate prices or spread misinformation. While never proven, these allegations underscored just how influential the channel had become: if rumors could sway markets, it meant the audience trusted its voice.

Expanding Reach: The Bitcoin China Tour

One of the most ambitious projects undertaken by Yangyang Interviews was the Bitcoin China Tour, launched on February 13, 2014, starting in Kunming. Over several months, Jin Yangyang and Guo Hongcai traveled across more than 20 cities—including Chengdu, Xi’an, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong—hosting local Bitcoin meetups known as “salons.”

The tour was backed by major industry players:

Each stop featured discussions with local entrepreneurs, developers, and miners. Notable moments included:

This nationwide effort significantly boosted grassroots engagement and solidified Yangyang Interviews as a central hub for community building.

Introducing "Yangyang Verified": A Push for Exchange Accountability

On March 8, 2014, Yangyang Interviews launched “Yangyang Certified”—an independent verification program aimed at assessing the legitimacy of cryptocurrency exchanges. A jury composed of community members evaluated platforms based on:

Exchanges needed a 90% approval vote from reviewers to earn the certification badge. While well-intentioned, the initiative intensified rivalries among exchanges, leading to public disputes and even international attention.

In defense of their role, Jin Yangyang clarified that while they collaborated with exchanges for events like the China Tour, they also supported over 30 other Bitcoin-related startups—offering free promotional booths at every stop. Their only planned income came from Bitcoin China’s sponsorship of 2,000 RMB per city—a payment they hadn’t even collected at the time.

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Landmark Interviews and Industry Impact

Throughout its run, Yangyang Interviews secured interviews with some of the most influential figures in early Bitcoin history:

These interviews offered rare glimpses into technical developments, market dynamics, and personal philosophies shaping the ecosystem.

Legacy and Lessons from an Early Crypto Pioneer

Though activity slowed after 2014 due to increasing regulatory pressure in China and internal challenges, Yangyang Interviews left an enduring mark. It demonstrated that independent media could thrive in decentralized spaces—not through corporate backing, but through authenticity, access, and community trust.

Jin Yangyang’s work helped demystify Bitcoin for thousands during its formative years. She championed transparency when opacity was common, promoted education over hype, and gave voice to innovators often overlooked by mainstream outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is Jin Yangyang?
A: Jin Yangyang is the founder of Yangyang Interviews, one of the earliest video interview platforms focused on Bitcoin and blockchain technology in China. She played a key role in educating the public and connecting community members during Bitcoin’s rise between 2013–2014.

Q: What was the purpose of Yangyang Interviews?
A: The platform aimed to humanize Bitcoin by sharing stories from individuals involved in mining, investing, developing, and promoting cryptocurrency. It covered news, technology, investment trends, and real-world applications.

Q: Did Yangyang Interviews charge for content?
A: Initially yes—starting in August 2013—but by November 2013, they removed all paywalls and refunded subscribers to maintain open access.

Q: Was Yangyang Interviews biased toward certain exchanges?
A: While they partnered with major platforms like Huobi and OKCoin for events such as the Bitcoin China Tour, they also launched the “Yangyang Certified” program to independently verify exchange legitimacy—a move meant to promote accountability.

Q: Why did Yangyang Interviews stop being active?
A: Activity declined after 2014 due to growing regulatory restrictions on cryptocurrency in China, combined with increased scrutiny over media influence in volatile markets.

Q: Is Jin Yangyang still involved in crypto?
A: Public appearances have been minimal since the mid-2010s, but her contributions remain recognized among long-time members of the Bitcoin community.

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The story of Jin Yangyang isn’t just about one woman’s journey—it’s a reflection of how grassroots media can shape technological adoption. In an era before institutional players dominated crypto discourse, voices like hers helped lay the foundation for today’s global blockchain movement.