Life in the cliff village of Atule’er was shaped by the harsh natural environment and the village’s extreme isolation. Farming on steep slopes was difficult, and villagers depended mainly on small-scale agriculture and livestock for survival. Because transportation was limited, selling products or accessing markets was a major challenge, which kept many families in poverty for decades. Electricity and internet access arrived very late, further separating the village from the modern world.
Education was one of the greatest struggles for families in Atule’er. Children had to climb the long ladders—sometimes for more than an hour each way—to reach school. This dangerous journey discouraged many from continuing their education and highlighted the inequality between rural and urban areas. However, the determination of these children and their families impressed people across China and beyond when images and stories of their daily lives were shared through media.
