China ‘cloudscape observer’ mist-monitoring job ends; resort plans more similar campaigns

A Chinese tourist site recently concluded a month-long position that paid 60,000 yuan (US$8,900) to live on a mountaintop, observe the cloudscape, and share daily videos of the sea of clouds.On July 8, the Laojun Mountain Scenic Area in central China’s Henan province posted a recruitment ad for a “cloudscape observer” to work from July 16 to August 15.The Laojun Mountain Scenic Area is one of China’s most renowned sacred Taoist mountains, boasting over 2,000 years of history. It is believed that Taoism’s founding philosopher, Lao Tzu, inhabited the mountain during the 6th century BC to cultivate his philosophical thoughts.This site is also famous for its mist-shrouded vistas, formed by thick layers of low-lying mist that rise from the mountains, enhancing its sacred allure.Renowned for over 2,000 years, Laojun Mountain is one of China’s sacred Taoist peaks, celebrated for its mist-covered vistas that enhance its spiritual charm. Photo: ShutterstockMoreover, Laojun Mountain is a 5A-level tourist attraction, though it remains closed to foreigners due to its proximity to a military base.The short-term job offered 60,000 yuan along with free accommodation, quickly going viral upon publication. Many referred to it as a “dream job” or a “fairy’s job.”Within a week, the opportunity attracted over 3,500 applicants, who submitted videos featuring the designated hashtags. The tourist attraction later announced that Li Sichen, using the handle @xiaozao, was selected as its “No. 001 cloudscape observer” based on the likes and reposts of his submitted video, as well as its content quality.The 23-year-old vlogger from Henan, a recent graduate with a major in e-commerce, surpassed numerous professional photographers to secure the position.23-year-old vlogger, Li Sichen from Henan, above, fresh out of an e-commerce programme, triumphed over professional photographers to land the coveted position. Photo: HandoutAs the job concluded, Li remarked: “Time flies.”He shared that he learned many skills, including shooting and editing videos, colour grading, and operating a drone.Li admitted he felt initially anxious, concerned that the videos he produced might not perform well online.He got up at 5am each day, capturing footage from before sunrise to after sunset, including light shows, in order to gather as much footage from various angles as possible.Rising at 5am daily, Li captured stunning footage from dawn until dusk, including mesmerising light shows, collecting diverse angles for his project. Photo: HandoutHe also confessed to the “tormenting” feelings he experienced when the weather was unfavourable.Further ReadingWhile the copyright for the cloudscape footage Li created at the mountain belongs to the tourist site, he also shared vlogs of his daily work and emotional struggles on his personal account, which now boasts over 6,000 followers.Li expressed gratitude that his application video had gone viral, but despite finishing the job, he still does not view himself as an “influencer.” He intends to seek a full-time job while managing his social media account part-time.A representative from the Laojun Mountain, surnamed Zhang, indicated that they may recruit cloudscape observers again in the future.Zhang noted that they already employ full-time video makers, but they seek “a third eye” to provide a fresh perspective.