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Yating Yang

A Chinese actor who once went viral for offering paid companionship services to people evening hiking on Mount Tai for 799 yuan (US$115) has revealed that the charge was inflated to 19,999 yuan (US$2,800).
He now plans to launch a paid swimming companionship service in 2026.
In June, 35-year-old Shi Yuanting, a native of Shenyang in northeastern China’s Liaoning province, went viral after posting a video of himself accompanying a client on a hike up Mount Tai.

He charged 699 yuan during the day and 799 yuan at night.
In the video, Shi is seen gasping for air while joking about being an actor without gigs.
He confidently shows off his abs, claiming he fully meets the physical standards of a professional Mount Tai climbing companion.
Shi graduated from the Central Academy of Drama, one of China’s most prestigious acting schools.

In 2022, he gained recognition for playing the leading role of Wang Hu in the comedy The Newcomer, which was well received, earning over 39,000 ratings and a 7.9 score on a popular Chinese social networking and review platform.
Despite appearing in many productions, acting roles have become scarce for Shi in recent years.
“I love sport and I try to stay positive in life. When I do not have acting work, I take part-time jobs to support myself and experience life more deeply. This might give me more insight than other actors when I get a chance to perform again,” he said.

After trending online, Shi received offers to star in several short dramas. His daily rate rose from 2,000 to 3,000 yuan (US$290 to US$430) to around 5,000 yuan.
“I received some short drama offers in the second half of the year. I am happy just getting short drama roles,” he told Jiupai News.
He has now accompanied over a dozen clients and insists on providing a “non-sexual, purely green” service, charging a flat fee of 799 yuan for evening companionship.
“At its peak, my social media inbox was flooded with messages. Some even offered up to 19,999 yuan. I felt that was too much and did not dare to accept. I just told the I was purely green,” said Shi.
“Then the person seriously asked me: ‘Purely green? Then why would I pay so much for you?’”
“I do not want to ruin a positive and healthy initiative with any inappropriate behaviour. I would rather earn less than make money that way.”
After going viral, a scenic spot also invited Shi to perform, typically starting at 10am and finishing around 7 or 8pm.
Each day, he performs multiple short acts, usually 10 to 20 minutes per session, but must maintain high energy throughout.

Shi said that if he does not land any acting roles next year, he plans to become a “swimming companion”, leveraging his qualifications as a nationally certified swimmer.
“A middle-class family saw my swimming videos and asked if I would be willing to accompany their child. I have also received online inquiries, priced at about HK$1,500 (US$190) an hour. I think it is worth a try. I can offer professional guidance and ensure their safety.”
Shi has received widespread praise on Chinese social media.
One person said: “Graduated from a top drama school and still no roles? Being a hiking companion is great. At least it builds physical fitness.”
While another added: “Honestly, this is a good thing. Survival is what matters most.”


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China actor rejects US$2,800 fee to be mountain-climbing companion, plans to change jobs

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Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy


Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy.


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China actor rejects US$2,800 fee to be mountain-climbing companion, plans to change jobs

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy

Buff, struggling performer who adheres to a strict ‘non-sexual’ service policy plans to branch out into becoming a swimming buddy