If you are afraid of heights, then this entertainment is not for you. The Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, transports tourists 330 meters up the slope of a massive mountain range in China's Hunan province.

A ride in a glass elevator car with a capacity of up to 50 people at a time, or 1,380 people per hour, offers stunning, if not dizzying, views of the plain.

(Total 7 photos + 1 video)

1. The Bailong Elevator, whose name translates as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, was decided to be built in 1999. An elevator was needed to take tourists to the 330-meter mountain. Before the construction of the elevator, tourists could only climb on foot, and since the cliff is almost vertical, few could dare to do so.

2. The project was met with fierce criticism from environmentalists, who were unhappy with the fact that it was located in the central part of the protected area.

3. Shafts and tunnels were cut in the rock to provide the elevator infrastructure. In addition, in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, people from all three elevator cars can be quickly evacuated.

4. Proponents of the project say that these elevators, with the largest passenger capacity in the world, have saved mountain trails from overload.

5. But their opponents point out that the region, which is visited by 5 million people every year, is already oversaturated with tourists and another attraction that will increase their number will only harm the environment.

6. Despite the protests, the elevator serves tourists, and indeed contributes to the growth of the popularity of this region of Hunan province.

7. After the facility was commissioned in 2002, it was temporarily closed for security reasons. After some improvements, the elevator reopened in 2003 and is now an iconic tourist destination. The lift saves 3 hours of walking and in just one minute takes travelers up the mountain, which offers a beautiful view of the valley with quartzite pillars.

If you are afraid of heights, then this entertainment is not for you. The Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, transports tourists 330 meters up the slope of a massive mountain range in China's Hunan province.

A ride in a glass elevator car with a capacity of up to 50 people at a time, or 1,380 people per hour, offers stunning, if not dizzying, views of the plain.

1. The Bailong Elevator, whose name translates as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, was decided to be built in 1999. An elevator was needed to take tourists to the 330-meter mountain. Before the construction of the elevator, tourists could only climb on foot, and since the cliff is almost vertical, few could dare to do so.

2. The project was met with fierce criticism from environmentalists, who were unhappy with the fact that it was located in the central part of the protected area.

3. Shafts and tunnels were cut in the rock to provide the elevator infrastructure. In addition, in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, people from all three elevator cars can be quickly evacuated.

4. Proponents of the project say that these elevators, with the largest passenger capacity in the world, have saved mountain trails from overload.

5. But their opponents point out that the region, which is visited by 5 million people every year, is already oversaturated with tourists and another attraction that will increase their number will only harm the environment.

6. Despite the protests, the elevator serves tourists, and indeed contributes to the growth of the popularity of this region of Hunan province.

7. After the facility was commissioned in 2002, it was temporarily closed for security reasons. After some improvements, the elevator reopened in 2003 and is now an iconic tourist destination. The lift saves 3 hours of walking and in just one minute takes travelers up the mountain, which offers a beautiful view of the valley with quartzite pillars.

The Hundred Dragons Elevator: The World's Tallest Lift

If your knees are shaking and your palms are sweating at high altitude, then you will definitely never appreciate this entertainment at its true worth, and we do not recommend you to get into the Bailun high-rise elevator, which is better known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator. It takes tourists up the slope of a massive mountain range to a height of 330 meters, and it happens in the Chinese province of Hunan.

The glass elevator cabin can accommodate up to 50 people, offering those wishing to climb to dizzying heights and discover stunning views of the plain.

The decision to build the lift was made in 1999. The elevator was required in order to lift tourists up a 330-meter mountain. Before Bailun was built, tourists had to cover the entire distance on foot, and since the cliff is almost vertical, few dared to such a feat. Of course, environmentalists greeted the project with fierce criticism, because the new elevator was supposed to be located in the very center of the protected area.

However, the construction was approved, so tunnels and mines were cut in the rocks to provide the elevator infrastructure. This solution serves not only to hold the elevator, but also allows in the event of any natural disasters to quickly evacuate all people.

