CENTRAL MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR

Description

Essentials about the Central Mid-Levels Escalator in brief

For people who like to ride escalators, the Central Mid-Levels Escalator is probably the best attraction in Hong Kong (maybe even in the whole world). It is a system of 20 escalators staggered one behind the other and three moving walkways connecting the Central and Mid-Levels districts on Hong Kong Island. With a length of 800 meters, overcoming 135 meters of elevation, the Central Mid-Levels Escalator is the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world.

The history of teh Central Mid-Levels Escalator

Hong Kong is an extremely hilly city. Hong Kong Island stretches from the South China Sea up to the 552 meter high Victoria Peak. The Central district on Hong Kong Island is home to Hong Kong’s financial and business center. The Mid-Levels district above is one of Hong Kong’s most desirable residential areas, home to many business people. To alleviate the high volume of traffic and make the relatively arduous journey between the two districts easier, the Central Mid-Levels Escalator system was built from 1991 to 1993.

The operation of the Central Mid-Levels Escalator

The escalators may be used by all persons free of charge and without restriction during operating hours. They always travel in one direction only. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., the direction of travel is from Mid-Levels down to Central, and from 10 a.m. to midnight, the direction of travel is from Central back up to Mid-Levels. A normal sidewalk also runs next to the escalators for people who want to go in the other direction. A complete ride takes about 20 minutes unless, to speed up the ride, you walk along the Escalator.

The Central Mid-Levels Escalator has become one of Hong Kong’s most popular modes of transportation over the years. Today, over 80,000 people use it every day. In addition to its function as a transportation link, the Escalator is a popular tourist attraction and there are many restaurants, bars and stores along its route.