'Many people quit during that first week'

Li Xueping, 49, has worked as a porter on Taishan Mountain since 2005.

A towel is essential for us porters, no matter whether in summer or winter. It acts as a cushion between the pole and my shoulders, and I also need something to regularly wipe the sweat from my face. Even in winter, I perspire.

I was born in Changqing district of Jinan, the capital of Shandong province, about 50 kilometers north of Taishan Mountain. After I joined the only remaining porter team, I moved into a shelter on the mountain made of stone and plastic.