The facility was commissioned in 2002, but was quickly closed temporarily for security reasons. The design was improved, and since 2003 the elevator has been operating, being a cult place among tourists. The lift lifts passengers to a height of 330 meters in just 1 minute, saving 3 hours of walking and admiring the valley with quartzite pillars that inspired director James Cameron to draw the flying Pandora Islands for the movie Avatar.

Proponents of the project argue that elevators have the largest passenger potential in the world, and therefore they did not harm nature, but, on the contrary, saved mountain trails from excessive loads. However, opponents retort that the region, which is visited by more than 5 million people every year, is already oversaturated, and an extra attraction will only serve as a magnet to attract more tourists than harm the environment.

Despite numerous protests, the elevators continue to serve people and, in fact, attract new tourists, increasing the attractiveness of this region.

Would you venture to ride the Hundred Dragons Elevator?

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China is truly an amazing country. It includes a huge number of attractions that are literally breathtaking. Take the Hundred Dragons Elevator, which is the tallest not only in China, but in the whole world. This miracle construction is located in a small province called Hunan.
This structure allows tourists to climb the mountain range, which is 330 meters high. It is in this place that everyone can admire the magical beauty of the local landscapes. It should be noted that even before the construction of the elevator, tourists had to cover such a distance on foot. Considering that the rock is almost vertical, not everyone could dare to take such a step. Now you can climb to the cherished height in just a couple of minutes, while experiencing amazing emotions. Well, staying directly on the rock itself will make you feel like a hero of the most popular movie Avatar, because the landscapes very much resemble the very Pandora, where all the actions of the picture took place. In general, if there is an opportunity to go to China, then the Hundred Dragons Elevator is a must-see.

After the elevator was put into operation, it instantly hit the Guinness Book of Records. It turns out that today it is the tallest elevator that has an open view from the cab. This was invented for the purpose so that tourists could enjoy the beauty of the local nature to their fullest. Moreover, it is the fastest passenger elevator and boasts the most power.

It is safe to say that this high-speed elevator with glass cabins will appeal to any fan of extreme sports, because such sensations cannot be experienced anywhere else. In total, this structure can accommodate up to 50 people, while they will feel very comfortable. The trip itself takes about a minute, so very soon you will be able to enjoy the unique valley with quartzite pillars. As for walking, it will last at least three hours, and the tourist will spend a lot of energy.

How to get there:

Zhangjiajie Airport is located 10 km from the city and 33 km from the National Park, where the Hundred Dragons Elevator is located. You can fly to it from different cities in China, for example, from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chongqing. Regular buses run from the airport to the park. If you go by train, the best way to get there is from Changsha city, the journey time is about 5 hours.

Find out how much the trip will cost you:
To find out how much it will cost you a trip to Hunan province, where the elevator of a hundred dragons is located, just enter the departure city in the search form and click the "FIND" button. Aviasales will find the best deals for you, and book tickets directly on the websites of airlines or hotels.

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Add to favorites, like, share with friends in social networks and, of course, make your own travel map. Goodbye everyone =)

The Bailong Elevator, whose name translates as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, was decided to be built in 1999. An elevator was needed to take tourists to the 330-meter mountain. Before the construction of the elevator, tourists could only climb on foot, and since the cliff is almost vertical, few could dare to do so.

In 2002, the area of ​​Wulingyan, on the territory of which the elevator was being built, was decided to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Now tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the cliff in just a few minutes, from where the unearthly beauty of landscapes opens up.

The world's highest free-moving mountain elevator, called the Baylong Elevator, was finally installed in 2001 in China's most beautiful park-reserve (Wulingian District, Hunan Province). The two-story elevator car can accommodate 50 people (or 1380 people per hour). The fact that the walls of the elevator are transparent adds piquancy, so strong-minded passengers, along with a small dose of adrenaline, can enjoy the contemplation of the mountain landscapes that open up to them.

The project was met with fierce criticism from environmentalists, who were unhappy with the fact that it was located in the central part of the protected area.

