Bailong Elevator (Bailong Lift)
Like the AquaDom in Germany and the Globen Skyview in Sweden, the Bailong Elevator, aka the Bailong Lift, is one of the top creative elevators around the world. Located in Wulingyuan National Park of Zhangjiajie, China, it is the world's tallest, heaviest-capacity, and fastest outdoor panoramic elevator. It not only improves local transportation but also provides visitors with a unique perspective to overlook the spectacular peak forest scenery when travel in Zhangjiajie. Additionally, it has made outstanding contributions to the tourism industry in Zhangjiajie and the local economic development.
Bailong Elevator Facts
Bailong Elevator Construction
Why Was the Bailong Elevator Built
The construction of the Bailong Elevator was initially aimed at shortening travel time and facilitating transportation. It is known that in the past, visitors had to walk along a treacherous mountain path for more than three hours to reach Yuanjiajie. Alternatively, traveling from Shuirao Simen at the foot of the mountain to Yuanjiajie by car involved a perilous and winding mountain road, covering a distance of over 170 kilometers and taking more than five hours. With the Bailong Lift, visitors can reach Yuanjiajie from the foot of the mountain in just 66 seconds.
Furthermore, there were numerous accommodation facilities such as hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in places like Tianzi Mountains, Yuanjiajie, and Shuirao Simen. During the peak season, demand outstripped supply, causing a severe environmental impact. Bailong Elevator has eliminated the need for visitors to stay overnight on the mountain, thereby reducing the adverse environmental impact.
When Was the Bailong Elevator Built
As one of the important transportation facilities in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Bailong Lift is a cross-century creation. The project was initiated in September 1999 and officially completed and put into operation in April 2002, spanning a period of approximately 2 years and 7 months.
Who Built the Bailong Elevator
Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie was jointly constructed by Beijing Bailong Green Technology Enterprise Corporation and Floyd Limited of the United Kingdom. The core technology of the elevator originates from the wisdom of Rangger International Elevator Company in Germany. With a total investment of up to 180 million yuan, it has become a legend of its time.>> Recommended tours:
How Was the Bailong Elevator Built
The technical challenges faced in the construction of the Bailong Elevator were comparable to those of the Three Gorges Project. The preliminary exploration encountered the complex geology of Zhangjiajie, costing 30 million yuan and overcoming numerous difficulties. Before the project commenced, professional teams had repeatedly ventured deep into Zhangjiajie to conduct detailed surveys and planning of its terrain and landform.
In order to maximize the protection of the mountains and vegetation, the construction team avoided large-scale blasting operations as much as possible. Instead, they used a meticulous construction method combining manual and mechanical means. Also, to minimize further impact on the mountains, engineers innovatively adopted the reverse excavation technique, conducting construction by digging shafts on the mountainside.In spite of opposition voices, Bailong Elevator has received recognition from authorities and expert teams. It has not only significantly enhanced visitors' touring experience but also made important contributions to natural heritage conservation and tourism development.
Why You Can't Miss Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie
International Influence & Guinness World Records
Bailong Elevator in China possesses immense international influence. Specifically, it was honored as one of the top ten international artificial landscape projects at the International Architectural Decoration Summit in 2005. Moreover, it is the only elevator in China to rank in the top ten of the World Creative Elevator List in 2013. Additionally, the Bailong Elevator was listed by Guinness World Records in 2015 as the tallest outdoor elevator. Based on these achievements, isn't it worth a visit.
Quick Ascent to the Zhangjiajie Mountain Top & Save Energy
For most tourists, climbing steep mountain paths not only consumes a lot of time and energy but may also affect the overall travel experience due to fatigue. Bailong Elevator of Zhangjiajie completely solves this problem. Whether it's the elderly, children, or people with mobility issues, they can all quickly reach the mountaintop via this elevator without worrying about physical strain. Besides, for tourists with limited time, taking the Bailong Lift allows for more efficient itinerary planning, as it avoids the waste of precious time on the way up and down the mountain.
Unique Perspective to Overlook Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
The cabins of the elevator are made of fully transparent glass on three sides, allowing you to have a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery from inside the Bailong Elevator. As it rises slowly, the scenery before your eyes constantly changes. You can see Avatar Hallelujah Mountain right before your eyes as if you have entered the planet of Pandora. Particularly noteworthy is the moment when the elevator passes through the clouds and reaches the mountaintop, because it allows you to overlook the entire Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Bailong Elevator Tickets Information
The ticket price for a single trip on the Bailong Elevator is 65 Yuan. Additional insurance can be purchased for 7 yuan.
Currently, Bailong Lift offers free admission for children 1.2 meters and below. Also, there are certain groups of people who can enjoy discounted tickets priced at 33 yuan with valid identification, including:
You can purchase Bailong Elevator tickets on the Zhangjiajie Tourism Official Platform’s WeChat Mini Program. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, such as Tianzi Mountains, Huangshizhai, Yuanjiajie, and others, you can purchase the "Three Cable Cars and One Elevator" combo ticket. The price is 298 yuan, valid for 4 days, with unlimited rides.
Best Time for Taking the Bailong Elevator
Bailong Elevator is open all year round, and the opening hours may be adjusted in case of extreme weather. If you want to enjoy the most beautiful scenery of Zhangjiajie, you can choose to visit here in spring or autumn. Additionally, during peak seasons, there may be a queue to ride the elevator. If you don't want to wait in line, you can arrive here earlier, preferably before 8 am. Alternatively, there will be fewer people in the afternoon, providing a better experience.
For a better travel experience during your Zhangjiajie tour, you are advised to check Zhangjiajie weather in advance.
Where Is the Bailong Elevator Located & How to Get There
Bailong Elevator is located in Yuanjiajie of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The lower station of the elevator is located near Shuirao Simen, and the upper station is at the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.To get to Bailong Elevator, you need to reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park first. If you arrive in Zhangjiajie by air, you can first take a shuttle bus to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, and then transfer to a Wulingyuan route bus to the East Gate of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. If you visit Zhangjiajie by train, the most convenient way is to take a bus from the bus station near Zhangjiajie West Railway Station to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The buses depart every 10 minutes, with a ticket price of 13 yuan.
After arriving at the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, enter the scenic area and take the shuttle bus. Do not get off along the way and go straight to the final stop, Bailong Elevator Station. Then, follow the signs to take the elevator.
>> Check out how to get to and around Zhangjiajie
Tips for Taking the Bailong Elevator
- After entering the elevator, choose to stand in the first row by the glass for a better view of the scenery.
- Bailong Elevator offers uphill and downhill sections, and you can take the elevator when going up the mountain, which offers a breathtaking sense of emerging from the earth.
- The panoramic glass cabin has a certain psychological impact, so it is not recommended for tourists with severe acrophobia or heart conditions to ride it.
- The landmark sign at the entrance is a great photo-taking spot where you can capture the full view and take photos of the Bailong Elevator, with lush mountains serving as the backdrop.
- When taking pictures inside the Bailong Elevator, you can use a wide-angle lens to capture the whole view.
Plan Your Bailong Elevator Tour with ETC
There is no doubt that Bailong Lift is a must-visit attraction in Zhangjiajie. If you want to visit there with a professional tour guide, you can travel with Easy Tour China. We are committed to offering high-quality and tailor-made China tour packages to international travelers. Below are our popular Zhangjiajie tour packages with Bailong Elevator.
Contact us if you want a customized tour of Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie.
