China ‘Spider-Woman’ single mum cleans, repairs high-rises to support disabled son, ailing mother

A 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.Known online as “Spider-Woman,” Xu Junyun, above, engages in a highly dangerous profession that offers flexible hours and better pay. Photo: QQ.comAfter 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).When Xu feels overwhelmed, she draws strength from her son, teaching him to cook, manage household chores, and acquire new skills. Photo: QQ.comXu entered the high-rise industry in 2018 after an employer recommended her for exterior glass cleaning. Though risky, the job provided flexible hours and better pay.In a male-dominated field where women reportedly constitute only about five per cent of high-rise workers, Xu faced the challenge of proving herself. She shared with mainland media that some employers and colleagues looked down on her due to her status as a single mother.What she lacked in physical strength, she compensated for with technique, tools, and pulley systems. Through stamina, precision, and perseverance, she gradually established her place in the industry.Xu works 29 days a month, earning about 16,000 yuan (US$2,400). Recently, she waterproofed the exterior of an office tower standing about 220 metres tall. Photo: QQ.comReports indicate she works 29 days a month and can earn around 16,000 yuan (US$2,400). Recently, she waterproofed the exterior of an office tower about 220 metres tall.Further ReadingThe job has also brought moments of sheer terror. Once, while on the 34th floor of a residential building, a sudden rainstorm left her swaying in strong winds until she could brace herself against a window ledge. On another occasion, a homeowner sprayed her with water, verbally abused her, and allegedly threatened to cut her safety rope, though the reason for this outburst was unclear.When Xu feels overwhelmed, she thinks of her son. While working, she parks her car where she can keep an eye on it from above, allowing Xiaoyu to stay inside and watch cartoons.At home, she teaches him to cook, manage household chores, and acquire new skills. Xiaoyu’s rehabilitation is showing steady progress, and he now attends a local primary school.Her son, Xiaoyu, above, was born prematurely and later diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Years of treatment and rehabilitation have nearly depleted the family’s savings. Photo: QQ.comXu’s future remains uncertain as China’s property downturn has diminished the demand for high-rise work. She hopes to transition into a different career and eventually start her own small business.“One day, when Xiaoyu can stand on his own, I hope I will no longer be bound to a safety rope, or pulled so hard by life,” she expressed to the media.One online observer remarked: “A mother’s love can elevate her above hundreds of metres. Xiaoyu is fortunate to have her, and I believe he will improve.”