Your Complete Guide to the Bailong Elevator in China

luozhu

·October 31, 2025

·10 min read

You are visiting China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This park welcomed over 5 million visitors in 2023. Here you will find the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift. It stands at a massive 326 meters (1,070 feet). This impressive Elevator China transports you up a sheer sandstone cliff. Your destination is the Yuanjiajie area, famously known as the "Avatar Mountains."

Note: The elevator system has a huge daily capacity. It can transport nearly 20,000 visitors, providing quick access to the mountaintop wonders.

What is the Bailong Elevator?

The Bailong Elevator is more than just a ride. It is a vertical journey that takes you into the heart of Zhangjiajie's most stunning landscapes. You will find this unique Elevator China built directly onto the side of a massive sandstone pillar. Its purpose is to transport visitors quickly from the base of the mountain to the upper wonders of the Yuanjiajie area. This saves you hours of strenuous hiking.

A Record-Breaking Feat of Engineering

You are looking at a true marvel of modern construction. The project cost approximately $19 million to complete. Its design and location make it a one-of-a-kind attraction. The elevator holds several impressive titles. Guinness World Records officially recognized it for its incredible achievements.

It is the world's tallest outdoor elevator.
It is considered the fastest passenger elevator with the largest capacity.

Did You Know? 💡 The three glass elevator cars run in parallel. They offer you breathtaking views as you ascend the 326-meter (1,070-foot) cliff face.

The "Avatar Mountains" Connection

You may feel a sense of familiarity as you reach the top. The Yuanjiajie area is the direct inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The film's production team confirmed that Zhangjiajie's misty, pillar-like peaks were the model for the planet Pandora's landscape.

One specific formation, the Southern Sky Column, was a key inspiration. This solitary sandstone pillar is a "rockstar attraction" in the park. Its otherworldly appearance perfectly captured the director's vision. After the movie's success, you will find the pillar was even renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" in honor of its cinematic fame. The elevator gives you the fastest access to this iconic movie-like world.

How to Get to the Bailong Elevator

You will find the Bailong Elevator located deep inside the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You cannot access it directly from outside the park. Your journey begins by entering the park and then navigating to the elevator's lower station.

Location Within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

First, you must enter the massive Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You have several entrance options depending on your travel plans and where you are staying. The park has five main ticket stations that grant you access.

Wulingyuan Wujiayu tickets station (East gate): This is the most popular and convenient entrance for most visitors.
Zhangjiajie national forest park tickets station (South gate)
Zi mu gang ticket station (Southeast gate)
Tianzi mountain gate ticket station (Northwest gate)
Yangjiajie ticket station (West gate)

Your choice of entrance will determine your initial route inside the park.

Using the Park's Shuttle Bus System

Once you are inside the park, you will need to use the park's free and efficient shuttle bus system. These buses are the only way to travel between the main scenic areas. To reach the Bailong Elevator, you must take a bus that goes to the "Water Winding Four Gates" (Shuiraosimen) area. This location acts as a major transfer hub. From there, a specific bus line will take you directly to the elevator's lower station.

From Wulingyuan (East) Gate: Take the shuttle bus towards the Ten-mile Gallery, which continues to the Water Winding Four Gates and then to the Bailong Elevator.
From Zimugang (Southeast) Gate: This route takes you directly to the Water Winding Four Gates, where you can transfer to the elevator bus.

Travel Tip ⏱️: If you enter through the main Wulingyuan gate, your shuttle bus ride to the elevator's lower station will take about 20 minutes. Planning for this travel time helps you manage your day's schedule effectively.

Tickets, Prices, and Operating Hours

You need to plan your budget and schedule before you visit. The Bailong Elevator requires a separate ticket from your main park entrance fee. Understanding the costs and times will help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Current Ticket Prices

You should know that the elevator ticket is for a one-way trip, either up or down. A single adult ride costs between CNY 65 and CNY 72. You might wonder about a round-trip ticket. A round-trip ticket is not always cheaper. Buying two separate one-way tickets may cost the same or even slightly less. This gives you more flexibility for your travel route.

