The Bailong Elevator, whose name means Hundred Dragons, climbs the face of a sandstone cliff in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. At 326 metres it is widely recorded as the tallest outdoor elevator in the world, and it is made up of three lifts working side by side, with glass walls that open the view as you rise. The ride takes about two minutes, passing the bare rock of the cliff and the forest below before opening out onto the plateau. It is part transport, part attraction, and many visitors treat it as one of the headline experiences of the trip. The ticket linked here bundles park entry with a cableway and the elevator, so it is a good fit for a first day on Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain.
Working the elevator into your day
The lift connects the valley floor, near the Wulingyuan side of the park, with the Yuanjiajie plateau above. Many people go up by elevator and come down by bus or on foot, or the reverse, because both directions give different views. The elevator is popular, and queues build from mid-morning, so reach it close to opening time if you can.
What the ride is like
The cabins are partly glass, and the cliff slips past as you rise. It is quick, smooth and not especially frightening, but people who dislike heights may prefer to look at the rock rather than down. Photography through the glass can be reflective, so stand close to the pane and keep the camera steady.
Good to know
The elevator is part of a larger transport network that includes shuttle buses and cable cars, and conditions can change, with maintenance closures or weather holds from time to time. Check with your hotel on the day. The elevator is a fine shortcut for older visitors and families, but it is also a fine start to a long hike, so decide how much stair climbing you want before you commit.
What to expect
The experience
A two-minute ride in a partly glass elevator up a sandstone cliff to the Yuanjiajie plateau, with a bundled park ticket and cableway on the linked product.
Best time
Opening time or late afternoon, when the queues are shortest.
How long
Under half an hour of ride and queue on a good day, up to a couple of hours at peak times.
Tips
Arrive early, decide whether to ride up, down or both, and check conditions with your hotel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the iconic lift ride and an easy way onto the plateau.
- Families
- Children usually love it, and it saves little legs a long climb.
- Couples
- Ride up for the view, then walk down if you want a quiet, romantic descent.
- Pair with
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and Tianzi Mountain.
- Time needed
- An hour or two.
Good questions
How tall is the Bailong Elevator?+
It is 326 metres high and is widely recorded as the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. The ride takes about two minutes.
Is the Bailong Elevator scary?+
It is smooth and quick, but the glass walls give a real sense of height. Face the cliff if you are nervous.
Do I need a separate ticket?+
The park entry covers the park only, and the elevator is often sold separately or in a bundle. Check what your product includes.
Are there queues?+
Yes, and they build from mid-morning, especially in holiday periods. Go early or late to avoid the worst.
Can I walk instead?+
Yes, paths and shuttle buses also reach the plateau. The elevator simply saves time and effort.
