If you’re up for a challenge of an urban hike around Hong Kong, nothing beats The Central Mid-Levels Escalators. Dubbed ‘the longest escalator system in the world‘, the Mid-Level Escalators measures a total of 2,600 ft. (800 m.) in length from top to bottom, with a vertical climb of 135 ft. Maybe a time will come when Mt. Everest may be ascended via escalator, but until then, the Mid-Level escalators is the closest thing to a leisurely outdoor ascent you can get.

The Mid-Levels escalator came about when the city government decided to alleviate the vehicle congestion in the mid-level residences, as wealthy hill dwellers started clogging up the island’s small roads with their cars. Built at the cost of HK$ 240 million (USD 30 million), the escalator system was completed in 1993 and bypasses several miles of zigzagging roads in the process. Today, the Mid-Level escalators are composed of 20 escalators and 3 moving sidewalks, servicing more than 55,000 people a day from 6am to midnight, free of charge. Linking the Central and Mid-Level districts of Hong Kong, the system has jump-off points at every street it crosses. This has created an “escalator culture” of restaurants, bars, and cafes at every street level.

An ideal place and time to start traversing the escalators is from the bottom after 10:30am. It’s very important to heed the time, because the escalator not only moves one way at any given time, it also switches direction at one period of the day. Before 10 am, the escalator heads down for the benefit of local residents headed for work. After 10:30am, however, the system moves up to ease the climb of Central visitors.

You can find the base by walking away from MTR Central Central Station, Theatre Lane Exit. Walk along west of Queen’s Road until you see people massing in front of an escalator and walkway. All throughout the trip, you can look around and can see a bird’s eye view of upscale Hong Kong living. Apartments line up the upper levels of buildings, while the lower levels are occupied by shop and dining establishments. There are also plenty of safety signs and billboards lined up along the entire system. And, of course, a multitude of chic Hong Kong locals ride along with you, going about their business.

The entire trip takes about 20 minutes, which can even go faster by simultaneously walking along the moving steps. There is some walking involved between escalators, but almost all of the walkways are covered. Watch out when crossing streets to get to the next set of escalators. The trip ends at Conduit Road.

Make sure to bring drinking water with you, especially if you decide to visit during the hot summer months. After testing your mettle with Mid-Levels escalators, you can visit the South Hollywood Road (SoHo) district, with its collection of multi-cultural cuisines and shopping delights. And once you’re done with your visit, it’s an 800 m. walk all the way down.

You can also take a taxi, but where’s the fun in that?

Posted in Hong Kong, Things to do

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