Uncover the fascinating tale behind the creation of the world’s longest outdoor escalator system.

Navigating through Hong Kong’s vibrant Central business district on foot can be a daunting task.

The area’s steep terrain, paired with the sweltering subtropical climate, would challenge even the fittest adventurer.

Fortunately, the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator offers a solution—an 800-meter stretch of moving stairs and walkways, holding the title of the longest outdoor escalator system in the world.

Constructing a network of escalators that cross 13 bustling streets on an incline proved to be an engineering feat of great complexity.

The escalators were engineered to match the natural slope of the hill. Given that most of the gradients exceeded typical escalator specifications, a specialized production line was created by the manufacturer to accommodate these challenges.

Due to the limited space between Hong Kong’s historic buildings and modern skyscrapers, most escalators in the system feature a single reversible track that shifts direction based on the dominant pedestrian flow throughout the day.

Operating at a speed of about 0.65 meters per second, the escalator network is equipped with 75 CCTV cameras, a PA system with 200 speakers, four LED displays, and a central control room to oversee the entire system.

Perhaps most impressively, it offers a congestion-free way to travel between Central and Conduit Road in Mid-Levels, accommodating 78,000 daily trips, all without charging a fare.

Winding through the narrow streets of one of Hong Kong’s busiest neighborhoods, the escalator provides an excellent way to explore the city’s dynamic landscape—from local dai pai dong food stalls tucked in alleys to the chic bars of Mid-Levels, and from colorful low-rise buildings to towering modern skyscrapers.

Here are some key spots you can discover by hopping on and off the escalator system.

READ: 17 must-see scenic spots in Hong Kong

Iconic film moments: ‘Chungking Express’ and ‘The Dark Knight’

A prominent section of the escalator near Hollywood Road became an iconic backdrop in Wong Kar-wai’s 1994 romantic masterpiece, ‘Chungking Express.’

As the escalator moves upwards, Faye – played by Faye Wong – crouches and peeks into the apartment of Cop 663, portrayed by Tony Leung, which is located right next to the escalator.

Not far from the spot where Wong watched Leung, director Christopher Nolan filmed several scenes for the 2008 Batman film, 'The Dark Knight.'

Top classic Cantonese dining spots

Many of the city’s most iconic traditional eateries are located along the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator System.

Lan Fong Yuen (2 Gage St., Central) serves up a famous Cantonese milk tea that's worth the wait. If you're lucky enough to grab one of the three wooden stools in the cramped space, consider it a bonus. There's a larger indoor area available just behind the stall.

Other local favorites include Mak’s Noodle for its wontons (77 Wellington St, Central), Yat Lok’s famous roast goose (34-38 Stanley St., Central), and Tai Cheong Bakery for their iconic cookie-crust egg tarts (35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central).

‘New’ Hong Kong flavors

Nestled beneath the escalator on Cochrane Street, XTC (45B, Cochrane St., Central) offers a delicious homegrown gelato with a unique Cantonese milk tea flavor that’s rich and indulgent.

Under the leadership of chef Archan Chan, the beloved Ho Lee Fook (3-5 Elgin Street) has undergone an exciting transformation, with an entirely new menu.

The revamped menu now features classic Cantonese dishes, infused with wok hei and fresh local ingredients. The lively, bar-like atmosphere and the iconic wall of waving lucky cats at the entrance remain unchanged.

Hong Kong’s premier cheongsams

At the beginning of the escalator system, you’ll find one of the city’s longest-running cheongsam workshops, Linva (38 Cochrane St., Central).

Founded in 1966, Linva gained widespread recognition after creating the iconic figure-hugging cheongsams worn by Maggie Cheung in Wong Kar-wai’s 'In The Mood For Love.'

For a contemporary twist on the traditional Chinese dress, G.O.D. Goods of Desire (48 Hollywood Road) offers bold, locally inspired designs perfect for souvenirs. Yan Shang Kee Qipao (4 Wing Lee Street) also provides affordable cheongsam rentals.

Convenient access to Hong Kong’s top bars

The escalator system is a lifesaver for partygoers in heels, making it easier to navigate the hilltop bars and clubs around SoHo, just up from Central.

Tucked away in an unassuming alley, The Old Man (37-39 Aberdeen Street) – a tiny bar that claimed the top spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2019 – is a hidden gem. If you don’t want to walk three minutes, Penicillin (23 Hollywood Road), Hong Kong’s first sustainable bar from the same founders, is conveniently located right beneath the escalator.

For a themed experience, visit Behind Bars (G/F E Hall, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road), a cocktail bar set within a former prison cell at the historic Tai Kwun Centre.

Satisfy your thirst the traditional way

Rather than lemonade, locals prefer rehydrating with a detoxifying, immune-boosting herbal tea to-go.

Kung Lee (60 Hollywood Road, Central) is renowned for its refreshing sugar cane juice.

Explore Hong Kong’s heritage buildings up close

The escalator system provides a bird’s-eye view of heritage buildings like Central Market and Central Police Station, both of which are currently undergoing renovations.

Home to three heritage-listed monuments, the historic Central Police Station (10 Hollywood Road, Central) is being transformed into a modern cultural hub known as Tai Kwun Centre.

PMQ and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Museum (7 Castle Road, Central) – just a short walk from the escalator – are must-visit stops worth a detour.

PMQ, the former Police Married Quarters, is now a creative space filled with local art, design, and culture.

Kom Tong Hall, home to the Sun Yat Sen exhibition, is a historical treasure. This Edwardian mansion is one of the few well-preserved buildings from the early 1900s in Hong Kong.

Additional useful information

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator system officially starts at Des Voeux Road Central, but the easiest access is via the footbridges connecting to the IFC, the financial and shopping complex above Hong Kong Station.

On average, the ride takes about 20 minutes from end to end. The escalators run downhill from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and uphill from 10 a.m. to midnight.

As for Hong Kong, the city is welcoming fully vaccinated travelers from select countries. However, they must book a three-day stay at a quarantine hotel in advance and present proof of a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure. For complete entry details, refer to the official Hong Kong government website.