The ideal retirement: getting paid to fish

The recruitment, targeting rural seniors, intentionally defies age-related employment barriers. With China's population aged over 60 exceeding 300 million, traditional sectors such as construction or manufacturing often marginalize older adults, limiting them to low-paying roles like security or cleaning. Tanhe Ancient Town's initiative, however, reimagines elderly labor as a cultural asset.

"This isn't a gimmick," emphasized Hu Yuting, the park's manager. "It's about creating age-friendly jobs that align with rural vitalization while enhancing our cultural authenticity."

Participants undergo brief training, physical checkups and costuming before assuming their posts at designated spots — bridges, docks or ancient streets — where they embody Zhou Dynasty lore, she said.

They also play chess and mahjong, or simply talk with travelers, she said. They bring their own fishing equipment to the park and are very professional, she added.