A small commercial establishment suspended 120 meters above the ground has become a support point for climbers at the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park, located in China. This location offers water and some snacks during the ascent, although its employees also have to navigate the cliff to perform their duties.
The structure is only two square meters and is fixed to the vertical face of a mountain in Hunan province. Before starting work, the staff transports dozens of bottles up the mountainside.
The route to this sales point is via a path equipped with metal anchors, used by climbers to ensure safety during the climb. It takes approximately 90 minutes to reach the small sales point, which has become an essential stop on the route.
When operational, the shop is open from 8 am to 5 pm, providing water and some simple snacks. A bottle of water costs about 2 yuan, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 1.50. In 2023, there were records that climbers received free water after completing the climb of about 90 minutes to the store.
The routine of the shop workers demands much more than just serving customers. Drinks are carried up the mountain in backpacks before the shift begins. Furthermore, the employees must monitor their own fluid intake, as the nearest restroom is at ground level, and returning there requires retracing the descent.
Several details characterize the situation: the store has existed for almost ten years, but its activity is not constant. The establishment was forced to close during the pandemic and has faced challenges in retaining staff.
There are reports of climbers who traversed the entire route and reached the sales point only to find it closed or without staff present. At the time of payment, the dynamic is also peculiar, as the store appears to operate exclusively with cash, not accepting WeChat or Alipay.
Although it may seem like a mere curiosity, the location of this small building has a fundamental practical justification: it is situated exactly where climbers need a break, more than 100 meters off the ground.