China has officially opened what is being described as the world’s longest outdoor escalator, a massive infrastructure project stretching through the mountainous city of Wushan in Chongqing municipality.
Known as the “Goddess” escalator, the structure extends for more than half a mile, cutting through steep terrain and connecting different levels of the city.
The journey from bottom to top takes around 21 minutes, highlighting the sheer scale of the project. According to project officials, it is likely the largest escalator system of its kind in the world.
Huang Wei, head of the design team at China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group, said there are no comparable projects currently under construction or completed nationwide.
The system is not a single continuous escalator but a network of around two dozen escalators and lifts, all integrated into one seamless route.
The escalator components were produced by Swiss company Schindler Group and manufactured in Shanghai. The company has also contributed extensively to Chongqing’s metro system, supplying around 1,400 escalators.
Hit among locals and tourists
The “Goddess” escalator has quickly become popular in Wushan, a city already known for its iconic Crown escalator built in the 1990s.
- Around 9,000 people use it daily
- Fare is approximately $0.43 per hour (one way)
- Nearly 450,000 यात्राएं (rides) were recorded during the Spring Festival
Visitors say the escalator offers a convenient alternative to physically demanding climbs in the mountainous region.
A visitor, 44-year-old Xie Hongmin, said he hopes similar infrastructure is introduced in his hometown, noting that walking in such terrain can be exhausting.
The project reflects China’s continued focus on innovative urban transport solutions, especially in cities with challenging geography.
By improving accessibility and reducing travel fatigue, such large-scale escalator systems could reshape how residents move through steep urban landscapes.
