~ Hong Kong 2012 - Day 7 Central–Mid-Levels Escalators ~

Central-Mid-Levels Escalators (中環至半山自動扶梯) has always been a place I wanted to visit during our previous visits to Hong Kong and we finally made it this time! Stretching over 800 meters in distance, it runs through Des Voeux Road, Shelley Street, cutting through the SOHO district and to Conduit Road in Mid Levels.

We took the MTR to Central and found our way to the staircase that lead us to the escalators. 

The escalator runs daily downhill from 6:00am to 10:00am and uphill from 10am to midnight. If you do not wish to climb all the way up, its best to visit after 10:30am and avoid the rush hours in the morning. The escalators are covered and there are several exits/entrance for us to explore the Soho district.

The Central-Mid-Levels Escalators has been a popular filming spot for a couple of movies. However, the one that left a deep impression on me are the scenes from the Hong Kong movie - Chunking Express (starring Faye Wong, Tony Leung). Two years ago, our favourite Korean game show - Running Man has also filmed an episode at the escalator where they did a speed quiz challenge which attracted a crowd. 

It feels so good to be standing here, admiring its unique structure and the pack of restaurants and shops surrounding it.

View from the top of the escalator

Shelley Street

Soho district - This area is filled with eateries, restaurants, bars, art and antique shops.
Do you know that SoHo stands for "South of Hollywood Road" and NoHo stands for "North of Hollywood Road"? 

Looking at the steep slopes, the series of 20 escalators and 3 inclined moving walkway has definitely helped the residents in their daily commute. We had a leisure walk and it took us about an hour (to and fro) to complete our trail along the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator.

Travelling on the covered walkway.

Central–Mid-Levels Escalators is not the usual tourist spot but definitely a not to be miss if you like to experience taking on the longest outdoor covered escalator system. I can only imagine how vibrant this area would be when the night falls with the restaurants and bars packed with the locals and tourists.