Kids from a Chinese village forced to climb a cliff to get home from class

PLUCKY kids in a far flung province in China have to scale a cliff to get to and from school because their village is so remote.

Children from a remote village in China on their way to school.

PLUCKY youngsters in a far flung province in China have to scale a cliff to get to and from school because their village is so remote.

Kids as young as six have to make this treacherous school run every two weeks as their village is at the top of a 243m mountain in southwest China.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

The children must climb down from their “cliff village” to reach their school at the foot of the rock.

A photographer for Huanqiu travelled to the remote village in the Sichuan Province to snap the dangerous journey.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Life in Atule’er Village. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

Nimble parents who supervise the school run can scale the cliff in just an hour and a half.

That time is cut to just an hour to head down the mountain.

Seventeen rickety ladders help to get the children up the treacherous cliff.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Life in Atule’er Village. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

When they reach the Le’er Primary School in Zhaojue County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the children stay for two weeks.

After a fortnight, the group makes its way up the cliff again to visit their parents.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

There are just 72 families on the cliff village of Atule’er.

Most people make a living growing chillies on the high rock face.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

On the day the photograph was taken, 15 kids had to make the perilous journey home.

The children, aged between six and 15, were supervised by three adults.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

Parent Chen Guji, 30, told Huanqiu that he has to get up at 6am to make his way to the school to pick up the children.

He has fashioned a special protective brace for his youngest son, Chen Muhei, 6.

With the knotted rope, he keeps his child safe.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

Secretary of the Communist Party of Zhi’ermo Township A Pi Ji Ti, said eight people had died on the journey.

The unsafe conditions in the rain and the snow mean that some kids aren’t sent to school.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Life in Atule’er Village. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

The government have invested a lot to keep the isolated village self-sufficient.

They gave the villagers one million yuan worth of sheep.

Zhaojue County office secretary Ji Ke Jin Song said: “The main problem is that we can easily move the villagers to a nearby city but without their farm land they have no job.

ONLINE ONLY - Pic shows: Village children on their way to school. Incredible photos from a rural Chinese village show the difficult journey children have to make to get to school by climbing down a steep cliff using only vine ladders. The kids, aged between six and 15, make the dangerous trip every fortnight while accompanied by parents who take turns guiding the future generation up and down the steep path. Stunning scenes from Atule’er Village, tucked away in the mountains of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, in south-western China’s Sichuan Province, show the 15 children tackling the 800-metre (2,624-foot) cliff face. From a very young age the children have learnt how to use the 17 vine ladders, which are the only access in and out of their hometown, dubbed the "cliff village" and home to just 72 families. Reports said a number of villagers have lost their lives in the past while trying to climb out the village, located some 1,400 metres (4,523 feet) above sea level, and locals have been searching for safer methods for decades. There was previously a working cableway that connected Atule’er with the foot of the mountain, but the device was torn down after the villagers - who are mainly farmers - were unable to afford the electricity to keep it operational. To minimise the risk of injury - or death - the children stay in the dormitories of their school and only return home to see their parents once every two weeks. Reports citing a village official said that even the installation of a sturdy steel ladder would be too costly for the humble village residents, who have chosen to continue using the natural vine ladders instead. The residents would like the government to build a road leading to and from Atule’er, but with just 72 households in the village, the project also seems out of the question for officials who would have to spend some 60 million RMB (6.3 million GBP) on the project. (ends) Picture: CEN/australscope

“They have good land resources and have a high yield of crops. Building a road to the village would cost 60 million yuan ($12.6 million) which is not cost effective because the number of people is so low.”

Villagers hope that the town could be a tourist draw in the future.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.