At the beginning of 2026, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning introduced to global audiences via overseas social media the "905-meter-long Shennü Grand Escalator in Wushan, Chongqing," which quickly drew widespread attention. Foreign netizens left comments such as "Amazing" and "Incredible".

Project Information

The Chongqing Wushan "Shennü Grand Escalator" has a total length of approximately 905 meters, with a vertical rise of 242.14 meters (about the height of an 80-story building).

The entire system consists of 21 escalators, 8 vertical elevators (including accessible elevators), 4 moving walkways, 2 pedestrian skybridges, and 2 cross-line passages, connecting the upper and lower parts of Wushan.

The project is currently in a paid trial operation phase, with a one-way fare of RMB 3 per person for both upward and downward trips.

Project Highlights

Livelihood convenience: This escalator has resolved a commuting challenge that had troubled local residents for 23 years, directly serving around 50,000 people and connecting key locations such as schools, hospitals, and ferry terminals.

Tourism and sightseeing: As visitors ascend slowly on the escalator, they can take in panoramic views of the Wu Gorge and the Yangtze River. In the future, it will also be integrated with the "Light of the Three Gorges" nightscape.

Technical Highlights

The "multi-level escalator system" vertical transportation model: A journey that previously required climbing 1,136 steps and took nearly one hour has been shortened to about 20 minutes.

The "three-dimensional patchwork" spatial layout: A combination of lightweight steel truss structures and concrete foundations is adopted, forming elevated corridors that appear to float above the city, maximizing ground space efficiency.

360-degree scenic views: The building facade uses an open, transparent glass curtain wall made of high-strength laminated glass capable of withstanding strong mountain winds, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the Wu Gorge scenery, the clear waters of the Yangtze River, and the panoramic view of the county as they ascend.