In 2015, they helped cut steps with electric saws, drive rivets into rock walls prone to falling and slippery boulders and install chains on the way for students.

In 2016, more safety facilities such as metal guardrails were built, along with laying new paths through the woods. "At the time, villagers told me it was already a big improvement," Yang said.

In late 2016, when the 565-meter Beipanjiang Bridge spanning the canyon was recognized as the tallest bridge in the world by Guinness World Records, the canyon quickly won new fame.

As a result, in 2017, a company invested to develop the canyon into an attraction.

"Now the national 4A-level scenic spot is the children's home. And the most difficult path to school has been transformed into the happiest path of realizing dreams," said Yang.

Cai Xiong, 54, chairman of Xuanwei Yatuo Tourism Development, who invested 380 million yuan ($51.8 million) into building the scenic area, was born in Puli township. He said when he was a child, he also needed to walk a long way to school.

He said the investment was for more than just business purposes, but also as an effort to improve the livelihoods of his fellow people.

More importantly, the "aerial school bus" is also a lifeline, he said.

"This year, a child in the village fell from a roof and needed emergency treatment. Our workers were able to use the elevator and cable car to send the child to hospital," he said.

"Another man who had a heart attack was also saved by the elevator."

Cai added that villagers can enjoy the service for free, and students have priority over tourists during peak travel times.

The canyon is a favored destination for enthusiasts of extreme sports such as paragliding, wingsuit flying, skydiving, rafting and rock climbing. It received 260,000 tourist visits last year, according to local statistics.

Video: Students' arduous trek replaced by canyon cable car

Contact the writers at chenmeiling@chinadaily.com.cn