The 288 m elevator system combined with cable car at Nizhuhe canyon helps students shorten the way to school

ChinaThe 288 m elevator system combined with cable car in Nizhuhe canyon, Yunnan province helps students shorten the way to school from three hours to 30 minutes.

On August 30, 13 students from Guanzhai Primary School at the bottom of Nizhuhe Gorge started the new school year by traveling to school via the Fuyao elevator to the top of Montagne, then transferring to the cable car.

The first time entering the new system cabin, female student Wang Jiao said: "We have a new shuttle bus." The elevator moves at a speed of 5 m per second. From the glass-walled cabin, passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of Montagne alley below.

Nizhuhe village is located on the border of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, separated from the school on Mount Montagne by a cliff more than 500 meters high. Many years ago, the only path was stairs carved straight into the rock. People had to cling to chains to climb up.

Mr. Chen Guanjie, a villager with three children, said that previously taking children to school through Montagne alley took about three and a half hours. "Small children are placed in baskets and carried on their backs. On rainy days, the mountain roads are slippery, often unable to lift their feet," Mr. Chen said.

In 2017, the new expressway was completed to help local authorities re-plan the roads in Montagne alley. In 2022, the 268-meter-high Qingyun elevator and cable car line were inaugurated, creating a free "sky bus" system for villagers. However, the surge in tourist numbers causes the system to be overloaded during the holidays.

In October 2024, the locality started construction of a second elevator named Fuyao, 288 m high. On July 31, 2026, Fuyao elevator officially operated.

Two elevators operate in parallel, increasing the total capacity to 1,200 people per hour. According to the local government, this is the only montagne wall-mounted elevator system in China that serves tourism and residents in parallel.

All residents of Nizhuhe village, Guanzhai can use these two works for free. During peak hours, a priority path is set up for students to go first; People transporting agricultural products out of Montagne do not have to wait with tourists.

"Previously, we were most worried about the safety of students on the street. Now there is an elevator, the children get to school on time, and the teachers also feel more secure," said Tian Depu, a teacher at Guanzhai Primary School.

Improved transportation also helps the once-isolated village at the bottom of Hele Montagne welcome a large number of visitors. People began to open accommodation services, work as tour guides and sell local specialties.

According to Cai Xiong, Chairman of the company developing the Hele Montagne Nizhuhe Tourist Area, the addition of a second elevator both solves the pressure of transporting tourists and ensures people's right to travel.