On September 21st, a unique "Cloudtop Harvest Festival" unfolded in Nizhu River, Xuanwei, Yunnan, not only showcasing the region's bountiful agricultural yields but also marking a historic transformation from treacherous cliffside paths to a modern "aerial shuttle" service. Qian Qinghui, who had been working away from home, returned to assist his father, Qian Peiguang, with the harvest. After several days of hard work, Qinghui prepared to head back to his job. Before his departure, his father took him to the family fields to gather some local specialties to take along—homegrown small yellow ginger, sweet potatoes, tree-ripened bananas, and ham cured from the New Year's pig slaughter. The father packed bag after bag of mountain goods and insisted on accompanying his son to the bus stop.

Local residents display their agricultural products. Photo/Courtesy of the interviewee

On the way to see him off, the father was filled with emotion. He recalled the early days when he saw his children off, carrying heavy bamboo baskets and climbing the dangerous cliff paths—every step filled with fear. Today, the father and son travel easily using the "aerial shuttle." As the elevator rises smoothly, the cliff route that once took hours to climb is now crossed in just minutes. When the elevator reached the exit platform at 288 meters high, cheerful singing welcomed them. The father and son unexpectedly stumbled upon the "Cloudtop Harvest Festival" in full swing—a dazzling array of Xuanwei's signature agricultural products neatly displayed, with singing and dancing performances on the stage. Joining the festivities, the pair immersed themselves in the joy of their hometown's harvest.

On the 360-meter-high glass suspension bridge, a remarkable produce fashion show was underway. Local villagers walked confidently across the high-altitude glass bridge, holding Xuanwei hams and wearing outfits made from corn, small yellow ginger, chili peppers, and other agricultural products, showcasing the unique charm of Xuanwei's specialty goods from every angle.

Local residents dressed in agricultural products during a fitting for the fashion show. Photo/Courtesy of the interviewee

As the festival drew to a close, the father accompanied Qinghui to the boarding point. In the past, the mountain roads were perilous and farewells were arduous, with each parting marked by the father's figure toiling over the hills. Now, with the elevator providing smooth passage and easy travel, after a few heartfelt words, the father stood at the bus stop, watching the vehicle slowly drive away.