Quirky yeren jobs in Liaoning spark envy and debate online

Videos showcasing netizens working as yeren, a legendary apelike creature said to inhabit remote mountain regions, have recently gone viral on Douyin, China's popular short video-sharing platform. The footage, shot at a scenic area in Benxi, Liaoning province, depicts performers making quirky sounds, yelling to scare and entertain tourists, and running amok, even potentially snatching visitors' lunches. The posts have sparked widespread discussion and envy among viewers, according to a report by the Shanghai Observer on July 11.

Located in the Benxi Manchu autonomous county, Guanshan Lake Scenic Area, a 4A scenic area (with 5A being the highest rating), has been recruiting individuals to play the role of the yeren since April. The job posting describes the position as ideal for those feeling stressed, wanting to release tension, enjoying energetic activities, and fond of running around.

Contrary to rumors circulating online, a park staff member clarified that the yeren performers do not snatch visitors' lunches. Zhao, a staff member responsible for recruiting yeren performers at the scenic area, stated that some of the actors are Va ethnic people from Yunnan province, who play leading roles. The online job postings specifically sought extras for these performers, offering a monthly salary of 5,000 yuan ($690).

Although the job might appear stress-relieving, it is more demanding than many might imagine. Zhao explained that applicants must meet two requirements: they must work full-time and for the long term, as short-term workers are not desired, and they need to be resilient with a background in performance due to the job's interactive nature. The work schedule includes three or four performances daily from 8 am to 5 pm, with evening shows on weekends.

The job posting for yeren has already been filled, with 14 individuals hired instead of the initially planned 10. The number was adjusted based on actual operational needs, according to the scenic area.

In addition to the yeren role, other tourist attractions have posted similar quirky job openings. The Shennongjia Scenic Area recently recruited nature observers, offering a monthly salary of 6,000 yuan for a three-month period. Another attraction in Hebei province sought actors to portray Sun Wukong, or the Monkey King, requiring candidates not only to eat but also to mimic the character's performances and interact with visitors.