“Survivor” fever spreads to China

Reality shows continue to cross international boundaries. China’s Journey to Shangri-La will follow a similar format to Survivor, even though producers deny that the show was influenced by the U.S. series. According to the Beijing production company Weihan Culture and Media Web site, more than 200,000 contestants have applied to compete in the show, ranging from teen-agers to a 70-year-old man. A committee will pick 60 finalists, but will allow viewers to choose the final 16 men and women. Unlike Survivor, on which the winner will receive cash, China’s victor will receive the fulfillment of a dream, such as world travel, foreign study or starting a business, The Associated Press reports. Journey to Shangri-La is set to beginning airing in late July.