Pupils take cable cars after getting off the elevator.
As the new semester begins, the Nizhu River Grand Canyon in east Yunnan's Xuanwei county-level city saw 13 primary school students ride the "Qingyun" and "Fuyao" elevators with their parents on August 30.
In the past, children from Nizhuhe Village had to climb cliff faces for three hours to reach the primary school at the top of the mountain. Every step was dangerous and exhausting.
Children from Nizhuhe Village have to climb cliffs for three hours to reach school in the past.
In 2022, the scenic area opened. The 268 meter "Qingyun" elevator and cable car started operating. This July, the 288 meter "Fuyao" elevator joined them. Together, they form the "Sky School Bus" system.
Now, kids take a shuttle to the elevator, ascend vertically, transfer to the cable car, and walk a short stretch. The entire trip takes 30 minutes. The system is permanently free for all villagers and students. During holidays, staff ensure priority boarding and dedicated shuttles.
Pupils take the elevator to or from school.
The handholds carved into the cliffs are still there. But these children no longer have to take that path. May they rise with the elevators and climb toward a future as wide as the sky.
