In the mountains of southern Zhejiang, a homestay renovated from an old house is very affected by the terrain: tourists have to climb 128 levels of stone steps to get to the room, and the cancellation rate immediately skyrockets to 40% when it rains, making the elderly even more hesitant. In fact, more than 60% of rural homestays in the country have similar problems, but homeowners often overlook the importance of accessible facilities.

Difficulties in elevator installation

The owner planned to install an elevator, but found that there were constant challenges: the ordinary shaft area was too large, the electricity in the mountains was often unstable and easy to trap people, and the metal elevator was incompatible with the appearance of the wooden house. In these remote areas, in order for elevators to truly function, they must simultaneously consider energy efficiency, stability, and subsequent maintenance.

Tailored solutions

In the end, a specially designed glass elevator resolved the awkwardness: the transparent shaft seamlessly integrated with the bamboo forest, the rooftop solar energy alleviated the risk of power outages, and the elevator could be manually lowered in emergency situations; The interior of the elevator car is decorated with bamboo weaving and old beams. What's even more interesting is that it's not just about transporting people, it can also tell stories, push real-time information about scenic spots, and even design "mountain climbing sound effects" for children.

From expenditure to income

This "scenic elevator" became popular quickly: the Tiktok broadcast volume exceeded 5 million, and it was hard to find a room for home stay on weekends, and more than 10 projects have been followed up around. Some homestays even use elevators as a new profit point - charging for photos or renting advertising spaces. Experts point out that it is no longer a cost, but a new revenue tool.

A cultural ladder

It is not just a transportation facility, but also a symbol: the elderly see the interweaving of ancient and modern, children see the world outside the mountains through it, and designers give form to 'rural futurism'. The shop owner put it bluntly: "It's not just an elevator installed, but a ladder that can connect the past and the future