Economic Downturn: Over 4,000 Apply for 30 Spots at China's 'Barbecue Academy'

Amidst China's economic downturn and rising unemployment, the 'Yueyang Barbecue Academy,' the first of its kind in Hunan, attracted a large number of applicants during its inaugural enrollment. Chinese media reported that over 4,000 people applied for the academy, but only 30 were accepted, resulting in an acceptance rate of less than 0.75%. According to reports from Chinese media outlets such as Jimu News and Chao News, the 'Yueyang Barbecue Academy,' established in July 2025 by Yueyang Open University and the Yueyang Barbecue Association, officially opened for enrollment on March 9 this year. The response was overwhelming, with numerous inquiries and applications. By the time registration closed on April 9, the number of applicants exceeded 4,000, far surpassing expectations.