Chinese woman wins Rs 1.2 lakh for not using phone for 8 hours in unique competition

The winner shared that she rarely spends time scrolling through her phone aimlessly. (Representational)

A woman in China has achieved viral fame and a cash prize of 10,000 yuan (Rs 1.2 lakh) by abstaining from her mobile phone for eight hours in a unique competition. Dubbed “Pyjama Sister” by social media users, the winner, a sales manager named Dong from Chongqing municipality, stood out among contestants for her calm demeanour and focus during the challenge.

The contest, held in a shopping mall on November 29, was designed to test participants' ability to resist their phones without succumbing to anxiety. Organised by a mattress and bedding store within the mall, the event featured ten contestants who were selected from over 100 applicants.

Each competitor spent the eight-hour duration lying on new beds without access to their phones or any other electronic devices, including laptops or tablets, South China Morning Post reported.

Participants surrendered their mobile phones before the competition and were only allowed to use basic calling devices provided by the organisers in case of emergencies. A unique twist required them to consume their meals and drinks on the bed itself, while movement was restricted to short toilet breaks limited to five minutes.

The organisers enforced additional rules to ensure no one fell into a deep sleep or exhibited signs of anxiety. Wrist straps were used to monitor sleep quality and emotional states throughout the event. Most contestants passed the time by reading or resting with their eyes closed.

Dong’s composure and adherence to the rules earned her a top score of 88.99 out of 100.

According to event officials, she displayed the lowest anxiety levels, avoided deep sleep, and spent the longest duration on the bed. Her choice of wearing pyjamas during the competition resonated with social media users, who christened her “Pyjama Sister.”

Speaking about her lifestyle, Dong shared that she rarely spends time scrolling through her phone aimlessly. “I usually tutor my child in my spare time,” she said told SCMP adding she has an ability to remain detached from digital distractions.

Interestingly, this is not the first instance of unconventional campaigns in China promoting reduced screen time. Earlier this year, a Chinese PhD student in the UK gained attention for travelling across 24 mainland provinces in 134 days without using any electronic devices.

In South Korea too, since 2014, people sit silently on wet yoga mats, staring into space in the bustling city of Seoul in a "space-out competition" where the only rule is to do absolutely nothing — without falling asleep.