Shafts and tunnels were cut through the rock to provide the elevator infrastructure. In addition, in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, people from all three elevator cars can be quickly evacuated.

The project's proponents say these elevators, with the world's largest passenger potential, have saved mountain trails from overload.

But their opponents point out that the region, which is visited by 5 million people every year, is already oversaturated with tourists, and another attraction that will increase their number will only harm the environment.

Despite the protests, the elevator is serving tourists, and indeed contributing to the rise in popularity of this region of Hunan province.

After the facility was commissioned in 2002, it was temporarily closed for security reasons. After some improvements, the elevator reopened in 2003 and is now an iconic tourist destination. The lift saves 3 hours of walking and in just one minute takes travelers up the mountain, which offers a beautiful view of the valley with quartzite pillars.

Those who decide to explore this beautiful place should take into account that the elevator is closed in bad weather. A ticket to the park costs $ 39, and one elevator ride costs $ 8.9.

Wulingyuan are cliffs in Zhangjiajie National Park, which is located in Hunan province in southeastern China. This is an amazingly beautiful place and at the same time a natural zoo, botanical and geological reserve. The place is famous for its quartzite rocks, up to 800 meters high. The highest peaks of Wulingyuan reach an altitude of over 3 km above sea level. The mountains are a picturesque sight: huge stone pillars above the rainforest, indented sharp peaks, waterfalls, a giant cave system.

Entrance to the park costs 158 yuan and entitles you to visit the park for two days. The airport is located 10 km west of the city of Zhangjiajie, it is 33 km from the entrance to the park, from there there are regular buses to the city. Minibuses stop in front of the train and bus station, and the village and the park entrance can be reached in one hour. Trains run to Zhengzhou, Guangzhou and other regional centers of China.

Mount Jiankunzhu, located near the Chinese city of Zhangjiajie, January 24, 2010. was renamed "Hallelujah Avatar", Reuters reports, citing local officials

The idea to change the name of the mountain stems from the desire of the local authorities to capitalize on the success of the film. "Pandora is far away, and Zhangjiajie is close," the city administration website says. Officials expect the mountain's new name to attract tourists to the region.

Zhangjiajie is China's oldest national park and perhaps the most remarkable. Opened in 1982, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site ten years later. The park is home to over 500 species of animals, including civets, monkeys, birds and salamanders. Such rare plants as gingko, pigeon tree, mahogany also grow here. In addition, in this area of ​​Hunan province there are Tianzishan Geopark, famous for its mountains of amazing beauty, and Soxiyu Park, notable primarily for the huge Huanglong Cave, the largest hall of which can accommodate ten thousand people. As Zhangjiajie is a popular tourist destination, there are excellent hotels and restaurants with great food. And as a souvenir, guests can buy products of the masters of the local peoples Miao, Tujia and Bo, who have lived in these lands for many thousands of years and developed original crafts, the secrets of which have been passed down from generation to generation.

Zhangjiajie City is located in the northwestern part of the Chinese province of Hunan. Its population is approximately one and a half million people. Near the city is the Wulingyuan district, on the territory of which the Zhangjiajie National Park with an unusually diverse flora and fauna is open. The city has its own airport, which accepts flights from all major cities in China. In the Zhangjiajie region, in addition to the ethnic Chinese (Han), there are also the Miao, Tujia and Bo peoples who have their own original culture.

Climate

The climate in Zhangjiajie is humid tropical; during the year, clear sunny days are replaced by torrential rains. The year is divided into four seasons with short cool winters and long warm summers. There are no frosts or excessive heat here. In summer, the average air temperature is + 27 ℃, and in January, the coldest month, it fluctuates around + 4.3 ℃.

How to get there

You can fly to Zhangjiajie Airport (it is located 10 km from the city and 33 km from the national park) from any major city in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chongqing. Regular buses run regularly from the airport to the national park. The road from the airport to the park takes about an hour. The best way to travel by train is from Changsha city, it will take about five hours.

