Which is more profitable—guiding tourists up Mount Tai or growing premium Wuchang rice? On November 1, the topic "Actor Shi Yuanting earns 100,000 yuan from leasing 100 acres of farmland" trended on Weibo, sparking widespread discussion.
In April this year, Shi Yuanting, an actor who gained fame for offering guided hikes up Mount Tai, leased rice paddies in Minle Korean Ethnic Township, Wuchang City. There, he cultivated the authentic "Daohuaxiang No. 2" rice variety using organic seeds and fertilizers, ensuring zero pesticide residue. The high-quality rice from his fields was selected by JD Supermarket as one of its Wuchang rice production bases, solving his sales challenges.
After six months of hard work, Shi’s Wuchang rice recently debuted exclusively on JD Supermarket. He calculated that, after deducting labor, organic fertilizer, and other costs—while also sharing more profits with local farmers—his 100-acre farm still yielded a gross profit of 100,000 yuan.
Previously, during periods without acting roles, Shi ventured into Mount Tai tour services, earning around 10,000 yuan per month. However, this gig lacked sustainability—once peak season ended, he returned to working as an NPC (non-player character) at tourist sites.
Shi admitted that ensuring top-tier Wuchang rice required strict oversight at every stage—planting, harvesting, processing, and distribution—making it far more labor-intensive than guiding hikes. Consumers can now search "Shi Yuanting’s Wuchang Rice" on JD’s app to purchase the same premium-grade rice, which JD Supermarket offers at 30% lower prices than competitors.
**From Tour Guide to Farmer: A Sustainable Career Shift** Shi’s career has been marked by bold transitions. After graduating from the Central Academy of Drama, he gained minor recognition for roles in *The Transfer Student* and *Golden Pig Jade Leaf* but never achieved mainstream fame.
In June, his viral "Mount Tai guided hike" videos on Douyin earned him the nickname "Hiking Buddy." Charging 699 yuan for daytime hikes and 799 yuan for nighttime climbs, Shi found the work inconsistent—earning only about 10,000 yuan monthly due to physical limitations and fluctuating demand.
His farming venture, however, proved more lucrative. Located in Wuchang’s core rice-growing region—where fertile black soil, ample sunlight, and temperature variations produce superior grains—his organic "Daohuaxiang No. 2" rice passed JD Supermarket’s rigorous quality checks. In September, JD designated his fields as an official organic Wuchang rice base, guaranteeing full purchase of his harvest and eliminating sales concerns.
Now, JD oversees his farming process—from planting to fertilization, weeding, and harvesting—while Shi focuses on soil testing and land preparation for next year’s crop.
Consumers can find his exclusive Wuchang rice on JD’s app, priced 30% below market rates.
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