The Bailong Elevator rises 326 metres up the face of a sandstone cliff, making it the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Three parallel shafts carry visitors between the valley floor and the plateau above in less than two minutes, with glass walls that allow the surrounding columns and forest to come fully into view as the ground drops away below.
The elevator forms the backbone of the most popular circuit in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: taking the lift up to Yuanjiajie, walking the plateau trails to see the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge of the World, then descending by cable car or a different route. Without the elevator, reaching the plateau requires a long ascent on foot; with it, the high viewpoints become accessible to almost everyone. Queues at peak season can be significant — the elevator is included in the park ticket price but timed entry slots are issued and early arrival is advisable.