Chinese vertical shorts actor, 30, returns to hometown to sell vegetables after AI takes over industry

A 30-year-old vertical shorts actor from China is now selling vegetables in his hometown after gigs ran dry as the industry started relying on AI.

From 16-hour days to no gigs

According to Singtao Headline, when the Chinese vertical shorts industry boomed in 2025, actor Xu Peng (transliteration) managed to score leading roles in a number of them.

He gained fame by playing the domineering boss archetype in Chinese vertical shorts.

At the peak, he was shooting between 15 and 16 hours a day.

However, as AI use proliferated in the industry, AI actors gradually took over.

Gigs for actors like Xu eventually ran dry.

Positive outlook

In March 2026, Xu filmed his last gig, packed up and returned to his hometown in Shandong, China.

To make a living, Xu sells produce grown by his grandfather.

Xu has also been approached by fans for photos.

Despite what happened, Xu remained positive in outlook.

Commenting on the career switch, Xu said, "Acting is just a career. If there are no opportunities, we'll just have to try something else. I'm making an honest living. There's nothing that's insurmountable."

He also said, "To me, there's no such thing as retiring when it comes to life, only a change in stage. Even if I've switched careers, I am still me, there's no difference."