July 7, 2009
Posted: 1501 GMT

(CNN) – He has all the hallmarks of the real Michael: The slim frame, well-powdered face hidden under a cocked hat, dark glasses, and the delicate swagger. He's a little shy too. 

WJ performs his MJ routine to members of the public.
WJ performs his MJ routine to members of the public.

"I'm grateful that my parents gave me this face," he says quietly.

29-year-old Wang Jie is China's most famous Michael Jackson impersonator. He told us to just call him "WJ."

WJ says he discovered MJ when he was a teenager and fell in love with his dance moves.

"I realized I looked like my idol by accident," says Wang. "So step by step, with a lot of hard work and study, I made it on stage. Now he's a part of my life."

Wang had no idea he would someday make a living from his looks. He has since appeared on Chinese TV shows and won contests.

I first saw Wang as he sauntered in with his "agent" to meet our crew. WJ quickly drew perplexed but fascinated Chinese crowds. If the real Michael Jackson hadn't just passed away, they might have thought it was really him.

It's when he started dancing that I really had to do a double take. Wang strutted and snapped his hips as if he'd learned from Jackson himself.

The real Michael Jackson never performed in China, but he's loved here nonetheless. Members of the official Michael Jackson Fan Club (yes, there is one in China) even rented a hotel room so they can watch his funeral broadcast live on CNN.

"I miss Michael Jackson even more. I adore him even more," said one die-hard fan.

"There are impersonators of Michael Jackson everywhere but I think they can only try to imitate him, never overtake him."

Jackson's music was some of the first Western music widely available in China. His rise to stardom coincided with China's opening up to the world. So, to the Chinese, he symbolized what was out there.

To this day, he still has a huge Chinese following. Clearly, through WJ and MJ fans throughout China, Jackson's music lives on.

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Filed under: Asia • China • Entertainment • General • Hong Kong • Michael Jackson


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sayed Ali   July 7th, 2009 1552 GMT

the wolrd lost pricless pop star

Bernadette Smith   July 7th, 2009 1606 GMT

Michael Jackson has a song called 'Gone Too Soon' which was not one of the mega hits but is so wonderful and fitting at this time. I don't know to whom he was refering when he recorded the song but now it applies perfectly to himself.

I'm watching the CNN all day coverage and the only song they keep playing as they go on breaks is 'Mann In The Mirror'. Is it possible to play Gone Too Soon?

Benjamin Rasool   July 7th, 2009 1623 GMT

Sad, the man you once think through his music and dancing is larger than life itself is now actually left us.. Michael Jackson RIP to you and you live on..The caribbean community weeps with the world in your passing and thank you for the memories...Heal the world..Benjamin

CJ Nation   July 7th, 2009 1624 GMT

I will truely truely miss MJ.I grew up with his music and his life.No matter what has happened in His life I have loved him and his music.It is so hard to think of this world turning without him.
Lord hold him close for He is one of Your Greatest Creations.Blessings to his family and his beautiful Children.
Blessings from New Mexico

Vanessa   July 8th, 2009 1108 GMT

Michael is simply the best...He isn't died, he's still there...in our minds...we'll miss him....

kathie   July 9th, 2009 1841 GMT

Michael recored the song "GONE TO SOON" for Ryan White, who was the young boy who died of AIDS.

I agree with others that this song so very much reflects how many of us feel about Michael's death.

God bless you Michael.

david   July 10th, 2009 313 GMT

MJ such a talent man, but the guy is freakin DEAD. It started to annoy me everytime i turn on the Tv every one is talking about them...go on people, There are over 4000 Soldier died fighting for our FREEDOM
I dont see the Media are talking about them
what a sad country we live in

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