Tiny Cliffside Store Gives Climbers a Drink 120 Meters Above the Ground

A tiny convenience store suspended 120 meters (394 feet) above the ground is offering refreshments to climbers at China’s Shiniuzhai National Geological Park in Hunan province—but getting there is part of the challenge. The shop occupies about two square meters, or roughly 22 square feet, on the face of a vertical cliff. Climbers reach it during an ascent using metal anchors that they fasten themselves to as they make their way upward. The store has become a milestone on the demanding route. According to New Atlas, the shop sells water and simple snacks. A bottle of water has reportedly cost about 2 yuan, or approximately 30 US cents, placing its prices close to those available on the ground. The article also noted that reports from 2023 said climbers could receive free water after completing the roughly 90-minute climb, although that detail was not independently verified by the outlet. The store’s location creates an unusual commute for its staff. Employees carry backpacks containing dozens of bottles up the cliff before their shifts begin. They are also reportedly cautious about drinking too much during the workday because the nearest restroom is a long climb away. The shop is nearly a decade old, but it was closed during the pandemic. Some climbers have since reported arriving to find it unattended or shut, and staffing problems have reportedly made daily operation difficult. When open, the store is said to operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Atlas reported that it generally expects cash, while whether mobile payment services such as WeChat or Alipay are accepted was not confirmed. For climbers, the shop provides a chance to buy a drink during a strenuous ascent. For its employees, however, even a routine shift involves hauling supplies up a cliff and navigating a workplace far removed from the usual convenience-store setup.