Rs 8.5 lakh for staying in the mountains to watch clouds? This tourist place is paying for this unique 'cloudscape observer' position

A tourist attraction in central China recently concluded a month-long recruitment exercise for a unique “cloudscape observer” role that paid 60,000 yuan (Rs 8,52,000) to live on a mountaintop, watch the surrounding sea of clouds and post daily videos, according to a SCMP report.

The Laojun Mountain Scenic Area in Henan province advertised the position on July 8, seeking someone to work from July 16 to August 15. The short-term role, which included free accommodation along with the 60,000-yuan payment, quickly drew widespread attention online, with many describing it as a “dream job” or a “fairy’s job”.

More than 3,500 people applied within a week, submitting videos using designated hashtags.


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23-year-old vlogger selected for the role

The tourist attraction later announced that Li Sichen, who uses the handle @xiaozao, had been selected as its “No. 001 cloudscape observer”.

The 23-year-old Henan vlogger and recent e-commerce graduate beat numerous professional photographers to secure the position. His selection was based on the number of likes and reposts received by his submission as well as the quality of its content.

Following the completion of the assignment, Li said, “Time flies.”

During his month on the mountain, he said he developed skills in shooting and editing videos, colour grading and drone operation.

Long days of filming from 5am

Li said he initially worried that the videos he produced would not perform well online. His daily routine began at around 5am, with filming starting before sunrise and continuing until after sunset.

He recorded light shows and other scenes while attempting to capture as much footage as possible from different viewpoints.

Unfavourable weather also became a source of stress for Li, who described the experience as “tormenting” when conditions prevented him from getting the footage he wanted.

Although copyright for the cloudscape footage produced during his assignment belongs to the tourist attraction, Li continued sharing vlogs about his work and the emotional challenges he experienced on his personal account. His social media following has since grown to more than 6,000.

Li plans full-time work after mountain stint

Li said he was grateful that the application video he submitted went viral, but he does not consider himself an “influencer” despite the attention.

He plans to look for a full-time job while continuing to operate his social media account on a part-time basis.

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Why Laojun Mountain recruited a cloudscape observer

Laojun Mountain Scenic Area is regarded as one of China’s most prominent sacred Taoist mountains and has more than 2,000 years of history. It is believed that Lao Tzu, regarded as the founding philosopher of Taoism, lived on the mountain during the 6th century BC to develop his philosophical ideas.

The site is also known for mist-covered mountain views created by dense layers of low-lying fog rising from the landscape.

Laojun Mountain is classified as a 5A-level tourist attraction, although it remains closed to foreigners because of its proximity to a military base.

A representative of the scenic area, surnamed Zhang, said the attraction could recruit cloudscape observers again in the future. Zhang explained that while the site already has full-time video creators, it wants “a third eye” capable of offering a different perspective.