China has unveiled what is believed to be the world’s longest outdoor escalator, a major infrastructure development that is drawing global attention for its scale and engineering innovation. The new escalator, located in the mountainous municipality of Chongqing, represents a significant advancement in urban transport solutions designed for challenging terrain.
Known as the “Goddess Escalator,” the structure runs through Wushan district, extending more than half a mile along a steep hillside. The escalator appears to rise continuously toward the skyline, creating a striking visual impression while offering a practical mobility solution in a city known for its complex topography.
According to reports, the journey from one end of the escalator to the other takes approximately 21 minutes, making it one of the longest continuous escalator systems ever constructed. The project is not a single escalator but a coordinated network of nearly two dozen escalators and elevators operating as one integrated transport system.
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Engineers involved in the project say the development demonstrates China’s ongoing investment in large-scale infrastructure designed to improve accessibility in mountainous urban areas. Huang Wei, lead engineer from China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group, stated that the project is unique in its scope and design, noting that no comparable system currently exists in the country.
Key mechanical components for the escalator were produced by Swiss manufacturer Schindler, with assembly completed in facilities located north of Shanghai. The company has previously supplied more than a thousand escalators for Chongqing’s expanding metro network, reflecting the city’s continued infrastructure growth.
The new system has quickly gained popularity among residents and tourists. Chongqing, often described as one of the world’s most vertically built cities, has long relied on escalators, bridges, and cable transport systems to navigate its steep hills and layered urban structure.
Local reports indicate that approximately 9,000 passengers use the escalator daily, while usage surged during the Spring Festival holiday period, when nearly 450,000 people reportedly travelled on the system.
Residents say the escalator has made daily travel easier, particularly for workers responsible for transporting goods across steep slopes. The system has also attracted interest as a potential tourist attraction, further enhancing the city’s reputation for innovative infrastructure.
Urban planning experts note that projects like the Goddess Escalator highlight the growing importance of smart mobility solutions in densely populated cities facing geographic constraints. As cities continue to expand into mountainous and uneven landscapes, integrated vertical transport systems are expected to play an increasingly important role in improving accessibility and sustainability.
The project reflects China’s broader push to modernize transport infrastructure and develop solutions tailored to complex urban environments, combining functionality with visual impact.
