Chinese Entrepreneur Makes Fortune Photographing Tourists at Bell and Drum Tower
In the bustling city of Xi'an, nestled in northwestern China, a young entrepreneur has found fortune and fame through an unconventional means: photographing tourists at the ancient Bell and Drum Tower. From February 14th to 16th, 95-year-old Chen, a young man in his late 20s, made nearly 1,800 RMB ($280) in just three days.
18 February 2024
The unique business idea came to him during the Chinese New Year holiday. Eager to seize the opportunity of the influx of travelers in his hometown, Chen set up a photo booth, offering to capture their memories in front of the historic landmark. Chen himself revealed that he typically worked five hours a day during these three days, receiving approximately 90 orders and snapping roughly 1,000 photographs.
Interestingly, 80% of his customers arrived in traditional Chinese attire, adding to the overall atmosphere of the scene. "I've always wanted to do something like this," Chen told local media, "and it just so happened that the Chinese New Year holiday provided the perfect opportunity."
However, his entrepreneurial venture hasn't been without controversy. Some Weibo users criticized the young man for occupying prime photo spots around the landmark, potentially obstructing the view for other tourists. One user wrote: "It's one thing to make a living, but another to do so by taking up space and publicly advertising your service. Is this fair to other visitors?"
Despite the criticism, others praised Chen's initiative and business acumen. "It's fantastic to see young people like Chen seizing opportunities and being self-reliant," one user commented. Another added, "He made 1,800 RMB in three days, working 15 hours a day. That's impressive and hardworking!"
Some users even went as far as calling Chen's venture "a way to strike it rich," referring to the potential for similar business ventures to be lucrative. Others noted the irony of the situation - while Chen was able to make money off of a public landmark, other vendors in the area were not allowed to do so. One user questioned, "Is it fair to allow one person to make money off of this public space while others are restricted from doing the same?"
As news of Chen's endeavor spread, other photographers reportedly flocked to the Bell and Drum Tower to capitalize on the trend. Chen himself estimated that he would take approximately 30 orders a day, with each costing tourists around 20 RMB ($3).
Amidst the debate and scrutiny, many remain optimistic about Chen's future success. "It's great to see young people with ideas," one user commented. "With hard work and determination, more opportunities will surely come your way!"
In conclusion, Chen's story serves as a reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that can be found even in the most unexpected places. His photography business, though not without its critics, has captured the attention of both tourists and locals alike and has potentially inspired others to think outside the box when it comes to making a living.
It remains to be seen whether Chen's success will spark a trend among young entrepreneurs in Xi'an or lead to changes in the way the Bell and Drum Tower is managed. However, one thing is certain: Chen's unexpected venture has generated a buzz in the city and online, proving that sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective and a willingness to take a chance.
As users continue to share the story and debate Chen's approach, one thing remains clear: the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit is alive and well in Xi'an. Whether they support or criticize Chen's activities, there's no denying that his journey has become an intriguing and thought-provoking piece of modern Chinese history.