A top natural scenic spot in central China has come under the spotlight for hiring people to pose as savages for tourists, and paying them 500 yuan (US$70) a day to do so.

Since Shennongjia National Nature Reserve in Hubei province began recruiting on June 7 about 10,000 people have applied for the job, the scenic zone’s management company told the Beijing News on June 9.

Included in the Unesco World Heritage List, the Shennongjia tour zone features primeval ecology, rich biodiversity and legends about savages in its mountains.

The average summer temperature in the area is around 20 degrees Celsius, making it a favoured destination.

According to a recruitment advertisement, the zone plans to hire 16 people who will work from July to August this year.

Their job responsibilities include wearing savage clothing, patrolling the forest area, dancing for and engaging in other interactions with tourists.

The employees will also be required to film their work and share the videos on social media. In addition, they are expected to accept and eat food given to them by tourists, according to the advertisement.