The Hundred Dragons Lift is the highest open lift in the world.
It is located in the Celestial Empire.
It is also called Bailong. But I think not everyone has the nerves to ride it. Not everyone agrees to ride in a completely transparent lift to a height of about 330 meters.
The cabin can accommodate up to 50 people. But in 1 hour of operation it is capable of lifting about 1,380 people to a height of 330 meters.
They say the view is absolutely incredible!
They decided to build it in 1999. Before the construction of the lift, tourists could only make the ascent on foot, and given that the rock was almost vertical, few could decide to do this.
It is worth noting that the project was met with rather fierce criticism from environmentalists, who were wildly unhappy that they wanted to build an elevator in the central part of the reserve.
The structure was put into operation in 2002, but it was temporarily closed due to safety concerns. After minor improvements, the elevator reopened in 2003 and is now an incredible tourist attraction.
Hundred Dragons Lift: The World's Tallest Lift
If your knees shake and your palms sweat at high altitude, then you will definitely never appreciate this entertainment, and we do not recommend you to take the Bailong high-altitude elevator, which is better known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator. It takes tourists up the side of a massive mountain range to a height of 330 meters, and it takes place in the Hunan province of China.
The glass elevator cabin can accommodate up to 50 people, offering those wishing to rise to dizzying heights and discover stunning views of the plain. 
The decision to build a lift was made in 1999. An elevator was needed to lift tourists up the 330-meter mountain. Before Bailong was built, tourists had to cover the entire distance on foot, and since the rock is almost vertical, few dared to attempt such a feat. Of course, environmentalists met 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 to provide the elevator infrastructure, tunnels and shafts were cut into the rocks. This solution not only serves to hold the elevator, but also allows for the prompt evacuation of all people in the event of any natural disaster. 
The structure was put into operation in 2002, but was quickly closed temporarily for safety reasons. The design has been improved, and the elevator has been in operation since 2003, becoming a cult place among tourists. The lift takes passengers to a height of 330 meters in just 1 minute, saving 3 hours of walking and admiring the valley with quartzite pillars, which inspired director James Cameron to draw the floating islands of Pandora for the film Avatar. 
Supporters of the project argue that the elevators have the world's largest passenger potential, and therefore they did not harm the environment, but, on the contrary, saved the mountain trails from excess loads. However, opponents counter that the region, which is visited by more than 5 million people annually, is already oversaturated, and an extra attraction will only serve as a magnet to attract more more tourists, which will harm the environment. 
Despite numerous protests, the elevators continue to serve people and, indeed, attract new tourists, increasing the attractiveness of the region. 
Would you dare to ride the Hundred Dragons Elevator?
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Hundred Dragons Lift - the highest outdoor lift in the worldIf you are afraid of heights, then this activity is not for you. The Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, transports tourists 330m up the side of a massive mountain range in Hunan Province, China.
A ride in the glass elevator, which can accommodate 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 Hundred Dragons Elevator, was decided to be built in 1999. An elevator was necessary to transport tourists to the 330-meter mountain. Before the construction of the elevator, tourists could only make the ascent on foot, and since the rock 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 into the rock to provide elevator infrastructure. In addition, in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster people from all three elevator cabins can be quickly evacuated.
4. Supporters of the project say that these elevators, with the largest passenger capacity in the world, have saved mountain trails from being overloaded.
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 growing popularity of this region of Hunan Province.
7. After the structure was put into operation in 2002, it was temporarily closed for safety reasons. After some improvements, the elevator resumed operation in 2003 and is now a cult destination among tourists. The lift saves 3 hours of walking and takes travelers to the mountain in just one minute, from which there is a beautiful view of the valley with quartzite pillars.
The Bailong Elevator, whose name translates as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, was decided to be built in 1999. An elevator was necessary to transport tourists to the 330-meter mountain. Before the construction of the elevator, tourists could only make the ascent on foot, and since the rock is almost vertical, few could dare to do so.
In 2002, the Wulingyang area, on the territory of which the elevator was built, was decided to be included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Now tourists have the opportunity to climb to the top of the rock in just a few minutes, from where landscapes of unearthly beauty open up.
The world's highest free-moving mountain elevator, called the Bailong Elevator, was finally installed in 2001 in the most beautiful park-reserve of China (Wulingian district, Hunan province). The two-story elevator car can accommodate 50 people (or 1,380 people per hour). What adds piquancy is the fact that the walls of the elevator are transparent, so strong-willed passengers, along with a small dose of adrenaline, can enjoy contemplating the mountain landscapes that open 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 into the rock to provide elevator infrastructure. In addition, in the event of an earthquake or natural disaster, people from all three elevator cabins can be quickly evacuated.
