Site of Wanglongmen Funicular Railway, Yuzhong District, Chongqing

CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Wanglongmen Funicular, having disappeared for 21 years, is expected to resume. The railway has been part of the historic conservation area of Huguang Guild and Dongshuimen Historical and Cultural Block.

The site of China's first passenger funicular railway remains in Wanglongmen, Yuzhong District. Designed by Mao Yisheng, the railway started construction in February 1944 and was put into operation on 16th May, 1945, with a total length of 178m and an altitude difference of 46.9m. In its early days, the funicular of two carriages transported 7,000 passengers every day. Wanglongmen Funicular was once a prime piece of landscape in the Mountain City.

At that time, the ticket price of travelling downward was one mao, and two mao for travelling upward. In 1993 when Binjiang Road was constructed, the funicular station was dismantled.

At present, the government of Yuzhong District has incorporated Wanglongmen Funicular Railway into the historic conservation area of Huguang Guild. The original appearance of the funicular carriages will be arranged in small sized exhibition halls, displaying historical materials and old photos. After resumption, the funicular will not only act as a scenic spot, but also a means of transport for the block. (Translated by Chen Siyan, Fathom Language Limited)