Steep trolley draws the curious in Hubei
A steeply inclined trolley track in the canyon of Luyuanping Scenic Spot in Banqiao, Enshi — at the junction of Hubei province and Chongqing — can take your breath away even before you ride it.
It's a spectacular oddity deep in the fissure of the canyon, leading to what is known locally as Tiankeng Village.
At 380 meters, it claims to be the longest inclined trolley in the world, costing 73 million yuan ($11.35 million) to build.
Residents once had to get in and out by zig-zagging along cliffs where the average altitude is 1,700 meters. Since 2016, a plank trail was rebuilt with 45 turns and 1,819 steps.
That greatly improved foot traffic, but now, with the steep trolley, it's even easier for tourists to catch some stunning views.
The track climbs 300 meters at a 47-degree angle. A single trolley car can accommodate 26 people and takes only three to four minutes for a one-way trip.
