Introduction:At the end of the 28 Hairpin Bends in Tiger Leaping Gorge, backpackers can not only admire the breathtaking views of the Jinsha River and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, but also enjoy a pour over coffee for just 28 yuan on the edge of a cliff. These makeshift coffee stalls attract visitors with their affordable prices and stunning scenery, but they also raise concerns about inadequate safety measures and waste management. This article takes an in-depth look at the situation on-site and offers practical tips for outdoor pour over brewing.
For many young people who love the outdoors, hiking is an excellent way to relieve stress, and Tiger Leaping Gorge, renowned as one of the "Top Ten Classic Hiking Routes in the World," is a dream challenge for countless backpackers. Here, you can not only get up close to the roaring power of the Jinsha River, but also have the chance to greet the magnificent sunrise over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the early morning, immersing yourself in the grandeur of nature’s craftsmanship.
After enduring the challenging climb up the famous 28 Hairpin Bends, hikers can now enjoy a new experience alongside the unique gorge views—sipping a freshly ground pour over coffee on the edge of a cliff. In recent years, many travelers have shared on social media platforms about encountering simple coffee stalls set up on cliff edges during their hikes, where a cup of freshly brewed coffee costs just 28 yuan, attracting both domestic and international visitors to stop by.
According to multiple hikers, these coffee stalls are mostly run by young vendors, with extremely basic setups—no stable electricity supply and no proper safety railings. A video shared by a netizen shows the vendor hand grinding coffee beans on a makeshift table by the cliff, brewing with a gas canister, and allegedly carrying ice and other materials up from below. Despite the tough conditions, the coffee leaves an unforgettable taste memory against the backdrop of the majestic landscape.
These temporary coffee stalls usually lack comfortable seating or soundproofing, and there’s no background music to enhance the ambiance. The brewing area can even appear somewhat disorganized. However, many customers feel that when you’re sitting on a foldable chair at the cliff’s edge, listening to the roaring Jinsha River with breathtaking mountain ranges and sea of clouds before your eyes, the minor inconveniences are instantly overshadowed by the scenery. Some vendors even lend out brewing equipment, allowing coffee enthusiasts to experience the joy of pour over brewing in such a rugged environment.
According to feedback from numerous visitors, the number of domestic and international hikers visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge has been growing steadily each year, leading to an increasing number of coffee stalls along the route. The vendors come from diverse backgrounds, including local villagers and young entrepreneurs residing in the area. Since their main clientele are passing tourists, prices are generally affordable—for example, a common pour over coffee is priced at 28 yuan per cup. Compared to some high-end cliffside cafés that charge hundreds of yuan, this is notably more economical. For those who prefer convenience, pre-packaged drip bags are also a lightweight alternative for outdoor trips.
However, these cliffside coffee stalls also raise numerous concerns about safety and environmental impact. Most stalls lack any protective railings, and customers often sit directly at the cliff’s edge on simple foldable chairs. A single misstep could lead to disastrous consequences. Additionally, there is no proper waste disposal system in place, and if used coffee grounds, plastic cups, and packaging are not properly recycled, they pose a threat to the area’s fragile natural environment.
Food safety is another issue that cannot be overlooked. With most stalls having no fixed shelter, insects or dust can easily fall into drinks during the brewing process, presenting hygiene challenges. Many experienced hikers advise that since public toilets are scarce along the Tiger Leaping Gorge trail, if you need to use the restroom after drinking coffee, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid awkwardness and inconvenience.
In summary, the cliffside coffee stalls in Tiger Leaping Gorge offer backpackers a unique experience that combines stunning scenery with the enjoyment of coffee. But while savoring this rare treat, visitors should also pay attention to their own safety and consider how to minimize their impact on the environment. For coffee lovers who enjoy outdoor pour over brewing, it is recommended to bring your own supplies and filtration equipment. This ensures hygiene and also reduces the burden on the natural environment.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
