In mid-July, a short video titled "Earn 5000 Yuan a Month to Play Cavemen in a Scenic Spot" went viral across various social media platforms in China.
The video showcased a group of men and women dressed as cavemen, wielding wooden bows and arrows, and mimicking primitive behaviors to entertain tourists. The clip also featured a job posting: "Scenic spot recruiting cavemen, 5000 yuan monthly salary, lunch included," highlighting the location at Guanshan Lake Scenic Area in Benxi, Liaoning Province. This unexpected phenomenon has turned a quiet northeastern city into the "birthplace of internet cavemen."
The Viral Sensation and the Philosophy Behind It
Excited netizens tagged their friends, suggesting that this job could elevate to philosophical heights: "It seems like wearing a disguise, but actually, it's taking off a mask." The video's massive popularity turned the ordinary scenic spot into a hotspot, attracting visitors and internet influencers alike who were eager to experience and collaborate with these "cavemen."
When reporters visited Guanshan Lake's "Cavemen Valley," they met the "cavemen" and their creators, getting a firsthand experience of the joy of "legal madness."
Driving over an hour from Benxi city, visitors arrive at the Guanshan Lake Scenic Area, now bustling with tourists from the local area and nearby cities like Shenyang and Changchun. Known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities such as rafting, boating, bungee jumping, and jet skiing, the scenic area now boasts a new attraction: Cavemen Valley. Nestled in a high spot surrounded by greenery, visitors walk up a wooden path to enter this unique zone.
Here, the "cavemen" lie in wait along the path, dressed in leopard print outfits with disheveled wigs and faces smeared with charcoal. As visitors pass, the cavemen gather around, emitting grunts, curiously touching visitors' clothes, or staring blankly into their faces. The common reaction is a mix of fear and amusement.
The Birth of the Caveman Phenomenon
The idea to recruit cavemen was first announced on the scenic spot's official short video account in April, generating considerable buzz. It wasn't long before all positions were filled. The phenomenon recently reignited thanks to a viral video featuring a charismatic female "caveman" with a missing tooth, later identified as a popular video blogger named Tuotuo.
In early July, Tuotuo stumbled upon the Guanshan Lake caveman video. Intrigued by the idea of letting loose, she contacted the scenic spot and arranged to work there for a day. The next day, she traveled from Hangzhou to Guanshan Lake. The caveman makeover took only five minutes, and she even removed her fake tooth for added effect, wielding a wooden bow and arrow to interact with visitors. Her antics, like scaring children who hid behind their parents, were a hit.
Tuotuo's experience, captured in a short video titled "College Student Part-Time as Caveman," amassed over 80 million views and was shared widely by news accounts. This unexpected success brought another wave of attention to the scenic spot, with many visitors flocking to Cavemen Valley and inundating the scenic spot with job applications.
The Caveman Experience
The scenic spot's phone lines were overwhelmed with calls from enthusiastic applicants, mostly college students. As the scenic area's marketing staff, Pei Yang, noted, the fervor was unprecedented. "We didn't expect this to be so popular. The enthusiasm is overwhelming. We received nearly 100 calls a day, mostly from young people eager to be cavemen."
Performers work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with interactions and performances scheduled between 10 a.m. and late afternoon. The initial job post offering 5000 yuan a month was genuine, with salaries adjusted based on specific roles. The caveman troupe, formed in mid-April, includes about 20 performers, some interacting with visitors, others performing on stage.
Forty-year-old Zhang Jie, who played a caveman since April, previously worked as a ticket inspector at the scenic spot. She volunteered for the role and finds it much more enjoyable. "It's a lot of fun compared to the pressure of my old job. I feel completely free."
The performers are instructed not to speak to maintain the primitive illusion. Over time, this became second nature, and Zhang sometimes forgot to speak in daily life. When visitors ask her questions, her instinct is to grunt in response.
The Challenges and Joys of Being a Caveman
For the cavemen, the job entails not just interaction but also a bit of acting. The role's physical demands have driven some away after a brief trial. However, those who remain find joy in the unique freedom it offers.
One notable aspect is the authenticity maintained by the performers, who even shed their shoes after feedback from visitors. This dedication sometimes leads to minor injuries, but it's all part of creating a believable experience.
The performers also engage in playful interactions with visitors, often leading to humorous and memorable moments. However, maintaining professionalism is key. They are trained to avoid conflicts and respect visitors' boundaries, ensuring a positive experience for all.
A Small Town's Big Leap in Tourism
Guanshan Lake's caveman phenomenon highlights a broader challenge for Liaoning's tourism industry. Despite rich natural and cultural resources, the region struggles with low tourist visibility compared to other destinations in China. The caveman project has indeed attracted new visitors, particularly from outside the province. However, the overall impact on national tourism flow remains limited.
Scenic spot owner Li Chuang's vision to boost tourism from spring to autumn is gradually bearing fruit. The caveman initiative, while unique, is part of a larger strategy to enhance visitor engagement and diversify offerings.
Li Chuang and his team understand that staying relevant in the competitive tourism market requires continuous innovation and adaptation. As they navigate the evolving landscape, the cavemen of Guanshan Lake stand as a testament to the power of creativity in drawing crowds and creating memorable experiences.
