Scenic attraction

Now, Su can enjoy some comfort, as the mountain has been turned into a major scenic attraction in Jinxiu. A sealed road connects it with the county seat, and shuttle buses run regularly from the foot of the mountain to the halfway point.

The patrolmen use their cellphones to record their patrol routes and upload their findings directly to the administration.

Su now earns about 5,000 yuan ($785) a month. After a 10-day stint at the station, he can return home for a five-day break.

On the mountain, he and his colleagues split into two teams and work alternate 24-hour shifts.

During his leisure hours, he plays the bamboo flute or the guitar to kill time, he said.

At age 55, he said he feels too old to patrol the reserve like he used to.

"We can retire at 60, but I feel the rule is not reasonable for an old ranger like me," he said.

"I have already walked too far. My joints ache because of the arthritis caused by my work."