WAN CHAI SERIES # 6 - The Underground Escalator

Wan Chai recently opened the first of its new underground tunnels.

Eventually, you'll be able to traverse the entire suburb without ever seeing daylight.

One of the first of the new elevators to the Underground is finished but isn't yet linked up to the system. Sorry I can't rotate the photograph but i-photo simply won't let me. You'll have to turn your computer upside down to see it properly.


Currently, to get down into the tunnels, the only way is through the lobby of this building on Queens Road East:

And then you go down the escalator beneath this giant photograph of Jayavaraman V as seen at Bayon Temple in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

Why it's this photograph
and what it's doing here is anyone's guess!

And here's what you discover once you go down the escalator:


A hyper-clean world that gives new meaning to the phrase "Underground Cafe Chic". There are also really gorgeous seating areas that look like they've already been discovered as "Grandpa Dump Areas". HKers are always on the look-out for new air-conditioned places to dump their elderly when they go off to do their 18 hour shifts at work!

And then you go down deeper into the complex to where they have the moving walkways.

The door in the background there
will eventually lead to
more of these tunnels when
they're finally completed.

The tunnels are long and very Space Age. And they currently lead straight up and out into the Mall. Mmmm, that's HK for you. It's always about shopping!

Pacific Place.

Although you can reach the Admiralty MTR from these tunnels as well.

Not sure how I feel about these. Sure, they're cool and very modern and so-funky, but does it augur well for the future if the idea is to get around without ever seeing daylight or any other part of the real-world?