Feng Mingshan scales the 50-meter cliff to his cave while barefoot on August 21 in Shangluo, Shaanxi Province. Photo: CFP

A hermit was recently discovered residing in the cliffs of southern Shaanxi Province for two decades in a cave so high, the climb would tire out men half his age.

Nearly two hours' walk from his native Gaobadian, 54-year old Feng Mingshan dwells in a cave high above a ravine; his rocky home only accessible by a 50-meter vertical climb.

He scales the cliff face with tremendous speed, often while carrying supplies and almost always barefoot, reports the local news portal hsw.cn on August 22.

Feng claimed to have discovered the 20-square-meter cave while exploring the area as a boy.

"It was a small cave when I found it, and I expanded it to its current size using a hammer," shouted Feng from his cave to the reporter below. "I also cleared the path through the ravine. Summer is cool here and it's good."

Though a curtain is visible hanging at the entrance, it is unclear from the report as to the contents or condition of the interior. Feng also did not reveal what first inspired his hermit-like existence.

Feng's younger brother explains he and his other brothers occasionally visit Feng, but rarely make it up into the cave.

"My brother seldom talks to others and has never been engaged. But he's lived in there for over 20 years," said the brother.

Locals explain Feng appears in the village regularly asking for supplies and food to cook.

"He usually comes out at night and climbs in and out the cave with ease. It's really amazing," said one resident.

The local government had attempted to put Feng in a nursing home several times. He often failed to get along with other residents and would eventually escape.

According to town mayor Xu Min, Feng was diagnosed to suffer from intermittent psychosis in 2011, and moved back into his cave after briefly receiving treatment. Feng also receives 4,300 yuan ($701.76) a year in welfare support from the local government, said the paper.

"Some local officials went to visit Feng a few days ago and waited for two hours with no sight of him," said Xu.

Xu explained the local government will continue to support Feng and persuade him to move from the cave.