I first heard about the Central Mid Levels Escalators on Running Man (a popular Korean variety show) even though it was long completed over 20 years ago, before my first visit to Hong Kong!
To be honest, i was under the impression that it's the longest escalator in the world but i missed out the word 'system'. Nonetheless, it's still impressive as this covered escalator system stretches for about 800 meters and provides needed convenience for residents.
Unlike Singapore, where land is generally flattened before housing was built, the apartments in Hong Kong are built on slopes, against the hills and mountains. The steep topography resulted in difficulties in building more roads and it was suggested in the 1980s that a "escalator assisted pedestrian route" should be constructed to alleviate the traffic condition.
The real cool fact is that you get to cut through about 16 old streets (including Lan Kwai Fong) and if time permits, i believe you would be able to spend the whole day there! I was thinking of just a touch and go and then proceed elsewhere.
Chanced upon an entry to the Jamia Mosque; built in 1890, it's said to be one of the oldest mosque in Hong Kong! At this point, I was actually busy taking a time-lapsed video showing the way from start to the end of escalator.
Finally reached the end of the escalator system; consisting "18 escalators and 3 inclined moving walkways", the journey took me about 18 minutes; Alex found it boring and stopped halfway to explore one of the nearby streets.
As you can see, there's only one set of escalator per segment which means it's either going upwards or downwards. So which is which? There's an operation schedule! Downhill from 6.00 am to 10.00 as most people would be on their way to work and uphill from 10.20 am to midnight!
I have enjoyed the convenience of taking the escalator up and now, i have to walk all the way down. Thankfully i didn't attempt this with my mom; at her age, she can no longer endure the walking and it can be, in fact, dangerous for the elderly to walk down the stairs.
Just your normal escalator; used by 30,000 - 40,000 people on a daily basis!
Community used clothes recycling bin! Maybe my office there can consider using this hardier design as the current one has been damaged a few times.
Frankly, the elevation is really no joke and i would have complained like mad every day if i am staying there, working as a night shift worker and returning back at about 6.00, 7.00 am!
Since i am a tourist, i shouldn't be over-imagining and continue to marvel at the towering buildings in Hong Kong. If dad were with me, i can bet his constant comment would be "the buildings here all so tall".
Rednaxela Terrace - how do you even pronounce it?! Fact is; it's likely alexander but due to the way Chinese characters are read from right to left; the interesting spelling mishap took root and became the official name we see today.
The Terrance is also famous for being the area that Rizal stayed at when he was residing in Hong Kong. A national hero from Philippines; José was executed by the Spaniards in 1896, after the Philippine Revolution, at a young age of just 35 years old.
Come heavy rain and i presumed the flooring would be quite slippery.
Beauty of art murals; with its popularity all over the world to spruce up an otherwise boring space, even Singapore has came out with a few even though it doesn't have a fan base like the one in Penang.
Lastly, showing you the time-lapsed video!
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Location
Jubilee St, Central, Hong Kong
Map
As above.
Operating Hours
Downhill - 6.00 am till 10.00 am
Uphill - 10.20 am till Midnight
(do note the change in direction indicated above)
Additional Information
Note the guidelines for the use of the escalator!
Maintenance schedule and notices were also printed out for the benefits of the users. Do keep in mind that some escalators might be down for maintenance on the day of your visit.
For the summary of my seven days' itinerary to Hong Kong (with a day trip to Shenzhen), please click here.
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