The entire transportation system is integrated into the landscape.
In Wushan, China, an external escalator with a total length of 905 meters has been launched in test mode — the longest in the world. It has been poetically named "Goddess Wushan." This is much more than just an escalator – this project is intended to serve as a pilot for addressing the problems of many mountainous cities in China, such as Chongqing. Historically, they are embedded in the mountainous terrain, leading to a colossal height difference between buildings and creating significant logistical challenges.
The main feature of "Goddess Wushan" is that this transportation system is integrated into the landscape. Instead of cutting through rock and laying tracks directly, Chinese engineers made considerable efforts to ensure that the escalator gently "flows" around the mountain slope.
This is achieved through the use of small moving sections and pedestrian crossings between them – the system consists of 21 small escalators, 8 elevators, 4 moving walkways, and several pedestrian bridges.
The structure is sheltered from the weather but features panoramic glazing over most of its area, turning it into an observation platform – the mountain slope offers a beautiful view of the valley.
Previously, there was no point in this, as local residents and tourists had to spend over an hour and a lot of physical effort to climb the mountain when they no longer wanted to enjoy the beauty. Now, the journey to the summit at an elevation of 242 meters takes only 20 minutes.
Wushan is a mountainous province in China, famous for its landscapes and bridges.
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