Bailong Elevator

The Bailong Elevator is a glass-sided lift that shoots up the face of a mountain, trading a roughly two-hour hike from near Golden Whip Stream for a ride of about two minutes. I like that it saves your legs for the park’s trails, and I like the view of the stone peaks known as the Gathering of Divine Soldiers, directly across from the lift.

The catch is that this is a one-way ticket, not a round trip, and the view can be hard to enjoy if you board near the back of a crowded car. Plan your direction and return route before you join the queue.

Bailong Elevator at a glance

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• Two minutes between park levels: The elevator links Shuirao Simen with Yuanjiajie, with a vertical height difference of 335 meters.
• A view through glass: The cars have transparent walls, with the Gathering of Divine Soldiers opposite the elevator.
• A useful alternative to a long climb: Hiking from near Golden Whip Stream Grand Canyon to Yuanjiajie takes about two hours.
• One direction per ticket: The offered ticket covers one ride, so you need a separate ticket for the opposite direction.
• Park admission costs extra: Your elevator ticket does not include entry to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
• Crowds affect the view: If you want a clear look outside, try to board near the front of the car.

👉 See our pick of the 5 Best Guided Tours In Zhangjiajie

A fast link between Shuirao Simen and Yuanjiajie

The Bailong Elevator is more than a thrill ride. It is a practical link between two parts of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: the lower station at Shuirao Simen, near Golden Whip Stream Grand Canyon, and the upper station in Yuanjiajie. The vertical difference is 335 meters, though the elevator’s running height is 326 meters.

That matters because the park’s sights are spread across steep, mountainous ground. If you are near Golden Whip Stream and want to reach Yuanjiajie, walking takes about two hours. The lift covers that connection in about two minutes. You save time and energy, which may be valuable if you have a full day of sightseeing ahead.

The ride is brief, but the setting gives it a purpose beyond transport. The elevator runs in a shaft inside the mountain and a frame attached to its side. Three lifts run alongside one another, each with transparent glass walls. As the car rises, you can look out toward the stone peaks opposite.

What the two-minute ride is like

Think of this as a short, vertical trip with a view, not a long ride or a guided attraction. The ticket information gives the ride time as about two minutes. You board at one station and arrive at the other, so your time in the elevator itself is only a small part of the wider park visit.

The main visual feature is the Gathering of Divine Soldiers, a group of dozens of relatively independent stone peaks directly opposite the elevator. The glass sides give you a chance to watch the view open up as the lift climbs. That sudden change from the lower station to the high-level scenery is the core of the experience.

There is one practical wrinkle: your place inside the car matters. If you enter last, you may have little room to see past other people. Recent feedback has repeatedly praised the view but also warned that the best sightlines are at the front. If you can choose where to stand, aim for the front glass, and have your camera ready before the car moves.

Rain does not necessarily spoil the ride, but it can change what you see. One account described the trip in rain as a different experience; another reported enjoying it despite wet weather. Conditions can affect visibility, so keep expectations flexible. On a clear day, the peaks are the draw. In poor weather, the lift still offers a fast connection between park areas, but the view may be less impressive.

How the lift fits into a day at the park

The simplest way to understand the route is to see the elevator as a connector between the lower area around Shuirao Simen and the higher Yuanjiajie area. Golden Whip Stream is one of the nearby points of reference at the lower end. Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain are among the major scenic areas linked by the park’s transport and walking network.

Your exact order depends on which direction you travel. Take the elevator up if you are heading from the lower area toward Yuanjiajie. Take it down if your route brings you from the upper scenic area back toward Shuirao Simen. The ticket covers only one direction, so avoid assuming you can ride back on the same booking.

It is also worth thinking beyond the lift station itself. The elevator gets you between levels, but it does not plan the rest of your route through the park. A traveler who was unsure how to walk down ended up taking a bus back and forth before an employee helped explain where to get off. That is a useful reminder: know which area you want next and how you will reach it. If you are uncertain, ask staff before boarding a bus or leaving a station.

The available information connects the elevator with Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzi Mountain, but it does not provide a complete park itinerary or bus timetable. Keep your plan simple, allow time to navigate between sights, and do not count on the two-minute ride being the only transfer you will need.

Crowds, views, and choosing your direction

The elevator can be especially rewarding when you have space near the glass. Several people describe the mountain view as the highlight, while others say that entering at the back leaves little to see. That is not a small detail: the ride is short, so a poor position can use up most of your view time before you can shift around.

Crowd levels vary. An afternoon downhill ride was described as uncrowded, but that is one experience, not a guarantee. The park may adjust opening hours during peak season based on visitor traffic. If your schedule is flexible, you might choose your direction and timing based on your wider route rather than treating a quiet car as certain.

