Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie China: Ultimate Guide to the World’s Tallest Outdoor Lift
Want to witness a true engineering marvel that also gifts you the best views in Zhangjiajie? The Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie China is your ticket. It’s not just a ride; it’s a record-breaking experience. This glass elevator rockets you 335 meters straight up a sheer sandstone cliff face. In just 88 seconds, you go from the forest floor to the mountain summit, saving hours of tough hiking. Planning your trip with reputable zhangjiajie tours can help streamline your visit to this incredible attraction.
Key Info at a Glance
What is it? A fully transparent, outdoor sightseeing elevator built onto the side of a Zhangjiajie mountain.
The Numbers: It stands 326 meters tall with a vertical lift of 335 meters. It travels at 5 m/s, completing its one-way journey in about 88 seconds.
World Record Holder: Officially certified by Guinness World Records as the “Tallest outdoor elevator.”
What It Connects: It efficiently links the lower valley area (near the Golden Whip Stream) with the core of the Yuanjiajie scenic area atop the mountains.
The Story: Built between 1999 and 2002, this project cost about 1.8 billion RMB (approx. $250 million USD). Using mainly German technology, it was designed to protect the park’s ecology by enabling “tourism on the mountain, lodging in the valley.”
Getting There & Tickets
Your journey to the Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie starts at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Location: It’s inside the Wulingyuan core area of the park.
Lower Station: Near the “Shui Rao Si Men” (Water Winding Around Four Gates) area, close to the Golden Whip Stream.
Upper Station: Delivers you right into the heart of the Yuanjiajie viewing platforms.
Transport:
Step 1: Reach a park entrance. The most common gate is the Wulingyuan (East) Entrance. You can take a taxi, ride-hailing car, or tourist shuttle from Zhangjiajie city, airport, or train station (30-40 minute drive).
Step 2: Take the free park shuttle bus. From the Wulingyuan East Entrance, find the shuttle bus clearly marked for “Bailong Elevator.” The ride takes 30-40 minutes. You can also get a direct bus from the Forest Park (South) Entrance in about 20-30 minutes. Note: Other park gates do not have direct shuttles to the elevator.
Tickets & Pricing:
One-way Ticket: High season (Mar-Nov): ~72 RMB (~$10 USD). Low season (Dec-Feb): ~65 RMB (~$9 USD).
Round-trip Ticket: Offers a small discount and includes VIP lane access (skips the regular line), perfect for tight schedules.
Discounts: Available for students, seniors over 60, and military personnel with valid ID. Buy these at the ticket window.
Free Entry: Children under 1.3 meters tall.
How to Buy: Use official platforms like the “Zhangjiajie One-Machine Tour” WeChat mini-program or buy at the park ticket windows.
Operating Hours:
General hours are 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, but this changes. The best time to visit zhangjiajie often influences crowd levels and available daylight.
High Season (Mar-Nov): Closes around 6:30 PM.
Low Season (Dec-Feb): Closes around 6:00 PM.
Holidays: Hours may extend (e.g., 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM).
Always double-check the exact times on official sites before your visit.
Your Visit: Routes & Insider Tips
The Best Part of the Ride
The true magic of the Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie China happens in the final moments. The elevator starts inside the mountain. For a brief period, you see only rock wall. Then, it bursts out of the cliff. Suddenly, the entire forest of towering quartz-sandstone pillars of Yuanjiajie fills the massive glass windows. The view is breathtaking, and collective gasps of awe are common.
Planning Your Day (Classic Route)
This efficient loop lets you see the highlights of Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. For a perfectly organized day, consider a structured zhangjiajie day tour.
Morning: Enter at Wulingyuan (East) Gate → Free shuttle to Bailong Elevator lower station → Take the elevator up (one-way ticket: ~72 RMB / ~$10 USD).
Midday: Explore Yuanjiajie. Walk to sites like “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” (the inspiration for the film), First Bridge Under Heaven, and Lost Soul Terrace. Allow 1.5-2 hours. You’ll find lunch options, including a KFC, near the Yuanjiajie shuttle stop.
Afternoon: Catch the shuttle from “First Bridge” parking lot to Tianzi Mountain (40-min ride). See sights like Emperor’s Writing Brushes and Helong Park (a McDonald’s is here). Then, take the shuttle to the Yangjiajie cable car upper station for views of the Natural Great Wall.
Late Afternoon: Descend via the Yangjiajie Cablecar (~76 RMB / ~$10.5 USD) → Shuttle to “Longfeng’an” → Walk 15 mins through forest → Another shuttle to the South Gate exit.
Going Up or Coming Down?
Riding Up (Recommended): The “bursting out of the mountain” sensation is most dramatic. It also gives you the most logical route, starting your highland tour right away.
Riding Down: Offers a thrilling, face-first view into the abyss. It’s intense for thrill-seekers, but requires more planning for your downhill itinerary.
Smart Tips for a Great Experience
Fight for the Front Row. Once inside the Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie car, move to the front and press against the glass. Views from the back are often blocked by other passengers and their phones. The window position is everything.
Beat the Crowds. Queues can exceed 2 hours on weekends and holidays. Your best bets are to arrive right at opening (7:30 AM) or consider the round-trip VIP ticket to skip the longest lines.
Check the Weather First. Do not go on rainy or foggy days. You’ll see nothing but white mist. Clear or partly cloudy days are perfect. This is a key reason why checking the best time to visit zhangjiajie is so important.
Is It Safe? Comfortable?
The Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie China has an excellent safety record. The ride is smooth but forceful. You’ll feel a strong lift-off sensation. Those with a fear of heights should be cautious. The cabins can be crowded, so secure your backpack.
Dress for the Summit. It’s 5-8°C (9-14°F) colder and much windier at the top. Bring a windproof layer. Wear sturdy walking shoes.
Watch Out for Monkeys. Wild macaques roam the areas. Don’t carry food in obvious plastic bags or tease them. They can be bold.
Is It Worth the Price? The ticket isn’t cheap, but it trades for 2-3 hours of strenuous uphill hiking. For families, those with limited time or mobility, it’s absolutely worthwhile. Fit travelers on a budget might choose a one-way trip. Remember, the Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie is just one of the region’s wonders—others like the thrilling zhangjiajie glass bridge and the majestic zhangjiajie tianmen mountain await exploration.
That moment when the doors open at the top, and you step out into the “Avatar” mountains, makes it all worthwhile. Go see this incredible feat of human ingenuity for yourself.