When is the best time to go

Zhangjiajie can be visited at almost any time of the year. Although it can be somewhat chilly in winter, the snowfall makes the park a magical land. Spring fills the local nature with the scent of flowers, and autumn brings the luxury of colors. Thick fogs, fog and altitude, bringing coolness to the mountains, create a pleasant atmosphere for a summer visit.

What to see

Zhangjiajie is interesting primarily for the picturesque area located here. Wulingyuan, which is divided into four main areas:

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
• Sosiyu Geopark
• Tianzishan Geopark
• Yangjiajie Geopark

Since the late 1980s, Wulingyuan has been one of the main national scenic spots in China. In total, about seven hundred and seventy species of various plants grow here, including a number of quite rare and found in the wild exclusively here. The fauna of Wulingyuan is no less extensive - twenty-eight species of local inhabitants are considered rare and protected by law. These include giant salamanders, clouded and common leopards, and a number of more common large carnivores.

Located in Wulingyuan territory zhangjiajie national park- the oldest existing in China. It was established in 1982 and has an area of ​​13,000 square meters. km. The landscape of Zhangjiajie is quite diverse - dense forests are suddenly replaced by high mountains. The climate is warm and humid. The park is home to over 500 different species of animals. Such rare plants as gingko, pigeon tree, mahogany also grow here. And even civets (felines), monkeys, birds and salamanders live in the park. In 1992, the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Tianmenshan Mountain- the first mountain in Zhangjiajie, the height of which was measured by experts (1518.6 m). The mountain is located 8 km from the center of Zhangjiajie and is one of the main attractions of the national park. The mountain is famous for its unusual cave Heavenly gate - the world's tallest cave formed naturally during erosion processes. It is even called "the magic cave of Western Hunan". The cave was formed in 263, when suddenly a large piece of the mountain just fell off, creating a huge cavity 131.5 m high, 57 m wide at its widest point and 60 m long. after passing through them, you will truly find yourself in heaven. There is a belief among local residents that this mountain is connected with the sky and has supernatural powers. So, in the XX century, four times from the top of the mountain, unexpectedly and for some inexplicable reason, a waterfall with a height of 1500 m collapsed. The streams of water fell for 15 minutes, and then also suddenly disappeared. This phenomenon was observed in 1949 (the formation of the PRC), 1976 (the death of Mao Zedong), 1989 (the suppression of student protests in Beijing) and 1998 (the largest flood), and superstitious Chinese consider these coincidences not accidental. For a long time, rumors have also circulated here that untold treasures are hidden in the mountain, brought here by one of the leaders of the peasant uprising during the reign of the Ming dynasty. For centuries, treasure hunters have come here in search of wealth, but all their attempts to find the treasure have remained in vain. Leads to the top of the mountain the longest and highest cable car in the world(7455 m), in which spans reach 500 m! In some places, the road rises sharply upward at an angle of 70º, suddenly crashing right into the clouds. An unforgettable experience! The main parts for the construction of the cable car were imported from the French company ROMA. At the top of the mountain, a staircase with 999 steps leads to the cave. The number "9" in this case is no coincidence: in the Taoist tradition, this number is a symbol of the emperor and the highest number available to man. The meaning of this number once again emphasizes the mystery of this place, located on the border of the human and divine world. You can go down the mountain by bus along the Tongtian road with 99 turns. The name of the road is not an exaggeration: it is one of the most impressive serpentines in the world, the “heavenly highway”. The length of the track is less than 11 km, and the distance between the turns is from 200 to 1300 m. On the top of the mountain, right on the edge of the abyss among bizarre relict trees, there are paths, in some places there is a glass floor, so that you can see clouds under your feet.
• Heavenly Gate Buddhist Temple, one of the main pilgrimage sites in Hunan Province since the Ming Dynasty. The graceful temple covers an area of ​​about 10 thousand square meters. m.
• Cave of the Yellow Dragon. The Yellow Dragon Cave is said to be even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside in Zhangjiajie Sanctuary. Day and night all year round it is always cool and fresh there, not hot in summer and not cold in winter. This cave is one of the main attractions of the reserve and one of the most beautiful "magic karst caves" in the world. The Yellow Dragon Cave is a typical karst cave in which water plays an important role. Water droplets seep through cracks into karst layers and constantly dissolve limestone, thereby widening the crack. This process continues from year to year until the gap reaches a huge size. This is exactly how the Yellow Dragon Cave, which reaches a height of 140 m. At the highest point of the cave, the distance to the top of the mountain is only 17 m. Inside the cave there are the following “natural wonders”: two underground rivers, three pools, four waterfalls, 13 large “halls” ”, 96 galleries and hundreds of thousands of stalagmites, columns, stalactites and other formations. The “interiors” of the Yellow Dragon Cave are so complex and incomprehensible that even geologists call this place “magical”. There are several picturesque natural compositions in the Yellow Dragon Cave, among which Dragon palace,Ballroom with draped stone curtains, Immortal waterfall etc. In the Dragon Palace you can see the Dragon King, which can be reached through the “Longevity” or “Happiness” gates. According to the old tradition, the visitor can choose only one of them. According to local beliefs, those who pass through the Gate of Happiness will find prosperity in marriage, while those who choose Longevity will live happily ever after. The full cave journey will take about two hours. During this time, you have to walk 2400 m and swim 800 m along the river. It is one of the longest caves in Asia and is widely known outside of China. The Yellow Dragon Cave is located 15 minutes from Suoxiyu Town, an hour's drive from Zhangjiajie City and 20 minutes from Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve.

