Traversing Cloud Peaks and Cliff Faces, Protecting the 'Sky Road' of Hua Shan

Hua Shan has long been known as “the most perilous peak in the world.” The Taihua Cableway, built at the foot of Taihua Mountain in Hua Shan, was put into operation on April 1, 2013, with a total length of 4211 meters. It adopts a ‘W’ shaped undulating course with straight up and down, crossing four deep valleys and three mountains, with a maximum drop of 894 meters. Its suspended state is like a stairway to heaven.

To ensure the safety operation of the cableway, over 20 cableway inspectors guard the line day and night. Once a year during the off-season, the cableway is inspected and repaired comprehensively.

From November 25th to December 15th, the Taihua Cableway carried out its 2019 annual ‘physical examination’, with main projects including wire rope binding, support platform installation, bolt firmness check, and transmission system upgrades.

The ‘physical examination’ is mainly carried out on support lines erected between the mountains and ridges. The highest support point reaches a height of 65 meters, surrounded by mountains and ridges, and with a deep abyss below. The inspection personnel not only overcome technical difficulties but also overcome the harsh conditions of high altitude and cold weather, paying attention to every detail of the equipment.

‘The maintenance of the cableway affects the safety of millions of tourists. There must be no negligence or carelessness, and we must safely deliver every tourist to the top and bottom of the mountain, which is our constant pursuit!’ said the manager of the Taihua Cableway Company.

Maintenance personnel of the Taihua Cableway conduct inspections of cableway supports and wire ropes (December 6th photo). Xinhua News Agency photographer Tao Ming.