The female customer, also an influencer, was treated like royalty during the hike, receiving food, water, and emotional support. - Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
BEIJING: A group of university students in eastern China offering a new mountain climbing companionship service has not only captured the hearts of customers but also delighted many internet observers.
An online influencer, known by her alias Shukesi, hired two tall and strong male university students to accompany her in climbing Mount Tai in Tai’an, Shandong province.
The entire experience was filmed, and the video was shared on the social media platform Bilibili, amassing half a million views at the time of writing.
As one of the most renowned mountains in the country, Mount Tai rises over 1,500 metres and features about 7,000 steps. Many tourists groan in exhaustion and suffer from aching legs after making their way to the summit.
In the viral clip, Shukesi travelled by train to Tai’an. Upon her arrival, she was greeted with open arms by one of her climbing companions, who held a red banner emblazoned with the welcoming Chinese characters, “Welcome Shukesi to visit Mount Tai”.
At the foot of the mountain, her other companion revealed a bag of provisions they had prepared, including bottled water, snacks, face masks, sunglasses, and a cap.
One of the companions carried Shukesi’s bag on his back, allowing her to hike without any burdens. Whenever she felt thirsty, a bottle of water – already unscrewed – was promptly handed to her.
As she began to sweat, her climbing companions offered her tissues at just the right moments. They even provided chewing gum, which they fed to her because her hands were occupied with walking poles.
“Your Majesty, please enjoy a taste,” one companion said as he offered her a slice of watermelon.
The influencer noted that the companions provided abundant “emotional support” to motivate her during the climb, offering encouragement such as, “You are so strong!” and “Your Majesty, feel free to take a break if you’re tired. It’s totally fine.”
Upon reaching the summit, the student companions presented a durian, which they opened effortlessly – without any tools – before handing it to her to enjoy.
“Their service is incredibly attentive!” Shukesi remarked in her video. “I highly recommend everyone planning to climb Mount Tai to hire these university student companions.”
The influencer did not disclose the cost of hiring the two companions, but an advertisement trending online indicates that student companionship for climbing costs 350 yuan (US$50) during the day and 450 yuan at night.
“We are fourth-year students from Shandong Agricultural University. Our team consists of 50 students, both male and female, and we have climbed Mount Tai an average of 40 times,” the advertisement states.
“We excel at taking photos for you, carrying your bags, and providing emotional support. We are well-versed in the climbing routines,” the ad continues.
The influencer’s experience garnered numerous responses on mainland social media.
“I’m interested in this service which is reasonably priced. The cost is definitely worthwhile,” one commenter noted.
Another added: “It feels so good to be treated like royalty, accompanied by two handsome escorts, haha!” - South China Morning Post/ANN
