Xu receives widespread praise, as many believe that ‘a mother’s love can elevate her above hundreds of metres’ truly reflects her job
2-MIN READ2-MINZoey ZhangPublished: 4:00pm, 27 Jun 2026A single mother in eastern China has won widespread admiration online for her remarkable dedication, braving a job suspended hundreds of metres in the air to support her family.
In Hefei, Anhui province, Xu Junyun works on the exterior walls of high-rise buildings, secured by two safety ropes.
Known online as “Spider-Woman,” this 36-year-old cleans, repairs, and waterproofs structures to fund her son Xiaoyu’s treatment, who has cerebral palsy.
After graduating from university, Xu initially enjoyed a stable career as a finance supervisor at a five-star hotel, as reported by Xiaoxiang Morning Post.
However, her life changed dramatically in 2016 when Xiaoyu was born prematurely and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Years of treatment and rehabilitation depleted nearly all the family’s savings.
When Xiaoyu was two, Xu divorced her husband. Reports indicate she has not had any contact with him since, and he has failed to provide child support.
With her elder sister busy with work and her mother in poor health, Xu became Xiaoyu’s sole carer. To finance his treatment, she quit her job at the hotel and sold her home, valued at one million yuan (US$150,000).
