Perched 1,000 meters above sea level in Sichuan's Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the former 'cliff village' of Atulie'er once relied on a precarious rattan ladder as its only connection to the outside world. Even after swapping vines for steel in 2016, daily life remained a vertical challenge – until 2020 brought a modern twist to this ancient landscape.
When residents relocated to modern housing in the county seat, they didn't abandon their roots. The village's dramatic cliffs now serve as a backdrop for livestreaming studios, where former farmers market local agricultural specialties to digital audiences. Livestream sales of mountain honey, walnuts, and chili peppers grew 300% year-over-year in 2023, according to county records.
\"Our steel ladder became a social media star,\" shared former villager Mose Jiali, now a livestream host with 50,000 followers. \"Viewers love seeing our traditional crops grown where the clouds meet the cliffs.\"
The transformation reflects China's rural revitalization strategy, blending infrastructure investment with digital innovation. Tourist homestays at the cliffside site are now being developed, promising to turn geographic isolation into economic opportunity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
