Portuguese 
In Shiniuzhai National Geopark, in China’s Hunan Province, a store of just 2 m² is built against a cliff 120 meters high. Customers and employees face about 90 minutes of climbing, while water costs 2 yuan, approximately R$ 1.50, to help climbers along the way.
A small store of just 2 square meters is wedged against a vertical wall of a mountain in Shiniuzhai National Geopark, in Hunan Province, China. Situated 120 meters above the ground, the structure sells water and simple snacks to climbers who undertake about a 90-minute ascent to reach the service point.
According to a report from the Diário do Litoral, published on September 3, 2026, by Luna Almeida, the hut serves as a resting and hydration point along the trail. A bottle of water costs 2 yuan, approximately R$ 1.50.
Store Occupies Just 2 m² on the Mountainside
The commercial structure is installed directly on the rocky wall.
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With only 2 square meters, the space acts as a small stop for those traversing the climbing route within Shiniuzhai National Geopark.
The internal area is sufficient only for basic sales operations and supplies storage.
Hut is Located 120 Meters Above Ground
The store is located approximately 120 meters above the ground.
To reach it, visitors must ascend the slope of the cliff using the prepared climbing route.
This position turns the establishment into a support point integrated into the hiking path for climbers.
The ascent to the store takes about 90 minutes
Access requires prolonged physical effort.
According to the source, the ascent to the store lasts approximately 90 minutes, on a continuous path along the mountain’s wall.
The same path must be traversed by both customers and staff responsible for service.
Route uses clamps and metal anchors
The path features equipment installed on the rock to enhance the safety of participants.
The route employs clamps and metal anchors, which serve as attachment points for the protective gear used by climbers.
The store is positioned along this route.
Water costs only 2 yuan at the top of the cliff
Despite the logistical challenges, the price of water remains low.
A bottle is sold for 2 yuan, approximately R$ 1.50 based on the conversion presented in the report.
The source also reports that some visitors have received water for free after completing the ascent to the hut.
Store also sells simple snacks
The establishment offers more than just water.
The small structure also sells simple snacks, acting as a supply point for those who have already exerted significant effort in the climb.
The proposal aims to meet the basic needs of climbers along the route.
Employees must climb before starting their shift
Workers’ routines begin long before customer service.
The store officially operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but employees must first reach the hut located 120 meters above ground.
Daily access requires navigating the same climbing route used by visitors.
Supplies are carried in backpacks up the slope
Restocking the store also depends on manual effort.
Workers carry dozens of water bottles and other supplies in backpacks during the climb up the mountain.
Every product sold at the top of the cliff must therefore be physically transported to the location.
Lack of restroom makes routine even harder
The small hut lacks sanitary infrastructure.
The nearest restroom is at ground level, which means any employee needing to use it would have to descend the entire route and then face another 120 meters of climbing.
This limitation directly impacts the work routine.
Employees manage liquid intake during their shift
The absence of a restroom has a practical consequence.
According to the report, workers must carefully control their own liquid intake throughout the day to avoid the frequent need to descend to ground level.
This situation adds another challenge to a shift that already begins with a long climb.
Store has been around for almost ten years
The structure is not a recent installation.
According to the source, the suspended store has existed for almost ten years, although its operation has not been continuous throughout that entire period.
The operation has faced interruptions and difficulties in maintaining workers on site.
Establishment closed during the pandemic
The pandemic directly impacted the hut’s operations.
The store remained closed during that time, interrupting service for visitors using the route.
After reopening, additional problems continued to hinder regular operations.
Hiring employees to work at high altitudes became a challenge
The extreme location makes it difficult to maintain a stable team.
The source reports that the establishment began facing challenges in hiring and retaining employees willing to work daily in that environment.
The physical demands of access are one of the factors that make the routine unusual.
Climbers sometimes arrive to find the store closed
Operation is not guaranteed every day.
Various visitors report arriving at the location where the hut is set up only to find the structure unattended or closed.
The existence of the store, therefore, does not mean that service is always available along the route.
Payments can only be made in cash
Another unique aspect is the method of payment.
The store accepts cash only and does not operate with the digital systems widely used in China.
This means that the climber needs to have physical cash if they want to purchase any items.
WeChat and Alipay are not accepted at the hut
Popular platforms in the country are excluded from the operation.
According to the report, WeChat and Alipay are not accepted at the establishment.
This limitation contrasts with the widespread use of these payment methods in other parts of China.
Support point serves climbers on the most strenuous section
The main function of the hut is to provide rest and hydration in a place where fatigue has already accumulated.
About 120 meters up and after approximately 90 minutes of climbing, the store provides water and simple snacks to those traversing the route.
Even with supply difficulties, lack of restroom, and irregular operation, the structure continues to be used as a support point for climbers in the Shiniuzhai National Geological Park.
In your opinion, what stands out most about this store: operating in just 2 m² attached to a cliff, requiring 90 minutes of climbing to reach it, or selling water for only 2 yuan despite all the supply difficulties? Leave your opinion in the comments.
