Holiday Destinations

World's longest sightseeing escalator takes tourists for a ride in China

World's longest sightseeing escalator takes tourists for a ride in China
Measuring 688 meters (2,257 ft) long, this sightseeing escalator in central China is the longest in the world
Measuring 688 meters (2,257 ft) long, this sightseeing escalator in central China is the longest in the world
View 2 Images
Measuring 688 meters (2,257 ft) long, this sightseeing escalator in central China is the longest in the world
1/2
Measuring 688 meters (2,257 ft) long, this sightseeing escalator in central China is the longest in the world
The world's longest sightseeing escalator in China can transport up to 7,300 visitors an hour
2/2
The world's longest sightseeing escalator in China can transport up to 7,300 visitors an hour 

Not content with the world's largest radio telescope, the world's highest bridge and the world's largest amphibious seaplane, China can now lay claim to the world's longest sightseeing escalator. Located in the Enshi Grand Canyon in Hubei province, it measures 688 meters (2,257 ft) long and has recently opened to tourists in central China.

With its spectacular views, the Enshi Grand Canyon is a magnet for tourists, who can now enjoy a relaxing ride as they take in the sights. And it should be able to handle any potential crowds, with its ability to transport up to 7,300 visitors an hour and expectations it will carry 300,000 people per year.

The world's longest sightseeing escalator in China can transport up to 7,300 visitors an hour
The world's longest sightseeing escalator in China can transport up to 7,300 visitors an hour 

Located at the Qixingzhai scenic spot, the escalator follows a "∑" shape along the mountainside and is constructed from ecologically sustainable materials, including the wooden structure and gray tile roof. It was opened earlier this month during the week-long National Day holiday and costs 20 yuan (US$3) per visitor.

Source: People's Daily

8 comments
8 comments
Douglas Bennett Rogers
A "rolling road" is actually an incremental development for the space elevator.
ljaques
Very cool! Being 63, I'd prefer using that to climbing the entire mountain. Can someone please gift me the money to go to China from Oregon? Thanks!
KeithPhillips
I wasn't planning going back to China for a holiday. But you can bet your bottom dollar I am going to ride this fabulous concept before I turn my toes up. That's for sure!! Well done China you are streets ahead of the Western world!!
Timelord
Maybe the longest sightseeing escalator, but not the longest outdoor escalator. That honor still belongs to the Central—Mid-levels system in Hong Kong at 800 m (2600 ft). And that one is free to ride.
Norm Frey
Should list how much elevation it gains, and 7000 people per hour and 300,000 per year doesn't make sense. Would take less than 50 hours at 7000/hr to move 300,000.
Ilya Katsnelson
Escalator to the top of the mountain? Now, I admire the technical challenge, but this is too far. What is next? Escalator down the Grand Canyon or up the Half Dome? People should get off their butts and get moving. If you take escalator up some mountain might as well stay home and watch the same mountain on TV.
SaysMe
Surprised they didn't cover with solar panels, odd, by mass market flooding panel makers...
Alien
The price for using this seems quite reasonable but perhaps this is the 'local' price for Chinese citizens. It is usual to find thta the price for non Chinese people (including non-resident Chinese) is very substantially more.
Great idea though and bound to be a wonderful tourist attraction. I agree with 'Saysme' that it should be covered with solar panels.