The park offers discounts for certain visitors. You can check the table below to see if you qualify for a reduced price.

Category	Price (CNY)	Age Group
Standard One-Way	65	Adults (18-59)
Discounted One-Way	33	Minors (14-17) & Seniors (60+)

Note: Children under 14 years old can often ride for free. You should always carry identification, like a passport, to verify your age for any discounts.

Where to Buy Your Tickets

You have a couple of convenient options for purchasing your elevator tickets.

On-Site Purchase: You can buy tickets directly at the ticket windows located at both the lower and upper stations of the elevator. This is a straightforward option if you prefer to pay in person.
Online Purchase: You can also purchase tickets online in advance. You can do this through the official Zhangjiajie National Forest Park website. Authorized travel platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy also sell tickets. You can book your spot up to 7 days ahead of your visit.

Pro Tip 🎟️: We recommend you buy your tickets online, especially during peak season or holidays. This can save you significant time that you would otherwise spend waiting in the ticket line.

Daily Operating Hours

The Bailong Elevator's operating hours change depending on the season and visitor traffic. You must check the schedule for your travel dates to plan your day effectively. The hours are generally extended during holidays to accommodate more visitors.

Here is a general guide to the elevator's schedule:

Period	Operating Hours
Peak Season (Mar - Nov)	07:30 - 19:00
Off-Season (Dec - Feb)	08:30 - 18:00
National Holidays	07:00 - 20:00

Always remember that the last entry is usually 30-60 minutes before the closing time. You should arrive well before the final ride to ensure you get to your destination.

Planning Your Visit: Best Times and Itinerary

You can make your trip smoother with some careful planning. Choosing the right time to visit can greatly enhance your experience. This helps you avoid large crowds and enjoy the best weather Zhangjiajie has to offer.

Best Season to Visit

You will find the most pleasant weather during the spring and autumn months. The best times to visit are generally April, May, September, and October. During these periods, the temperatures are comfortable, and there is less rain. You can expect daytime highs between 18°C and 28°C (64°F and 82°F).

Summer, from June to August, is the peak tourist season. However, it is also the hottest and rainiest time of year. July can be especially hot, with temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F). Winter is cold and dry, with a chance of snow, which offers a different kind of beauty.

Holiday Alert ⚠️: You should try to avoid major Chinese holidays like the National Day "Golden Week" (October 1-7) and May Day (May 1-3). The park and elevator become extremely crowded during these times.

Best Time of Day to Avoid Crowds

You can beat the long queues by arriving early. The Bailong Elevator starts operating at 7:30 AM. Plan to be on one of the first lifts of the day. This gives you precious time to explore the Yuanjiajie area before the large tour groups arrive. An alternative strategy is to take the elevator in the late afternoon when many visitors are starting to leave the mountaintop.

Sample Itinerary Routes

You can use the elevator to create an efficient and scenic one-day tour. This popular route allows you to see the highlights without backtracking.

Morning Ascent: Arrive at the Wulingyuan Entrance before 7:30 AM. Take the park shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator's lower station and ride it to the top.
Explore Yuanjiajie: Once you exit the elevator, you are just steps away from incredible viewpoints. You can easily walk to the "Mihun Stage," the "First Natural Bridge under Heaven," and the iconic "Hallelujah Mountains."
Afternoon Descent: After exploring, take a shuttle bus from Yuanjiajie to the Tianzi Mountain area. Enjoy the views there, then take the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car down the mountain to complete your loop.

The Experience: What to Expect on This Elevator China Ride

You are about to embark on one of the most unique vertical journeys in the world. The ride itself is a key part of the Zhangjiajie adventure. This famous Elevator China is not just for transportation; it is a thrilling attraction that offers a perspective you cannot get anywhere else in the park.

The 2-Minute Ascent

Your experience begins as you join the queue and step into one of the three glass-walled cars. Each car can carry about 50 passengers, so you will be sharing the view with others. The elevator is designed with advanced safety in mind. It includes features like an earthquake detector and a load-weighing control system to ensure a secure ride for everyone.

