Recently, in Tai'an, Shandong, a 26-year-old man has sparked discussions online after revealing that he makes over 300,000 yuan (£30,000) annually by offering paid hiking companion services on Mount Tai.

Mr Chen, a former sports student, chose this unique profession after graduation. His job involves providing full-service support to tourists climbing Mount Tai, including route planning, safety guidance, carrying backpacks, taking photos, and offering cultural insights. When needed, he even assists physically by carrying or supporting hikers who struggle to continue.

He has different pricing for daytime and nighttime hikes, charging 600 yuan (£65) per session during the day and 700 yuan (£75) at night due to higher safety demands.

Chen typically climbs Mount Tai twice a day, sometimes even three times when business is booming. Thanks to his high-intensity work and quality service, he managed to earn over 300,000 yuan last year.

His main clients are women aged 20 to 35, who often lack hiking experience or physical endurance and require professional assistance for a safe and successful climb.

However, Chen acknowledges that the job is physically demanding and could cause long-term strain. To sustain his business, he has started building a team to standardise and expand his services.