A group of astonished hikers found a refrigerator on a remote mountain, miles from civilisation.

Mountaineers discovered the yellow machine, filled with drinks, placed among the bushes in Guizhou, China.

Footage shows the chiller, with solar panels fitted on top, on July 4.

The filmer said: 'We walked up to it and scanned a QR code with our phones to buy cold drinks priced between CNY 5 (GBP 0.50) and CNY 10 (GBP 1.04).'

The vending machine is powered by photovoltaics, providing 24-hour cooling, and also displays a Wi-Fi password allowing people to go online while taking a break.

Local media reported that when stocks run low, drones deliver drinks to the machine by air drop, eliminating the need for manual transport up the mountainside.

Local villagers designed the vending system with skills ranging from programming to equipment maintenance.

One resident said carrying water while hiking used to be exhausting, but now it is possible to simply buy a cold drink on the way.

Tourists have also praised the convenience of the ‘wild refrigerator' and welcomed the low prices compared to scenic area shops.

However, some people have raised concerns about vandalism and whether the investment can be recovered, but so far hikers have been buying drinks readily.

The machines have provided an extra source of income for local villagers and are expected to spread to other mountain areas.