Yangjiajie Park adjoins Zhangjiajie National Park in the east and Tianzi Mountain in the north. The park was inaugurated in 1992. The territory of Yangjiajie covers an area of ​​34 square meters. m and is divided into three parts: Xiangzhi Creek （Xiangzhi, Longquan Valley and Baihou Valley - in which there are a total of more than 200 landscape zones.

• Longquan Valley, it is characterized by steep cliffs that rise from the ground at almost right angles. The rocks fit together so tightly that from a distance they look like a protective wall of an ancient city.
• Baihuo Valley(in the translation from the whale - "one hundred monkeys") is indeed often visited by macaques. It is also a favorite spot for white herons that flock to the area.
• Longquan Valley famous for the beautiful Dragon Spring waterfall. The waterfall falls from a cliff overgrown with ivy and exotic five-color flowers.

In the Xiangzhi region, high sharp peaks are wrapped in a thread of transparent streams, ancient paths are laid along the ravines, walking along which you can hear cicadas and birdsong.

The history of Yangjiajie is closely related to the legends of the Northern Song Dynasty. According to legend, during one of the bloody wars of that time, a general from the Yang clan set up a camp at the foot of Tianzi Mountain. The war dragged on for several years, and during this time more and more offspring of the Yang clan appeared in this area. Since then, the place was called "Yang Land", which in Chinese sounds like "Yangjiajie". The graves of the Yang family members are still preserved here, including their descendants, who were buried here in the Minsk and Qing eras.

And you can also get to them by a cable car, which numerous travelers who once took a ride on it, dubbed the "most exciting" in the world. It is no coincidence that the local cable car is called "the road to heaven": in some sections it rises up at an angle of 70 °, crashing right into the clouds.

The journey to the top takes about 40 minutes, and because of the pressure drop, passengers often get ears, and the temperature in the cabin drops sharply. There is often a dense fog over the park, which adds mysticism to the surrounding landscapes.

Those who still dare to overcome the distance of 7,455 m will see the world's highest miraculous cave, which arose due to the erosion of rocks. Locals believe that she has supernatural powers. And you can go down from Tianmen Mountain by bus along the serpentine road, which has exactly 99 turns.

Fare: 48 RMB ($ 7.6) one way.

But this lift reminded me of this frame from the film.

Well, the fact that these mountains suggested the idea to Cameron in his "Avatar" and were the prototype of "Pandora" is probably already known to everyone!

Death Trail (Huashan Mountain), The original article is on the site InfoGlaz.rf The link to the article this copy was made from is