The experience is also about perspective. From the outside, the elevator is attached to the mountain; from inside, the glass frames the peaks as you travel. Some people find the exterior more striking than the brief ride itself. That is a fair way to set expectations: you are paying for a distinctive connection and a fleeting view, not an extended sightseeing cruise.

Is a ticket from $10.70 good value?

The listed price starts at $10.70 for a one-way elevator ticket, with a booking fee included. The value depends on what you want from the day. If avoiding a two-hour climb helps you fit in more of the park, the fare may be a sensible use of your time and energy. If you enjoy hiking and are not pressed for time, walking may be a better fit.

Keep the scope of the price clear. This ticket does not include the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park admission fee, and personal expenses are extra. You are buying one elevator ride, not a park pass or a return journey. If you want to ride in both directions, budget for two one-way tickets and confirm the correct ticket for each leg.

The ride lasts only about two minutes, so its value is not measured by duration alone. The lift solves a steep connection between scenic areas and gives you a view from the side of the mountain. For someone trying to conserve energy for exploring Yuanjiajie or other parts of the park, that convenience is the point. For someone who mainly wants a long, standalone attraction, the short ride may feel brief for the cost.

Booking, entry, and timing details

The ticket is tied to the selected date and requires a real-name reservation. It is non-transferable, so provide the correct document information when booking. The instructions say to enter the park directly with your passport, and ticket redemption is described as a passport scan. Some visitors have also used face recognition or another accepted travel document, but the exact process may depend on your document and reservation.

The stated hours differ across the supplied operating information. One schedule says the elevator is open year-round from 07:30 to 19:00, with possible changes during busy periods. Another gives 08:30 to 17:30 from December 1 through February 28, and 07:30 to 19:30 from March 1 through November 30. Because these hours do not match exactly, check the operating time for your date before setting out.

The meeting location is in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, at the Bailong Elevator ticket-check entrance. Children under 1.2 meters do not need to purchase tickets, and there is no age limit listed. If you have a booking question, the provided contact is +86 134 8744 9439 by phone, WeChat, or WhatsApp.

The stated cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel before 17:00 on the selected activity date. A 100 percent fee applies after that time. Keep in mind that the voucher is valid only for the date selected, and for a specified time if one applies.

Who will get the most from this ride?

The elevator makes good sense if you want to connect Golden Whip Stream’s lower area with Yuanjiajie quickly, or if you would rather save your energy for walking once you are higher in the park. It also suits anyone curious about a mountain lift with a glass-sided view, provided you understand that the ride is short.

It is less compelling if you expect a long attraction, a guided experience, or a ticket that includes park entry and return travel. None of those are part of this offer. If you prefer to hike and have the time and energy, the two-hour walk from near Golden Whip Stream to Yuanjiajie may be more satisfying than taking the lift.

For families, the listed rule is straightforward: children under 1.2 meters do not need a ticket, and there is no stated age limit. For anyone who wants the view, however, the more important issue is crowding and position in the car. Be ready to board promptly and move toward the front if space allows.

Should you book the Bailong Elevator?

Book it if the time saved is useful to your park plan and you want the unusual experience of rising beside the mountain with a view of the stone peaks. The clearest reasons to go are practical: it replaces a roughly two-hour hike between the lower area and Yuanjiajie, and the glass-sided car gives you a brief, memorable look outward.

Before paying, settle two things: which direction you need, and how you will continue through the park after you arrive. The ticket is one-way, park admission is separate, and the ride itself lasts about two minutes. If those terms suit your route, the Bailong Elevator is a worthwhile shortcut with a view. If you want a longer attraction or prefer to walk, save the fare and take the trail.

FAQ

How long does the Bailong Elevator ride take?

The elevator ride takes about two minutes. The listed activity duration is two hours, while the walk from near Golden Whip Stream Grand Canyon to Yuanjiajie takes about two hours.

Is the ticket round trip?

No. The ticket is for one ride in one direction. You need another ticket if you want to travel back the other way.

Does the ticket include Zhangjiajie National Forest Park admission?

No. The park entrance ticket is not included.

Where are the elevator stations?

The lower station is at Shuirao Simen, about 300 meters from the Golden Whip Stream Grand Canyon area. The upper station is in Yuanjiajie.

What can I see from the elevator?

The elevator has transparent glass walls. The Gathering of Divine Soldiers, a group of dozens of stone peaks, is directly opposite the lift.

What are the opening hours?

The supplied schedules list 08:30 to 17:30 from December 1 through February 28, and 07:30 to 19:30 from March 1 through November 30. Another schedule gives 07:30 to 19:00 year-round and notes that hours may change during peak season. Check the hours for your date.

Do children need a ticket?

Children under 1.2 meters do not need to purchase a ticket. No age limit is listed for the activity.

What do I need to enter with my booking?

The instructions say to enter the park directly with your passport. The reservation is real-name and non-transferable, so provide correct document information.