Two women in China have gone viral after hiring 24 helpers to accompany them on a climb up Mount Tai, spending nearly 30,000 yuan, according to mainland media.
Guo, one of the helpers, said the 27-person group reached the summit in about three hours. The team split into two, with one group assisting a mother and her child and the other supporting her friend.
The helpers carried supplies, served milk tea, played music, fanned the climbers, massaged their legs, and recorded the journey on video.
“The kid is around 20 kilos, and he never touched the ground. We carried him in turns all the way up to the top,” Guo said.
He added that the women seemed happy with the service and covered all food and drink expenses.
Tourists in China are increasingly hiring “climb companions” to reach scenic peaks. These companions guide hikers, carry supplies, and provide entertainment along the way.
The trend went viral in October 2024 when a tourist hired two students to accompany him up Mount Tai and documented the climb in a five-minute video. The helpers were seen opening fruit, carrying tired hikers, and keeping spirits high throughout.
While the service offers convenience and emotional support, experts caution against potential scams. Some tourists have reported paying deposits online, only to find the companion unreachable at the site.
It is advised that tourists hire climb companions cautiously and use written agreements or other documentation to protect their rights.
