The world's longest escalator has opened in Wushan, China, stretching 905 meters with a vertical rise of 242 meters. This massive structure reduces a one-hour walk to a 21-minute ride, significantly improving transportation in the mountainous region. The escalator was inaugurated on February 17, 2026, replacing the previous method of climbing steep stairs or navigating crowded roads, which could take up to an hour during peak times. The project took four years to complete and cost about 23 million dollars (21 million euros). Wushan county was relocated during the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, a massive hydroelectric project on the Yangtze River. The area has a steep terrain, with an average slope of 35 percent and some sections reaching nearly 60 percent. The modular escalator system, made up of 21 mechanical staircases, 8 elevators, 4 moving walkways, and several pedestrian bridges, was chosen over alternatives like trains or cable cars. Huang Wei, chief engineer at China Railway Eryuan Engineering, noted that no similar project exists anywhere in the world. The mechanical components were produced by the Swiss company Schindler in a factory near Shanghai. Schindler has previously supplied 1,400 escalators to Chongqing's metro system. The design includes a glass structure to make the system look lighter and three panoramic platforms offering views of the Yangtze River gorges. At night, lighting installations turn the escalator into a ribbon of light, creating a striking visual effect. Approximately 9,000 people use the escalator daily to travel between the lower and upper parts of the city. During the Chinese New Year in 2026, the infrastructure recorded 450,000 trips in just a few days. The journey currently costs 3 yuan (approximately 0.40 euro), with authorities analyzing usage data before setting a final price. This project is not only a tourist attraction but also demonstrates an innovative approach to urban mobility in mountainous regions. Chongqing, often called the vertical city due to its steep terrain, has long adapted its transportation to the challenging landscape. Since the 1990s, the city has built an 112-meter escalator to connect two stations. Now, Wushan's escalator serves as both a daily tool and a tourist attraction, with other mountain cities around the world studying this modular model for similar projects.