The recently popular Xiaoxiaotian Scenic Area in Xixian, Shanxi, has become a focal point of public interest. A video circulating on social media, titled “Security Guard Allegedly Fired for Revealing Salary Increase of 500 Yuan,” has drawn considerable attention. The Director of Xixian’s Cultural and Tourism Bureau has responded, stating that the security guard in question has been assigned to a new position. The guard himself addressed the rumors regarding his alleged dismissal, saying simply, “There’s nothing going on.”
Fortunately, the situation has been managed appropriately. To understand the events leading up to this, let’s look at the timeline: On October 15, a videographer greeted the security guard at the scenic area, who cheerfully shared, “I received a pay raise! I used to earn 1,700 Yuan per month, and now I’ve gotten an additional 500 Yuan. Everyone is getting a raise.” Four days later, the same videographer posted another video where the security guard appeared forlorn, stating, “I haven’t been feeling well these past few days. They won’t let me work anymore…”
As public opinion began to rise, local officials quickly verified the situation and addressed concerns by stating that the guard, who is over 70 years old, had been working at the Xiaoxiaotian parking lot for two consecutive months without a single day off. As a result, they decided to temporarily allow him to rest for a day or two. He has since been reassigned to guard duty at the entrance of the temple, where he can alternate shifts and take breaks.
Xixian is traditionally an agricultural county in the mountains, and the rising popularity of the scenic area could have a positive impact on local economic development, something that should be cherished. With the growth of social media, I suggest that since this situation arose from a video, it might be worthwhile to capture the security guard’s current working condition to conclude this incident.
However, it is crucial for us to think critically and recognize that this event is interlinked; the attention on the employee stems from the popularity of the scenic area. Currently, Xixian serves as a vivid example of how cultural tourism can drive local economic growth and employment opportunities. As the security guard said regarding the salary raise, “I’m very touched that tourists come here. If there weren’t so many visitors, I wouldn’t have received a pay increase. I’m just benefiting from the visitors’ presence.”
With that benefit comes the responsibility to ensure that workers feel secure and supported in their jobs and lives. The concern shown by various parties for the security guard reflects a genuine and noble desire for their well-being.
When we discuss employment driven by cultural tourism, we often focus on how many jobs have been created and how much income has increased. However, the news about the “Xiaoxiaotian Security Guard Allegedly Fired” reminds us that we also need to consider whether the rights of workers are being protected. In this particular case, the 70-year-old guard worked continuously for two months and was only reassigned after attracting attention, highlighting a management oversight. This situation should serve as a catalyst for local authorities to reevaluate, adjust, and optimize the working conditions of staff at the scenic area. Government agencies and businesses need to collaboratively enhance the care provided to their employees.
