Bailong Elevator & Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Ride the World's Tallest Outdoor Elevator to Avatar's Floating Mountains
Tour Overview
Experience the awe-inspiring Bailong Elevator, a remarkable 326-meter glass elevator seamlessly integrated into a sheer cliff face. This engineering marvel offers a unique ascent to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, a landscape so extraordinary it served as the direct inspiration for the iconic Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. Prepare to be captivated by the dramatic pillar-like formations and lush greenery that define this otherworldly environment. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to walk along the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewing platform, where you can immerse yourself in the very scenery that brought Pandora to life on screen. Explore the natural arch known as Yuanjiajie's First Bridge Under Heaven, a testament to nature's artistry. Our tour ensures you visit the exact filming locations from the Avatar movie, allowing you to connect with the cinematic magic. Don't miss the chance to photograph the majestic "Pillar of Southern Sky," widely recognized as the prototype for Avatar's floating mountains. With professional photography guidance at five of the best viewpoints, you'll capture stunning memories of this unforgettable journey into a landscape that blurs the line between reality and fantasy.
Highlights
- Ride the 326m Bailong Elevator—world's tallest outdoor lift
- Walk the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain viewing platform
- Explore Yuanjiajie's First Bridge Under Heaven natural arch
- Visit the exact filming locations from Avatar movie
- Photograph the "Pillar of Southern Sky" (Avatar prototype)
- Professional photography guidance at 5 best viewpoints
Detailed Itinerary
Hotel Pickup & Transfer to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in Zhangjiajie city or Wulingyuan area. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where your adventure begins.
Ascend via Bailong Elevator
Experience the world's tallest outdoor elevator, the Bailong Elevator. Ascend 326 meters up a sheer cliff face, offering breathtaking panoramic views as you rise into the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Upon reaching Yuanjiajie, embark on a scenic walk through the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' area. Marvel at the towering sandstone pillars and lush vegetation that inspired the floating mountains of Pandora.
Lunch at Local Restaurant
Enjoy a delicious local lunch at a restaurant within the scenic area, offering authentic Hunan cuisine. Your guide will recommend popular dishes.
Discover First Bridge Under Heaven & Pillar of Southern Sky
Continue your exploration to the 'First Bridge Under Heaven,' a natural rock bridge connecting two peaks. Then, photograph the iconic 'Pillar of Southern Sky,' the prototype for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains.
Descent and Departure
Descend from Yuanjiajie, either by Bailong Elevator or a scenic cable car (depending on park conditions a guide's recommendation). Transfer back to your hotel, concluding a memorable day.
Professional Photography Guidance
Throughout the day, your guide will provide professional photography guidance, leading you to the best viewpoint to capture stunning images of Zhangjiajie's unique landscape.
What's Included
- Private English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Zhangjiajie city or Wulingyuan area)
- Entrance tickets to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Bailong Elevator round-trip tickets
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
- Bottled water during the tour
- Travel insurance
- All government taxes and service charges
What's Not Included
- Meals (lunch and dinner)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, extra drinks)
- Gratuities for guide and driver (optional)
- Any items not specified in the inclusions
Important Information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a fair amount of walking involved.
- Bring a camera with extra batteries to capture the stunning scenery.
- Weather in Zhangjiajie can be unpredictable; bring layers and rain gear.
- The Bailong Elevator can have long queues during peak season; your guide will help manage this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traveler Reviews
Sarah L.
USA
Absolutely breathtaking! The Bailong Elevator itself was an experience, and then Yuanjiajie... it truly felt like stepping into Avatar. Our guide was fantastic, pointing out all the best photo spots and sharing interesting facts. A must-do in Zhangjiajie!
January 20, 2025
David M.
UK
A truly unique day. The views from Yuanjiajie are unlike anything I've ever seen. The elevator was a bit crowded, but it was worth it for the scenery. The Avatar connection is definitely real!
December 5, 2024
Chen W.
Singapore
Incredible experience from start to finish. The Bailong Elevator is an engineering marvel, and the Yuanjiajie mountains are simply stunning. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made sure we saw all the highlights. Highly recommend BetterChinaTrip!
February 10, 2025
What Our Travelers Say
Excellent tour with knowledgeable guide. Everything was well-organized and the experience exceeded our expectations. Highly recommended!
Great experience! The tour was well-paced and our guide was very professional. Would definitely book with BetterChinaTrip again.
Wonderful tour that provided deep insights into Chinese culture and history. The private format allowed for personalized attention.
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