Would you try? Edgy cliffside China cafe offers US$55 cup of coffee with a view perched on 200-metre rock face
- Thrill-seekers are visiting an ‘edgy’ coffee shop on the side of a cliff in China and paying US$55 for the privilege
- Craggy cafe gets mixed reviews on mainland social media with some people saying they would rather stay home
Like many countries, sidewalk cafes are common in China, but a one-of-a-kind cafe in the south of the country is offering coffee lovers spectacular views along with their favourite beverage.
The Cliff Cafe, located in a scenic forest zone in Libo county, in the southern province of Guizhou, offers seating on the face of a 200-metre-high cliff, prompting coffee lovers to ask themselves if they are brave enough to give it a try.
A cup of coffee served with an extra shot of high anxiety costs 398 yuan (US$55) per cup, and the experience has created a buzz on social media since tourists began sharing their thrills online, news outlet reports.
To enjoy their drink-with-a-view experience, customers must first strap on professional safety gear, then hike more than a mile (1.6km) through pristine jungle before climbing up the side of the cliff, a height equal to about 70 storeys.
They then climb down a 20-metre rope ladder before reaching wooden seats installed on the side of the cliff.
Then it is time for a coffee break, and some breathtaking mountain and river views, according to a staff member for the local tour zone, the report said.
The Cliff Cafe – the only one of its kind in China – first opened in 2019, but reopened in June after renovations. A banner with the Chinese characters xuan ya ka fei guan, which means “cliff cafe” in English, has been hung on the side of the cliff.
In addition to the basic wooden seating, the cafe also features a few ornaments and pictures to add to the vibe.
The 398-yuan fee to visit includes insurance, equipment rental, guide services, and of course, coffee, a worker from the tour zone explained.
“It’s a bit challenging for people who weigh more than 100kg, or for those who do not do regular exercise,” the staffer said in an interview for the report.
“After reaching the cliff, the tour guide then serves up coffees using instant coffee powder and ice cubes. Each customer can have one cup of coffee. People then sit on the wooden planks for an hour with their legs dangling in the air, drinking coffee and enjoying the scenery,” the worker said.
An official from the local culture and tourism authority said they send staffers to patrol the tour zone on a regular basis to raise safety awareness.
The cafe has received a huge response on mainland social media, with many people describing the experience as “thrill-seeking”.
“They put their life at risk just to drink a cup of coffee? They are asking for trouble,” said one online observer.
“I already feel frightened when I see them sitting there. I prefer to stay at home,” said another.
Videos of daredevil tourists often grab a lot of attention on mainland social media.
In May, a group of tourists were filmed crawling on a cliff edge in central Henan province without safety gear. The local authority ordered the outdoor sporting club that organised the event to stop.
Authorities in Henan said in April they had to smash a section of a cliff overhang which had become popular among tourists as the “Test of Courage Rock”.
The site sparked safety concerns after cracks in the stone were detected as a result of too many people posing for selfies.