Once the doors close, the ascent starts. You will feel a smooth but rapid lift-off. In just under two minutes, you will travel 326 meters (1,070 feet) up the side of the cliff. Through the glass, you can watch the ground fall away. The surrounding sandstone pillars transform from towering giants into a forest of stone spires below you. The speed of the ascent is breathtaking, making the short journey an unforgettable memory.

Tips for the Best Views

You want to make the most of this quick ride. A little preparation can help you get the best possible view and photos.

Find Your Spot: Try to get a position right against the glass wall. The front and side views are the most dramatic.
Be Ready: Have your camera or phone out and ready before the doors close. The ride is fast, so you will not have much time to fumble for your device.
Look Out, Not Up: The most impressive scenery is the landscape spreading out below and beside you, not the mechanics above.
Consider the Descent: The view going down is just as spectacular. You see the landscape rushing up to meet you, offering a completely different perspective.

Photo Tip 📸: If you are filming, use a wide-angle setting. This will help you capture the vastness of the landscape as you ascend the cliff face.

Is the Bailong Elevator Worth It?

You might wonder if the Bailong Elevator is a necessary expense for your trip. The answer depends on your priorities, budget, and fitness level. This famous Elevator China offers a unique experience, but you should weigh its benefits against its drawbacks before you decide.

The Pros: Time Saved and Unique Views

The elevator's biggest advantage is the time it saves. A strenuous hike up to the Yuanjiajie area can take over two hours. The elevator transports you to the top in less than two minutes. This gives you more energy and time to explore the stunning viewpoints. The ride itself provides a one-of-a-kind perspective. You get to see the sandstone pillars from a vertical angle that is impossible to get from a hiking trail or cable car.

The Cons: Cost and Potential Queues

You must consider the downsides. The elevator ticket is an extra cost on top of your park entrance fee. For a family, this can add up quickly. The elevator is also extremely popular. During peak season and holidays, you could wait in line for one to two hours. This long wait can sometimes cancel out the time you save on the ascent.

Budget Tip 💰: If you are traveling on a tight budget, the cost of a round-trip elevator ride for a group can be significant. Planning for this expense is important.

Alternatives: Hiking vs. Cable Cars

You have other options for getting up and down the mountain.

Hiking: You can choose to hike. The scenic hiking trail at Yuanjiajie is a great alternative, especially for your descent. The "Golden Whip to Avatar Mountain" trail is a well-known route that offers beautiful scenery and a good workout.
Cable Cars: The park has other transportation systems. The Tianzi Mountain Cable Car and the Yangjiajie Cableway provide different but equally spectacular views. You can use a cable car for your ascent and then hike down, or combine it with a one-way elevator ride to create a scenic loop.

You can find this famous Elevator China inside Zhangjiajie's Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It offers an unforgettable and efficient way to experience the park's stunning beauty.

Main Benefit: You save hours of hiking time with quick access to the Yuanjiajie viewpoints.
Cost: Your elevator ticket is a separate purchase from the main park entrance fee.
Top Tip: You should ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the longest queues.

FAQ

Is the Bailong Elevator safe?

Yes, the elevator is very safe. You can feel secure during your ride. It has an advanced earthquake detector and a system that controls the weight in each car. These features ensure your journey up the cliff is completely secure and monitored.

Do I need two separate tickets?

You must purchase two different tickets for this experience. Your Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ticket grants you entry. You then need to buy a separate ticket specifically for the Bailong Elevator ride, either for a one-way or round-trip journey.

What if I am afraid of heights?

The ride is very fast, lasting less than two minutes. You are inside a glass car with other passengers. While the height is significant, the quick ascent and enclosed space can make it more manageable for you than an open-air cable car.

Is the elevator accessible for wheelchair users?

Yes, you will find the elevator is accessible for visitors using wheelchairs. The pathways to and from the elevator stations are generally paved and accommodating.

Tip ♿: You should confirm with park staff on the day of your visit for the smoothest access and assistance.