Supporters of the project say the elevators, with the largest passenger capacity in the world, have saved mountain trails from being overburdened.
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 would increase their numbers would only harm the environment.
Despite the protests, the elevator serves tourists and has indeed contributed to the growing popularity of this region of Hunan.
After the structure became operational in 2002, it was temporarily closed due to safety concerns. After some improvements, the elevator resumed operation in 2003 and is now a cult destination among tourists. The lift saves 3 hours of walking and takes travelers to the mountain in just one minute, from which there is 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 southeast 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 heights of more than 3 km above sea level. The mountains are a picturesque sight: huge stone pillars above the tropical forest, rugged sharp peaks, waterfalls, a giant cave system.
Entrance to the park costs 158 yuan and allows 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, and there are regular buses from there to the city. Minibuses stop opposite the train and bus stations, and the village and 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 representatives local authorities
The idea to change the name of the mountain is related to the desire of local authorities to capitalize on the success of the film. “Pandora is far away, but Zhangjiajie is close,” says the city administration’s website. Officials hope that the new name of the mountain will attract tourists to the region.
Zhangjiajie is the oldest of the national parks in China and perhaps the most remarkable. Opened in 1982, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site ten years later. The park is home to more than 500 species of animals, including civets, monkeys, birds and salamanders. Rare plants such as gingko, pigeon tree, and mahogany also grow here. In addition, this area of Hunan Province is home to the Tianzishan Geopark, famous for its mountains amazing beauty and Sosiyu Park, notable primarily for the huge Huanglong Cave, the largest hall of which can accommodate ten thousand people. Since Zhangjiajie is a popular tourist area, there are excellent hotels and restaurants offering excellent cuisine. And as a souvenir, guests can purchase products by craftsmen of the local Miao, Tujia and Bo peoples, who lived in these lands for many thousands of years and developed original crafts, the secrets of which were passed on from generation to generation.
The city of Zhangjiajie 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 is open with an unusually diverse flora and fauna. The city has its own airport, which receives flights from all major cities China. In addition to the ethnic Chinese (Han), the Zhangjiajie region is also home to the Miao, Tujia and Bo peoples, who have their own original culture.
Climate
The climate in Zhangjiajie is humid and tropical, with clear sunny days followed by heavy rains throughout the year. 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 large city China, including from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chongqing. Regular buses run from the airport to the national park. The journey from the airport to the park takes about an hour. The best way to get there is by train from Changsha, which 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 a little chilly in winter, the snowfall turns the park into a magical land. Spring fills the local nature with the fragrance of flowers, and autumn brings a luxury of colors. And the dense fogs, mist and altitude, bringing mountain coolness, create a pleasant atmosphere for a summer visit.
What to see
Zhangjiajie is interesting primarily for its picturesque area Wulingyuan, which is divided into four main zones:
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Sosiyu Geopark
- Tianzishan Geopark
- Yangjiajie Geopark
Since the late 80s, Wulingyuan has been one of the main national scenic spots China. In total, about seven hundred and seventy species of various plants grow here, including a number of quite rare ones that are found in wildlife 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 range of more common large predators.
Located in Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Park- the oldest existing in China. It was created in 1982 and its area is 13,000 square meters. km. The landscape of Zhangjiajie is quite diverse - dense forests suddenly give way to high mountains. The climate here is warm and humid. The park is home to more than 500 various types animals. Rare plants such as gingko, pigeon tree, and mahogany also grow here. And even civets (the cat family), monkeys, birds and salamanders live in the park. In 1992, the park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Tianmen Mountain- the first mountain in Zhangjiajie, the height of which was measured by specialists (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 highest cave in the world 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 simply fell away, creating a huge cavity 131.5 m high, 57 m wide at its widest point and 60 m long. Shrouded in clouds, the "Heaven's Gate" is indeed very impressive: it seems that once you go through them, you will truly be in heaven. There is a belief among local residents that this mountain is connected with the sky and has supernatural powers. So, in the 20th century, four times a waterfall 1500 m high unexpectedly and for an inexplicable reason collapsed from the top of the mountain. Streams of water fell for 15 minutes, and then also suddenly disappeared. This phenomenon was observed in 1949 (the formation of the People's Republic of China), 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 to be no coincidence. For a long time, there have also been rumors here that countless treasures were hidden in the mountain, brought here by one of the leaders peasant uprising during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. For centuries, treasure hunters have come here in search of riches, but all their attempts to find the treasure have remained in vain. Leads to the top of the mountain the world's longest and highest cable car(7455 m), the spans of which reach 500 m! In some places the road rises sharply at an angle of 70º, suddenly crashing straight into the clouds. Unforgettable experience! Basic spare parts for construction 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 not accidental: 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 worlds. 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 route is less than 11 km, and the distance between turns is from 200 to 1300 m. At the top of the mountain, right on the edge of the abyss, there are paths among quaint relict trees, in some places there is a glass floor, so you can see the clouds under your feet.
