Laoniuwan unveils the outdoor sightseeing escalator. [Photo/Government of Qingshuihe county]

The construction site of the escalator. [Photo/Government of Qingshuihe county]

The Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area in Hohhot, capital of North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, has marked a historic moment by installing northern China's first fully outdoor sightseeing escalator in a 5A-level scenic area.

This "Sky Ladder" took about 50 days to complete and is designed to offer visitors a more immersive and effortless way to experience the breathtaking views of the canyon. The three-section escalator ascends a vertical height of 31.79 meters, transforming a steep 488-step climb into a relaxing 5-minute ride.

As a demonstration project of cultural and tourism integration in the Yellow River Basin, the escalator features an open-air design. As they ascend, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the rushing Yellow River and the remnants of the Ming Great Wall.

According to the scenic area's management, the facility will be open by the end of April. It will provide an accessible option for elderly and young visitors while allowing all tourists to focus their energy on exploring the area's rich natural and cultural heritage.

The installation, made possible through advanced drone-assisted construction, symbolizes the site's move into a new era of smart tourism. Next, the scenic area plans to introduce supporting projects such as modular cabin hotels to create a full-chain tourism experience, from boat rides on the Yellow River and escalator views of the Great Wall to stargazing stays in the canyon.