35-year-old mainland Chinese actor Shi Yuanting has recently made headlines not for his acting roles, but for his side job as a “Mount Tai climbing companion” due to a lack of acting gigs. In a self-deprecating video, Shi admitted that in recent years, it has been tough to get acting opportunities, forcing him to rely on this part-time job to make a living.
Shi Yuanting, who previously played the lead role of Wang Hu in the comedic drama “Northeast Transfer Student,” gained immense attention for his “Mount Tai climbing companion” service. In a live stream, he revealed that since starting this service on June 11, he has completed 6 assignments with rates of 699 RMB for daytime climbs and 799 RMB for nighttime climbs. The service includes a 6-hour climbing session, carrying bags, delivering water and snacks like cucumbers or watermelons, telling jokes, giving leg massages, and assisting clients who may struggle with climbing.
In the video, Shi showcased his physical fitness and humor, acknowledging his professionalism as a “Mount Tai climbing companion.” He said, “When I first came to Mount Tai, it was just for fun. Later on, I discovered this ‘Mount Tai climbing companion’ opportunity through short videos and realized I could earn some pocket money.” Some netizens expressed their desire to meet him and climb Mount Tai together, believing it would be a joyful experience. Others praised him as a “great value climbing companion” who is handsome and provides emotional value.
During an interview with Chinese media outlet “New Yellow River,” Shi Yuanting candidly admitted that his current work status is not driven by passion but by the lack of acting opportunities. He mentioned, “I filmed for only 4 days in 2025, and at the age of 35, no production company seems willing to sign me, maybe due to thinking I’m too old.”
The shortage of acting roles is one reason for the lack of acting opportunities. According to data, the number of TV dramas certified by the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television decreased from 160 in 2022 to 115 in 2024, significantly lower compared to 429 in 2014.
Shi Yuanting, a graduate of the Central Academy of Drama with a high score of 527 in the college entrance exam and a scholarship recipient in the first year, expressed how despite his previous acting experiences, he still finds the entertainment industry opportunities limited, making him the “king of cost-effectiveness.” His decision to work as a Mount Tai climbing companion is a result of the challenging times in China’s entertainment industry. He disclosed that there are around 300,000 unemployed actors in Beijing.
Despite facing challenges, Shi Yuanting, with his objective personality, hopes for more acting opportunities. He said, “As for my future plans, I’m not sure, but having acting roles would be preferable.”
In response to his sudden fame in the media, Shi Yuanting posted a video in the early hours of June 18. He revealed that after being rejected due to a lack of influence when applying previously, he was approached for a vertical screen short film project following the release of his Mount Tai climbing companion video. He stated, “Being a Mount Tai climbing companion is just a part-time job. I hope everyone will continue to support my work because I still aspire to be a good actor and make more films. If there are no acting roles, I will continue with climbing companionship.”