- Buddhist Temple "Heaven's Gate", one of the main pilgrimage sites in Hunan Province since the Ming Dynasty. The elegant temple occupies an area of about 10 thousand square meters. m.
- Cave of the Yellow Dragon. It is said that the inside of the Yellow Dragon Cave is even more beautiful than the outside in Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve. 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 “magical karst caves” in the world. Yellow Dragon Cave is a typical karst cave, in the formation of which important role water plays. Drops of water seep through cracks into the karst layers and constantly dissolve the limestone, thereby widening the crack. This process continues year after year until the gap reaches enormous dimensions. This is exactly how the Yellow Dragon Cave came about, reaching 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.” The Yellow Dragon Cave has several picturesque natural compositions, including 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, and those who choose Longevity will live happily ever after. The complete journey through the cave will take about two hours. During this time, you will have to walk 2400 m and swim 800 m along the river. This is one of the longest caves in Asia and is widely known outside of China. Yellow Dragon Cave is located 15 minutes from Suoxiu Town, an hour's drive from Zhangjiajie City and 20 minutes from Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve.
Yangjiajie Park adjacent to Zhangjiajie National Park to the east and Tianzi Mountain to 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 Stream (Xiangzhi), Longquan Valley and Baihou Valley - which have a total of more than 200 landscape areas.
- Longquan Valley, it is characterized by steep cliffs growing out of the ground almost at right angles. The rocks fit together so closely that from afar they look like the protective wall of an ancient city.
- Baihuo Valley(translated from Chinese as “one hundred monkeys”) is indeed often visited by macaques. This is also a favorite place for egrets, which flock to this area.
- Longquan Valley famous for the beautiful Dragon Spring waterfall. A waterfall falls from a cliff densely covered 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, 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 camp at the foot of Mount Tianzi. The war dragged on for several years, and during this time more and more scions of the Yang clan appeared in this area. Since then, the place began to be called “the lands of Yan”, which is Chinese sounds like "Yangjiajie". The graves of members of the Yang family, including their descendants, who were buried here in the Ming and Qing eras, are still preserved here.
You can also get to them by cableway, which numerous travelers who once rode along it dubbed “the most exciting” in the world. It is no coincidence that the local cable car is called the “road to heaven”: on some sections it rises upward at an angle of 70°, crashing straight into the clouds.
The journey to the top takes about 40 minutes, and due to the pressure difference, passengers often have blocked ears, and the temperature in the cabin drops sharply. There is often thick 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 highest miraculous cave in the world, created by erosion of rocks. Local residents 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 yuan ($7.6) one way.
And this lift reminded me of this scene from the movie.
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!
Path of Death (Huashan Mountain), The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -
China is truly an amazing country. It includes a huge number of attractions that will literally take your breath away. Just look at the Hundred Dragons Elevator, which is the tallest not only in China, but throughout the world. This miracle structure is located in a small province called Hunan.
This structure allows tourists to climb the mountain range, whose height is 330 meters. It is in this place that everyone will be able to admire the magically beautiful local landscapes. It is worth noting 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 rise to the treasured 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 popular film Avatar, because the landscapes are very reminiscent of the very Pandora where all the action of the film took place. In general, if you have the opportunity to travel to China, then the Hundred Dragons Elevator is a must-visit.
After the elevator was put into operation, it immediately entered the Guinness Book of Records. It turns out that today this is the highest elevator that has open review from the cabin. This was invented for the purpose that tourists could fully enjoy the beauty of the local nature. 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, and they will feel very comfortable. The trip itself takes about a minute, so very soon you will be able to thoroughly enjoy the unique valley with quartzite pillars. As for the walk, it will last at least three hours, and the tourist will spend a lot of energy.
How to get there:
Zhangjiajie Airport is 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, the journey time is about 5 hours.
Find out how much the trip will cost you:
To find out how much a trip to Hunan Province, where the Hundred Dragons Elevator is located, will cost you, simply enter your departure city in the search form and click the “FIND” button. Aviasales will find you the best deals, and book tickets directly on airline or hotel websites.
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