I have formed a new love. A love that gives me the extra push when needed, allows me the rest when exhausted and takes me to places that I may have never been otherwise. My new amore is the Central Mid-Level escalator in Hong Kong, the longest escalator in the world.
The central mid-level escalator in Hong Kong is the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world, 800 metres (that’s about 2624 feet).
Hong Kong is hilly. And not just slight bumps, these are arduous inclines, sometimes equipped with stairs so steep you will get dizzy just looking up at them. I believe you are all aware of my feelings about stairs. Not a fan. For reiteration, read about my adventure with the 268 stairs to Tian Tan Buddha
By day two of traipsing through the city, my shins and quads needed a massage. And then the clouds parted and heaven’s opened up, we found a new type of transport, the longest escalator in the world. Way better than the ones at any mall. The Central Mid-Levels link the Central and Western districts on Hong Kong Island and not only is it a tourist attraction, it is quite practical too.
In my pure brilliantness, I decided it would be a fun adventure to wake up early, start at one end of the Mid-Levels and ride it all the way to the other, making intermittent stops along the way. Brilliant. Right?
It would have been genius, except that before 10:00AM the longest escalator in the world…only runs downhill. Crap.
So, instead of a leisurely ride we walked up the stairs alongside the escalator, for several sections . Until fatigue set in. And by that time that we were ready to turn around, it was after ten, the Mid-Levels switched to running uphill. So, we had to walk back down the stairs too. Yep. Maybe this brilliant plan actually sucked.
But, after that one-time oops the Mid-Levels became a practical mode of transportation for most destinations within the vicinity and we hunted for the saviour of the escalator sign often.
The longest escalator in the world ended up taking me to many of my favorite Hong Kong places; Iberico & Co. for dinner, Coast Bistro for afternoon cocktails, shopping on the trendy Hollywood Road and the historical Man Mo Temple.
Not only is the Central Mid-Levels helpful transportation, the adventure is worthy of a place on your bucket list. Just not before ten o’oclock.
Have you ever taken a ride on the longest escalator in the world?
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Book Some Fun Tours!
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Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
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Fodor’s Hong Kong Travel Guide (book)
Take a Junk Boat Ride Through Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
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Visit an Offbeat Asian Market. Hong Kong’s Goldfish Market.
Eat Dessert First at Hong Kong’s Dessert Kitchen
Eat Squid Jerky in Hong Kong’s Tai O Fishing Village
3 Day Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do and See
I loved this escalator for, like 10 minutes and then I was bored because it goes on so long! Haha, I’m only joking. It’s another example of the quirkiness of Hong Kong.
I think the novelty probably wore off after ten minutes for me too :)
I can't believe I missed this when I was in HK!
Good reason to go back, amongst several others :)
Thanks for the tip. I did not realize Hong Kong was so hilly, and now will add that into consideration if I make plans. Esepcially if they're before 10:00am (which mine often are).
It reminded me a lot of the hills of San Francisco!