It’s been more than three decades since Chungking Expresswas released. Even before this trip came into plan, I’d been thinking of visiting Wong Kar-wai’s filming locations(the readily accessible ones, at least). Alas, we didn’t really have the luxury of time and Chungking Mansions was across the bay. That left me no recourse but to pick the closest to our hotel. 

The day began with a tram ride to IFC, which I vaguely recall from my first visit. And, from what I remember, it was our last-minute stop before catching our evening flight in 2006. 19 years later, it was my first time seeing it in broad daylight. Ironically enough, though, spending time there wasn’t the actual plan. It was merely our starting point.

The Central-Midlands Escalator is as practical as a must-see spot can get. Not only is it a destination, it can also take you to several destinations covered by the areas its named after. Opened in 1993, the 800-meter system is known as the longest outdoor escalator in the world. It consists of 16 reversible escalators and 3 reversible travelators that shift direction, depending on the time of day. It was only a year old when it was featured in Chungking. You can say they made each other iconic.

There was nothing Faye Wong about that mid-day visit. In the first place, the film’s key scene took place at night. Plus, we had to share the space with a battalion of a tour group. Still, riding the system is always an experience. Even with no specific destination, it doesn’t feel like wandering aimlessly. 

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It was lunchtime when we alighted at the Mid-Lands. With few minutes before noon, we took an Uber back to Wanchai. Roast goose was calling.