A tiny store hangs 120 meters (394 feet) up a vertical cliff face. It's in China's Shiniuzhai National Geological Park. This spot has been called the world's most inconvenient convenience store.
The store is small, only two square meters (about 22 square feet). It offers a vital service for rock climbers on the steep cliff.
A Stop for Climbers
Climbers reach the store using metal anchors. They fasten themselves to these as they go up. The store has become a landmark during the tough climb.
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Start Your News DetoxOnce there, climbers can buy drinks. A bottle of water costs about 2 yuan (30 US cents). Some reports from 2023 said climbers get free water after a 90-minute climb. The store seems to prefer cash payments.
Staff members carry drinks up the cliff daily. They are careful not to drink too much themselves. It's a long climb down to the nearest restroom.
Challenges and Operations
The store is almost 10 years old. It closed during the pandemic. Some climbers have found it empty. Staffing issues have made it hard to keep open every day.
Staff must carry many bottles of drinks up the cliff in a backpack before their shift. The store is open from 8 AM to 5 PM when it's operating. Climbers can buy water and simple snacks.
This store is one of the less scary activities in the Shiniuzhai area. China has also built impressive ways to get up and down mountains. This store, however, feels old-fashioned.
The store remains important for rock climbers in the national park.
Deep Dive & References: We visited the world's most inconvenient convenience store - Yahoo, 2023 China Daily - China Daily, 2023
