China has officially opened what is being described as the world’s longest outdoor escalator, a landmark infrastructure project that stretches through the mountainous city of Wushan in China.
Known as the “Goddess” escalator, the system extends for more than half a mile, cutting through steep terrain and connecting different levels of the city.
The complete journey from the bottom to the top takes approximately 21 minutes, highlighting the scale and ambition of the project. Project officials say 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, stated that no comparable projects are currently under construction or completed elsewhere in the country.
The system is not a single continuous escalator but a network of around two dozen escalators and lifts, integrated into one seamless route.
The components were produced by Schindler Group and manufactured in Shanghai. Schindler has also supplied about 1,400 escalators for Chongqing’s metro system.
Popular Among Locals and Tourists
The “Goddess” escalator has quickly become a hit in Wushan, a city already known for its iconic Crown escalator built in the 1990s.
Around 9,000 people use the escalator daily, and the fare is approximately $0.43 per hour for a one-way ride. During the Spring Festival, nearly 450,000 rides were recorded. Visitors say the escalator provides a convenient alternative to physically demanding climbs in the mountainous city.
Xie Hongmin, a 44-year-old visitor, expressed hope that similar infrastructure could be built in his hometown, noting that walking through such steep terrain can be exhausting.
A Step Forward in Urban Transport
The project reflects China’s ongoing focus on innovative urban transport solutions, particularly in cities with challenging geography. By improving accessibility and reducing travel fatigue, large-scale escalator systems like the “Goddess” escalator could reshape how residents and tourists navigate steep urban landscapes.
