A shopping centre in China has decided to do away with convention, replacing an escalator with a 16m-tall spiral slide.

The Chongqing centre’s attempt to inject a bit of levity into its retail experience was first reported by People’s Daily Online last week.

The glass-topped, neon-lit slide was opened on February 15, and extends from the complexes fourth floor to its first floor.

Covering a length of 50m, the ride is believed to last a total of 12 seconds, offering a view of the lower levels before ejecting users out onto a length of AstroTurf.

Users are encouraged to wear a sack before embarking on the ride.

It comes almost a year after a similar slide was opened in the Printemps Department Store in Pudong, Shanghai.