A new 288-metre outdoor elevator in China`s Yunnan Province is making the journey to school much easier for children in a remote mountain village.

In 2022, the 268-metre Qingyun Ladder elevator was built beside a cliff to help students from Nizhuhe village reach Guanzhai Village Primary School. Before that, they faced a three hour climb along steep mountain paths every few weeks. The elevator reduced the journey to about 30 minutes. But the elevator became a tourist attraction, leading to long queues. Students could ride for free but still had to wait.

Now, a second elevator, the 288-metre Fuyao Ladder, has opened beside it. It is faster, more spacious and has a 20-metre longer shaft.