Zhangjiajies Bailong Elevator Blends Engineering and Nature

Imagine standing amidst the floating mountains of Pandora from the movie "Avatar," connected to this fantastical landscape by a skyscraper elevator embedded in sheer cliffs. This isn't science fiction, but an engineering marvel that exists in China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - the Bailong Elevator. As the world's tallest outdoor elevator, Bailong combines unique geographical positioning with remarkable engineering to offer visitors both efficiency and breathtaking views.

The Bailong Elevator, also known as the "Hundred Dragons Elevator," is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. This vertical transport system connects the Yuanjiajie scenic area with the Golden Whip Stream below. Built against quartz sandstone cliffs, this elevator perfectly blends modern engineering with natural landscapes, serving as both functional infrastructure and tourist attraction.

Key Information:

• Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Ride Duration: Approximately 2 minutes
• Location: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• One-way Ticket Price: ¥65 per person (multi-day passes including cable cars available)

Standing at 326 meters (1,070 feet), Bailong holds the title of world's tallest outdoor elevator. Its steel structure anchors securely to the cliff face while transparent glass cabins provide panoramic views. Advanced safety systems monitor operations and prepare for emergencies.

Construction challenges included precise cliff-face anchoring, weatherproofing against wind and seismic activity, and minimizing environmental impact. The solution involved innovative engineering that respected the surrounding ecosystem while delivering reliable performance.

Positioned in Yuanjiajie's core area, the elevator links the valley's Golden Whip Stream with mountaintop attractions. This region's quartz sandstone pillars inspired Avatar's "Hallelujah Mountains." The two-minute ascent replaces hours of strenuous hiking, making the park's wonders accessible to all visitors while offering aerial perspectives unavailable from trails.

The elevator enhances tourism through:

• Time savings: Replaces 2.5+ hour hikes with a 2-minute ride
• Unique vantage points: 360-degree views of the sandstone forest
• Accessibility: Enables elderly and mobility-limited visitors to experience high-altitude scenery
• Novel perspective: Reveals geological formations from angles impossible to see otherwise

Bailong holds three Guinness World Records:

• Tallest outdoor elevator
• Tallest double-deck sightseeing elevator
• Largest capacity and fastest sightseeing elevator

To maximize your Bailong experience:

• Enter through Wulingyuan's South Gate, Zimugang, or Wujiayu ticket offices
• Ascend via elevator (recommended for best views and energy conservation)
• Secure forward-facing cabin positions for unobstructed vistas
• Avoid peak seasons to minimize queues
• Check weather forecasts as operations may suspend during storms
• Photograph the elevator's full operation from Tianzi Mountain's "Air Garden" viewpoint

4-Day Highlights Tour: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie (Bailong Elevator), Tianmen Mountain, Glass Bridge at Grand Canyon, Huanglong Cave

3-Day Classic Route: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie (Bailong Elevator), Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Cave

5-Day Cultural Extension: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie (Bailong Elevator), Tianmen Mountain, Fenghuang Ancient Town

The Bailong Elevator represents a perfect synergy of human ingenuity and natural wonder. More than transportation, it delivers an unforgettable experience that has become integral to Zhangjiajie's identity. Whether for engineering enthusiasts, nature lovers, or adventure seekers, this vertical journey offers something extraordinary while supporting sustainable tourism development.