Longtoushan – Escalators in the clouds
Our “cloud escalators” have helped to redefine the mountain experience in the northwestern province of Shaanxi in China. Longtoushan, also known as Dragon Head Mountain, can now be accessed by one of the longest high-altitude escalators in the country. The area experiences highly variable weather, with frequent snowstorms in winter and thunderstorms in summer, so robust and reliable equipment is critical. That’s where our escalators come in.
With summer temperatures rarely reaching 20°C and winters covered in thick layers of snow, it’s clear to see why Longtoushan is famous for its cold alpine conditions.
Perched just over 2,300 meters above sea level, Longtoushan offers visitors spectacular views of the area’s natural scenery – mountains, forests, and unique rock formations rising up from a sea of clouds.
But until recently, it wasn’t the easiest place to access, especially in winter. That changed in 2019, when our team delivered six heavy-duty Schindler 9700 escalators, spanning a total length of 170 meters, with a rise of 26.5 meters per section. These escalators allow visitors to reach the top of the mountain without the strain of hiking in challenging conditions.
“The ‘cloud escalators’ provide accessibility for all visitors – they make it easier for everyone to reach our mountains,” says Zhiguo Yan, Deputy General Manager of Longtoushan Scenic Area.
The “cloud escalators” have become a major highlight in this stunning scenic area and are essential to creating a truly accessible experience for all – including older visitors and those with limited mobility.
To handle peak‑season visitor numbers, all safety components have been comprehensively reinforced, providing robust protection for passengers. In terms of design, the escalators balance practicality and aesthetics, using durable, easy‑to‑clean materials with a premium finish.
Maintained with care
“Due to the harsh environment, our escalators are equipped with both anti-freezing and heating systems, to ensure stable and reliable operation even in harsh, low temperature conditions.” explains Yong Huang, Maintenance Engineer at Longtoushan.
Since opening to the public, our escalators have operated reliably throughout extreme conditions. Yong is part of the dedicated on-site maintenance team who work in shifts, to closely monitor operations and ensure visitor safety 365 days a year.
They carry out daily inspections and perform any necessary maintenance, which in the middle of winter can include removing thick layers of ice and snow in the morning before the escalators open to the public.
During the day, they continue to conduct frequent inspections, carefully checking every detail. Any potential issue is identified, recorded, and addressed immediately, ensuring risks are eliminated at an early stage.
With this comprehensive support in place, our team is always ready to help ensure that the “cloud escalators” are operating safely and smoothly, under any conditions – reliably carrying our visitors to the summit and allowing them to enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the way.