In the sweltering summer heat of Kaifeng, Henan province, Huagu wipes sweat from beneath his wig. As the next tourist offers their phone, he flashes a practiced smile, angling his wrist for the perfect video shot.

"It feels like wearing a blanket," Huagu says, grinning despite repeating these motions hundreds of times daily.

Huagu is one of over 2,000 non-player characters (NPCs) at Wansui Mountain martial arts theme park in Kaifeng. The term NPC, originating from video game roles, now describes these costumed performers in Chinese theme parks.

They engage with visitors, enacting scenes from Chinese martial arts novels and encouraging participation. These interactions are often filmed and shared online. The park's unwritten rule: ensure every guest leaves satisfied.

Wansui Mountain exemplifies China's booming immersive entertainment industry. From dawn till dusk, the park hosts over 3,000 performances daily, attracting up to 50,000 visitors on weekdays and hundreds of thousands during peak seasons.

Revenue has nearly tripled since 2022 and is projected to reach 1.1 billion CNY (155 million USD) this year, making Wansui Mountain a model for theme parks nationwide.

This success hinges on the performers, who spend hours in makeup, sword fighting, dancing, and acting to bring this fantasy world to life.

Huagu in a video posted on his Douyin account (left) and dressed as a Taoist priest teaching Tai Chi at Wansui Mountain in August (right). Photo: *Sixthtone*

Huagu's two-hour makeup routine involves foundation, eyeliner, contouring, and a long white wig before stepping out to greet the heat and the waiting crowds.

"Hello. Please come here," he tells his first guest.

Around him, dozens of other NPCs repeat similar actions: camera angles, wrist flicks, and smiles.

Wang Yang, known professionally as Huagu ("flower valley"), portrays Wang Ye, a Taoist disciple from Wudang Mountain, a sacred Taoist site and a central figure in the popular webcomic *Under One Person*.

He guides visitors through simple Tai Chi exercises, rewarding successful attempts with park currency. Elsewhere, guests earn currency by singing, dancing, or completing challenges.

"My act is for those who can't sing or dance," Huagu explains. "The park caters to everyone, including the shy and those who can't do complex moves."

NPC recruitment requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, with minimum height requirements (163 cm for women, 175 cm for men). Looks aren't paramount, given makeup, wigs, and video filters. Huagu, however, maintains a personal regimen: dieting for physique, avoiding spicy food for clear skin, and staying single to preserve his "market value."

NPCs work six days a week, 6-8 hours per shift, often playing multiple roles. Beyond makeup and breaks, they're outdoors regardless of the weather.

Their daily repertoire includes thousands of skits, from kung fu set to Billie Eilish to fairy or princess dances to K-pop. Visitors are always incorporated into the performance. If a guest plays a thief, Song dynasty guards will "arrest" them, parade them in mock stocks, eliciting laughter from onlookers.

Visitors spend an average of 9 hours at Wansui Mountain, longer than at other parks. Those who actively participate with NPCs tend to stay longer or return.

Performers pose with visitors at Wansui Mountain in August. Photo: *Sixthtone*

When Wang Gang arrived at Wansui Mountain in 2008, performances were limited to holidays. Now 38, he spends at least 9 hours daily in costume, performing over 10 skits. He constantly researches online trends, adapting storylines to resonate with visitors.

Even offstage, NPCs film clips and livestream, promoting themselves and interacting with fans met in the park. On Douyin, fans can send virtual gifts worth thousands of CNY.

"This builds audience loyalty and provides extra income," a park manager explains.

Before becoming an NPC, Huagu tried acting, modeling, fitness training, selling dolls, and even puzzles. His 6'5" frame was his only perceived advantage.

After graduating from a Tai Chi college, he modeled in Shanghai, living in a windowless room. Covid-19 stalled his career.

Working as a salesperson at another theme park, he admired the NPCs for "bringing warmth to people, and I wanted to be like them."

Seeing Wansui Mountain's NPC recruitment ad in 9/2024, Huagu applied. His 5,000 CNY (700 USD) monthly salary, nearly double the local average, plus social security benefits with a long-term contract, far surpassed his previous jobs.

In China's competitive job market, many young people are making similar choices. NPC work offers stability, contracts, and proximity to home—things often lacking in entry-level positions. Some parks even have agreements with vocational colleges, funneling graduates directly into NPC roles.

Operators like Jinshang Tianhua, Wansui Mountain's designer, declare their mission as "solving rural youth employment." They claim their 17 theme parks directly employ 17,000 people and indirectly support 150,000 more.

Yeye dances in a performance at Wansui Mountain in August. Photo: *Sixthtone*

For NPCs, the job offers more than income. Huagu livestreams, offering comfort to fans sharing struggles like family conflicts, academic stress, or pet loss. "These are everyday worries," he says. "I can't solve everything, but I can offer companionship when they're lost."

Months ago, Huagu noticed Yaya, an 18-year-old from Shandong province, looking upset at the park. Stressed about her parents, she confided in Huagu, who listened, guided her through games, and offered cookies.

Having experienced life away from home, Huagu shared his own story of being reprimanded for his unsuccessful Shanghai venture. "Everyone needs encouragement," he says. "I've been caught in the rain, so I want to hold an umbrella for others."

Yaya later thanked Huagu in a letter, urging him to "continue lighting the way for more visitors in your own way."

Yeye, a 20-year-old NPC portraying a moon goddess, finds visitors uplifting. "Interacting with guests is easier than performing on stage," she says. "Sometimes we start tired, or it's too hot, or we're in a bad mood. But visitors always cheer us up."

As Yeye's final parade of the night ends, a fan shouts, "Yeye, you're beautiful!" She smiles, turning back to the crowd.

Hong Hanh (Adapted from *Sixthtone*)