Wanted: Legendary Monkey King for Employment in China, Offering Cozy Cave and Abundant Bananas
A unique opportunity awaits in China's enchanting tourist spot! Join us as the Monkey King, embodying the mythical character's charm and mischief Be enthralled in a mountain cave, indulging in the thrill of entertaining visitors and savoring delectable bananas Unleash your inner Monkey King and embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Simply be a fan of the Chinese legend of the Monkey King and be prepared to catch and eat plenty of free bananas. No acrobatics or supernatural powers required.
If this sounds like the perfect job for you, consider submitting your resume to Wuzhishan Scenic Area in northern China's Hebei province. The tourist spot is seeking to employ an individual to portray a mythical Chinese character and is offering a monthly salary of $842 to the right candidate, as reported by state-affiliated Shangyou News. In exchange, the chosen individual will spend time in a cave at the base of a mountain and will be provided with meals by visiting tourists.
The Monkey King, a Chinese legend, is as popular in China as Grimms Fairy Tales are in the West. It has fascinated many children and served as inspiration for numerous movies and TV shows. The story revolves around Sun Wukong, a monkey born from stone, who gains supernatural powers from a Taoist martial artist. He fights like a warrior, carries a golden magical staff, and travels on clouds as he accompanies the sacred monk Tang Sanzang on their "Journey to the West" to obtain Buddhist sutras in India.
The adventure begins at Wuzhishan, also known as the "five fingers mountain," where the Monkey King is imprisoned by angry gods due to his arrogance. Tang rescues him and together, they set off on their journey. However, the fortunate candidate selected for the job at the Wuzhishan Scenic Area will need to remain at their assigned location.
The job entails wearing a monkey mask and costume while residing in a cave at the base of the mountain, as shown in videos shared on social media. A significant aspect of the position involves receiving snacks from visiting children, including apples, instant noodles, and an abundance of bananas.
"What kind of amazing job is that? Endless free food and theres a salary," one user joked on Douyin, Chinas version of TikTok.
An employee dressed up as Monkey King at Wuzhishan Scenic Area in the northern Chinese province of Hebei.
Jinjinghouge/Douyin
Furthermore, minimal experience is the only necessity. "There are no academic prerequisites. The primary requirements include a deep passion for Sun Wukong, a natural acting talent, and the ability to be energetic, cheerful, and approachable for interacting with tourists," stated a manager at the location in an interview with Shangyou News.
The manager mentioned that two staff members had been hired to portray the character, and only one more was required. And for those concerned about the impact of eating numerous bananas on their weight, there's no need to worry.
The manager clarified that the actors were not expected to eat all the food at once. Instead, they typically saved some bananas to share with their colleagues after work. Additionally, the company has installed an electric heater in the cave for any chilly conditions.
A video shared on social media features an actor expressing his love for portraying the character since childhood. "I want to share the joy and memories of my childhood and promote Chinese culture, all while bringing attention to the mental health of young people," he stated.
