16,000-Yuan Sheep-Herding Job in Inner Mongolia Goes Viral

A sheep-herding job in northern China offering a monthly salary of 16,000 yuan (about US$2,300) has gone viral on Chinese social media, drawing attention for both its pay and its demanding conditions.

The position, based near Xilinhot in Inner Mongolia, requires workers to manage nearly 3,000 sheep across more than 30,000 mu (about 2,000 hectares) of pasture, the ranch owner told Jiupai News.

The employer provides food and accommodation with Wi-Fi, along with regular supply deliveries, horses and motorcycles to assist with herding.

Despite the relatively high salary, the job requires a year-round commitment with no days off. Duties vary by season, with herding in summer and feeding in winter. During colder months, workers must feed the flock twice daily, with each session lasting more than two hours.

Winter is described as the most challenging period, lasting up to six months, with temperatures dropping below minus 40 degrees Celsius. Workers rely on coal stoves for heating, and although housing includes internet access, connections can be unstable in severe weather. The ranch is located about 300 kilometers from the nearest urban area, with no mobile signal and little human contact.

Given the isolation, the employer suggests the role is best suited to a couple, allowing one person to herd while the other manages daily living tasks.