Gary Manzo, Professor at the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, became an Internet hit after pictures taken by students were widely shared on the Chinese microblogging website Weibo.
His humorous, outgoing and cheerful personality has made him popular among his students. Manzo has also accepted his newfound fame.
Manzo, who hails from US, was initially surprised to discover how popular he had become online, 'shanghaiist' reported.
Photographs of the professor lecturing and walking on campus have been widely shared on Weibo, with many web users expressing their amazement at his likeness to the legendary scientist.