The Bailong Elevator is an architectural marvel located in the breathtaking Wulingyuan area of Zhangjiajie, China. Standing at an impressive height of 326 meters (1,070 feet), this glass double-deck elevator is built directly onto the side of a towering sandstone cliff. Known as the “Hundred Dragons Elevator,” it is celebrated as both a symbol of innovation and a gateway to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural landscapes.
Design and Structure
The elevator’s design is a harmonious blend of modern engineering and natural surroundings. Its glass exterior panels offer riders an unparalleled view of the lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations of the Zhangjiajie region, which served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The elevator has three separate lifts, each capable of carrying up to 50 passengers per ride, allowing for an efficient and immersive transportation experience.
The structure is supported by a robust steel frame embedded into the cliffside, ensuring stability while withstanding environmental stresses such as wind and seismic activity. Its double-deck design maximizes capacity and speed, reducing wait times for the millions of visitors who flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site each year.
Record-Breaking Feat
The Bailong Elevator holds the Guinness World Record for being the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. It is not only a means of transportation but also an attraction in its own right, offering passengers a thrilling ascent to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, known for its ethereal beauty and iconic “Hallelujah Mountains.”
Environmental Considerations
Constructing such a monumental elevator in a protected area required careful planning to minimize environmental impact. Advanced techniques were employed to ensure the surrounding ecosystem remained intact. The elevator has also helped reduce the strain of foot traffic on the fragile terrain, making it an eco-friendly alternative for accessing the peaks.
Visitor Experience
The ride on the Bailong Elevator is as exhilarating as it is scenic. It takes just 1 minute and 32 seconds to complete the journey, whisking passengers from the base to the summit of the cliff. During the ascent, riders are treated to panoramic views of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a landscape of towering karst pillars, misty valleys, and verdant forests.
A Gateway to Exploration
At the top, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, and numerous walking trails that wind through the area’s dramatic landscapes. The elevator serves as a crucial link between the lower regions and these elevated scenic spots, making the stunning terrain more accessible to all visitors.
The Bailong Elevator is more than just a transportation system; it is a fusion of engineering prowess and natural beauty, offering an unforgettable experience for those who visit the enchanting landscapes of Zhangjiajie.
History and Construction
The idea for the Bailong Elevator arose in the 1990s, when developers sought a solution to improve access to the towering sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, while preserving the natural beauty of the region. Construction began in 1999 and was completed in 2002, with a total investment of 180 million yuan (approximately $20 million USD).
Building the elevator onto the face of a sheer cliff was no small feat. Engineers had to balance structural safety with aesthetic integration, ensuring the elevator complemented the unique landscape while withstanding potential seismic activity. Zhangjiajie is in a region prone to earthquakes, and the structure was carefully designed to remain stable under such conditions.
After completion, the Bailong Elevator became a landmark of engineering excellence, receiving both praise for its ingenuity and some criticism for its environmental impact during construction. However, its operation has since proven to significantly reduce environmental strain by providing an efficient alternative to traditional trekking routes.
Technological Features
The Bailong Elevator incorporates several advanced features that enhance its functionality and safety:
Speed and Capacity
Each of the three glass elevators can carry 50 passengers per trip, accommodating up to 1,380 passengers per hour.
The journey from the base to the top takes just 92 seconds, making it one of the fastest ways to ascend a structure of its size.
Safety Systems
Equipped with anti-seismic technology, the elevator can operate safely during moderate earthquakes.
An emergency evacuation system is built into the design, allowing passengers to exit safely in the event of a malfunction.
Panoramic Views
The elevators feature transparent glass panels, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape during the ride. This allows passengers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the area even before reaching the top.
The Bailong Elevator’s location in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, places it in one of the most ecologically sensitive regions of China. The sandstone pillars and lush vegetation are home to numerous rare plant and animal species, necessitating careful planning during construction.
By offering a fast and efficient means to access higher elevations, the elevator has reduced foot traffic along fragile hiking trails, helping to preserve the environment. Local guides and experts have noted that the reduction in erosion has positively impacted the longevity of the park’s natural features.
Culturally, the Bailong Elevator has become a symbol of modern China’s ability to merge tradition and progress. Zhangjiajie’s iconic landscapes have long been celebrated in Chinese poetry and art, and the elevator allows a greater number of people to connect with these historic vistas.
Visitors describe the experience of riding the Bailong Elevator as both exhilarating and humbling. The thrill of ascending 326 meters in less than two minutes is matched by the sheer magnificence of the scenery. As the elevator rises, passengers watch the ground fall away and the peaks of Yuanjiajie come into view. Mist often cloaks the forest below, adding a mystical quality to the journey.
At the summit, visitors can explore several world-famous landmarks:
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, which inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar.
The Tianzi Mountain Range is known for its striking sandstone formations.
Scenic viewpoints, such as the First Bridge Under Heaven, a natural stone bridge connecting two cliffs.