New record-breaking escalator system opens in Chongqing, China

On February 17, the Wushan Goddess escalator system commenced operation in Chongqing, China. The structure measures 905 meters in length with a vertical rise of 242 meters, comparable to an 80-story building. This transport solution aims to reduce transit time from over an hour on steep mountain roads to a few minutes for residents traveling to high-altitude suburbs. The fare for the service is set at 0.40 yuan. The system was engineered to handle steep gradients and heavy usage while maintaining views of the Three Gorges area. This infrastructure follows the existing Crown Grand Escalator, which connects Caiyuanba and Lianglukou stations. Similar infrastructure projects exist elsewhere in China, such as the 1,236-meter Lingshan Mountain escalator in Jiangxi province, which opened for tourists in 2025. Chongqing currently serves a population of 8.5 million in its city center and 25 million in surrounding districts.