Why They’re Still Carrying

Beyond physical strength, it’s flexibility and trust that keep them on the job. In their own words — two current mountain porters.

Porter Wang

“On other job sites, bosses often don’t pay on time. Portering is different — however heavy the load, however far the distance, you settle it on the spot. That’s something you can trust.”

Master Wang at the Zhongtianmen loading point, preparing for the day’s third trip up the mountain.

Porter Lu

“This work, I get to decide for myself. When it’s busy, I carry a few extra loads. When it’s harvest season back home, I can take time off and go work the fields — most other jobs won’t let you just leave like that when the farming needs you.”

Lu’s carrying pole and ropes for the next trip.

Freedom, fairness, and trust — these are the reasons they’ve stayed on this path, and the last dignity this trade still holds.