As the number of millionaires in China reaches a new high, the profession of butler is becoming increasingly popular.

The idea of the infallible butler became world famous mainly through Western literature and movies, beginning with Jules Verne's Passepartout and P.G. Wodehouse's Jeeves, to Downton Abbey's Charles Carson; but it is Carson, who has apparently whetted appetites for the elegance of British butlering in China.

At the International Butler Academy, the only foreign-run butler school in the country, Chinese students receive daily training on everything from polishing silverware to anticipating guests' needs during an eight-course dinner. Lots of Chinese youths are rushing to gain the experience, although the school's six-week courses cost almost 40,000 yuan ($6,500). However, since a Chinese butler can expect to earn up to 20,000 yuan ($3,200) per month, the course appears to be a "profitable investment."

It should be noted that the number of people in China with assets over $1.6 million has increased to over one million, according to wealth publisher Hurun. China's elite has employed servants for centuries, however, the recent trend of hiring British-style butlers indicates that Chinese millionaires want to bring a new aura of exquisite luxury into their lives.

Thomas Kaufmann, head instructor of the school, admitted that the demand for butlers was growing steadily in the country, adding that it is easier to train a Chinese student as a butler, than to train a professional Western butler in Chinese language and culture.

Chinese would-be butlers insist that serving the rich is a pleasure and dream about serving not only wealthy Chinese families, but also multinational bosses. To make rich people feel happy and relaxed provides a sense of achievement, the students confess.