WILD FRIDGE – Hikers Praise Cool Idea Of Remote Mountain Refrigerator Miles From Civilisation

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This is the moment a hiker discovers a fully refrigerated vending machine in the middle of nowhere on the side of a mountain, seemingly miles from any buildings.

The unusual machine was filmed in Anshun, Guizhou Province, China, where it appeared on 4th July.

In the video the vending machine stands among trees on a mountainside with solar panels fitted to the top.

Hikers walk up to it and scan a QR code with their phones to buy cold drinks priced at between CNY 5 (GBP 0.5) and CNY 10 (GBP 1.04).

The vending machine displays a Wi-Fi password allowing people to go online while taking a break.

It is powered by photovoltaics providing 24-hour cooling.

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.

Some people have raised concerns about vandalism or 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.

(Mike Leidig / newsX)

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Copyright: AsiaWire/NX
Description: Video shows vending machine in the mountains of Anshun, Guizhou in China, undated. The video was shared on Douyin - the Chinese version of TikTok on July 4, 2025. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (AsiaWire/NX)

Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig

Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska

Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski

Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig

Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig

Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik

Byline Video Editor: Aloysius Fernandes

Byline Copychecker: Emily Wu

Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska

Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig

Geography: Anshun

Subject: Tech Business, Tourism Business, Food / Drink, Nature, Mountains

T4 Editor Story Rating: 7

T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7

T4 Total rating: 7