Fuyao Ladder elevator in Yunnan reduces student commute

A new 288-meter glass elevator, named the Fuyao Ladder, has begun operations in the Nizhuhe Grand Canyon in Yunnan Province, China. The infrastructure project significantly reduces travel time for local students living at the bottom of the canyon. Previously, children from Nizhuhe village faced a dangerous and grueling journey of up to three hours one way, or six hours round trip, to reach Guanzhai Village Primary School located at an elevation of approximately 1,650 meters.

The Fuyao Ladder travels at a speed of roughly 5 meters per second, completing the vertical ascent in about 50 seconds. Each cabin can accommodate up to 81 passengers, nearly tripling the capacity of the nearby Qingyun Ladder, which was opened in 2022. When used in conjunction with the Qingyun Ladder and a subsequent cable car, the total transit time to school has been reduced to approximately 30 minutes.

Developed by Ningbo Hongda Elevator as part of a larger tourism project, the system can transport up to 1,200 people per hour. While the facility serves tourists, a designated path allows local children and villagers to access the transport for free.