The World’s Tallest Outdoor Elevator in Hunan –

Bailong Elevator in Zhangjiajie Geopark took 3 years to complete from 1999 to 2002. The total height of the elevator measures 326 metres, and it takes 2 minutes to travel from the bottom to the top.

COMMENTS FROM GOOGLE PLUS

Toán Nguyễn:
For the purpose of travel, the construction of such an elevator can be considered a waste.

All Things Chinese:
A waste? How? Without elevators, it would take four hours to climb to the top where the tourist spots are located. And it is too costly to maintain enough accommodations for guests.

Now with three elevators, each being able to send 50 passengers to the top in one go in just 2 minutes, tourists don’t need to stay there overnight, which is a win-win for both the industry and the visitors.

Plautus Satire:
I agree with you. Whatever is at the top, the elevator is the real technical marvel…wasted.

All Things Chinese:
I disagree. Tourism is an important industry, which is the same in China and, probably even more, to many countries in the world, therefore it deserves support from the latest technology. In the meanwhile the new technology can also enhance visitors’ experience when they tour the existing tourist spots.

Plautus Satire:
I disagree also, as respectfully as I’m able to given your position. I realize you are tasked with increasing tourism, but the tourism industry as a whole is exploitative, parasitic and destructive to both local economies and local ecologies. I assure you we can disagree and still remain friends.

All Things Chinese:
Come on, what are you talking about, of course we will remain friends ^_^. Discussion even arguments can never hurt friendship.

But with regard to tourism, let me make it clear, I’m not in tourist business.

Yes, tourist destinations can be overexploited, but again, anything can be overexploited when people become greedy.

Tourism when handled sensitively and carefully can help local economy and cultural exchange.

I do have noticed the abuse of tourist spots is an issue in China, but in terms of this particular scene, I believe the technology has done little harm but brings a huge benefit to environmental protection. Otherwise, tourists would have to stay on the top of the cliff, and hotels and restaurants would need to be built.

There is no absolute black and white in this human world, beneficial or detrimental are all relevant. Each case deserves an individual examination between pros and cons, while a simple generalization often does more harm than good.

Mei Ah:
2 minutes in an elevator
is an incredibly long time
especially if it has no outside view
and no fail safe, if the elevator should fail

do they make riders sign
waivers? (like, death waivers?)

All Things Chinese:
I believe the elevators are open to the mountain view. Otherwise, yes, two minutes in a fully enclosed box will not be pleasant.

The World’s Longest Outdoor Escalators in Chongqing

Chongqing is an ancient city situated in China’s inland mountainous southwest and is entirely built on hills.

COMMENTS FROM GOOGLE PLUS

Eric Horrobin:
It is great how the Chinese work with the environment and incorporate it in the design. Not like in the west where everything is cleared out for macHinery.