Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
The Avatar viewpoint
The pillar that inspired the film's floating mountains. Best at sunrise before the crowds arrive.
Why this experience matters
Yuanjiajie is the most famous postcard of Zhangjiajie, and the Bailong Elevator is the fastest way to reach it. The lift climbs 326 m up a sheer cliff — the world's tallest outdoor elevator — and drops you at the rim of the Avatar viewpoint loop.
For many travelers, this is the moment the landscape becomes real. The pillars that looked painted from below are suddenly beside you, wrapped in mist or glowing in sunrise. If you have only one morning in the park, this is the experience to prioritize.
Top highlights
The four must-sees once you step off the elevator.
First Bridge Under Heaven
Natural stone arch
A narrow stone bridge connecting two pillars, just a short walk from the elevator.
Enchanting Terrace
Wide panorama
A railed overlook with the classic sea-of-pillars view stretching into the distance.
The elevator itself
326 m in 90 seconds
The glass lift shows the cliff rushing past — dramatic, fast, and worth it for the view alone.
Recommended routes
Two ways to build this into your day.
Sunrise Avatar loop
2.5–3 hours · elevator up + shuttle/walk down
- 1
Arrive before 07:00 enter at the East Gate and take the first shuttle to the elevator.
- 2
Bailong Elevator up ride to the Yuanjiajie plateau.
- 3
Avatar viewpoint walk to Hallelujah Mountain for sunrise photos.
- 4
First Bridge Under Heaven short ridge walk to the natural arch.
- 5
Descent return by elevator or walk down via the Golden Whip Stream path.
Yuanjiajie + Tianzi combo
Full day · shuttle between plateaus
- 1
Bailong up early start at the elevator for the Avatar loop.
- 2
Rim shuttle connect to the Tianzi Mountain ridge.
- 3
Tianzi viewpoints Helong Deck and Imperial Brush Peak.
- 4
Cable car down return to the valley by the Tianzi cable car.
Best time to experience
Sunrise
Arrive before 07:00 for the best light and smallest queues.
Apr – May
Spring mist and green forests.
Sep – Nov
Crisp air and clear visibility.
Avoid midday 09:00–11:00 when the elevator queues are longest. Summer afternoons can be hazy.
Travel tips
Beat the queues
The first 30 minutes after opening are the quietest. Arrive at the East Gate 30 minutes before it opens.
Ticket is separate
Park entry (¥227) does not include the elevator. Buy the elevator ticket separately, roughly ¥65 one way.
Best photo spot
The Avatar viewpoint is best at sunrise. The elevator top also has a small platform for a quick shot.
Crowds are real
If the elevator line is long, consider walking up via the Golden Whip Stream path — slower but scenic and quiet.
Clouds help
A little mist makes the pillars look like they are floating. Dry, sunny days can feel flat by comparison.
How to get there
City → East Gate Bus from Zhangjiajie city or railway station to the Wulingyuan East Gate, 40–60 min, ¥13.
East Gate → elevator Inside the park, take the shuttle to the Bailong Elevator station, ~10 min.
Elevator up Ride to the Yuanjiajie plateau in ~90 seconds.
Walking option From Golden Whip Stream, a stepped path climbs to Yuanjiajie in 1.5–2 hours.
Tickets & booking
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wulingyuan combo ticket | ¥227 — valid 4 days; includes shuttle bus |
| Bailong Elevator one-way | ¥65 |
| Bailong Elevator round-trip | ¥130 |
| Opening hours | 07:00 – 17:30 |
| Best time | Sunrise; Apr–May, Sep–Nov |
Prices are reference values for international visitors and may change by season or operator. Confirm before booking.
