World’s Largest Escalator in Wushan, China Connects Two Districts Across a Mountain in Just 21 Minutes

In the mountainous Wushan County of China, a new transportation system has transformed daily life for residents by replacing a grueling one-hour climb with a smooth 20-minute ride. Officially opened on February 17, 2026, during the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Wushan Goddess Escalator is now recognized as the world’s longest outdoor escalator system.

Spanning 905 meters in length — nearly a kilometer — and climbing 242.14 meters vertically, the system scales the equivalent of an 80-story skyscraper. It follows the natural contours of the mountain along Goddess Avenue, integrating 21 escalators, 8 elevators, 4 moving walkways, and pedestrian bridges into a single transit network designed to preserve the surrounding landscape.

The project was engineered to withstand the steep terrain and harsh weather conditions of Chongqing’s Wushan County, where residents previously faced difficult journeys to work, visit family, or buy groceries. By reducing travel time from over an hour to just 20 minutes, the system improves accessibility for both locals and tourists while offering panoramic views of the Wu Gorge and the Three Gorges through its transparent glass facades.

During its initial trial phase, access to the escalator costs just 3 yuan (approximately 40 cents) as officials monitor performance to determine a permanent fare. The structure was built to handle heavy foot traffic and follows the mountain’s spine rather than cutting a straight path, minimizing environmental disruption and preserving the area’s natural beauty.

Chinese state media reported the opening as a major infrastructure achievement, highlighting its role in improving quality of life in a region long challenged by difficult terrain. The system exemplifies how adaptive engineering can respond to geographic constraints while supporting community mobility and regional tourism.