• Chinese man sets record in “lying down” contest lasting 33 hours
• Event drew dozens of participants

A 23-year-old man in China won a “longest lying down” contest after remaining on a mattress for more than 33 hours and 35 minutes.

The competition, sponsored by a local mattress company, took place at a shopping center in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, northern China, according to a local newspaper report.

The contest’s name was inspired by the popular Chinese slang term “Tang Ping” or “lying flat,” a mindset among young people rejecting excessive work and choosing minimal effort due to societal pressure and a tough job market.

Contest rules required participants to stay on the mattress without sitting up, leaving it, or going to the restroom for as long as possible.

Competitors were allowed to lie on their stomachs, move their bodies, read books, use mobile phones, and even order and eat food while remaining on the mattress.

Most participants wore diapers to avoid restroom issues.

Around 240 people took part, with 186 quitting on the first day. Only three remained after 33 hours and 9 minutes.

Organizers increased the challenge by instructing the remaining contestants to lift their arms and legs simultaneously, with the last person able to maintain the position declared the winner.

The 23-year-old victor said he joined the contest at his girlfriend’s suggestion. He admitted thinking about giving up midway, but she encouraged him to continue.

The top three winners received prizes of 3,000 yuan (around $420), 2,000 yuan, and 1,000 yuan, respectively.

The winner added that he plans to use the prize money for a hotpot dinner with friends who had supported him during the competition.