1. Zhangjiajie:
The elevator has set three Guinness World Records: “the world’s highest fully exposed outdoor elevator,” “the world’s highest double-deck sightseeing elevator,” and “the world’s largest-capacity and fastest passenger elevator.” After its opening, it connected premium tourist routes in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, such as Jinbianxi, Yuanjiajie, and Tianzishan, into one. However, due to safety and scenic area protection concerns, it was later shut down.
2. Jiulianshan:
The sightseeing elevator in Henan’s Jiulianshan Scenic Area is located on the east side of Tianhu Waterfall, with a vertical height of over 160 meters, a capacity of 15 people, and a ride time of just 75 seconds.
Netizen: It’s comparable to Zhangjiajie’s sky ladder.
3. Leifeng Pagoda:
Leifeng’s Evening Glow, as one of the Ten Scenes of West Lake, has been widely renowned for a long time. During the Ming Dynasty, Wen Zijiang and Li Liufang vividly likened Leifeng Pagoda to an “old monk” and a “drunken old man,” perfectly capturing the tranquility, simplicity, and rustic charm of the pagoda in the purple hues of dusk. However, after installing modern escalators and all-glass elevators, imagining the serene mood of “this old man’s mood as light as mist and water” amid the purple twilight requires extraordinary imagination.
Netizen: The pavilion features an external escalator and an internal elevator, all made of reinforced concrete. There’s nothing graceful, poignant, rustic, weathered, or even majestic about it.
4. Huangguoshu Waterfall:
Faced with repeatedly record-breaking elevators in famous scenic areas, travelers need to prepare extra fees and even more extraordinary imagination to appreciate nature’s unspoiled beauty. Are these eye-catching elevators built in core scenic zones a “botched job” or a “convenience”?
Huangguoshu Waterfall Escalator
The Huangguoshu Waterfall escalator is the longest automatic escalator in China, opened in 2004. Some visitors say: The beauty of Huangguoshu Waterfall is layered. From hearing the sound but not seeing the waterfall – to seeing wisps of mist – to catching a partial glimpse of the falls – to viewing the side profile – and finally seeing the distant waterfall. While the elevator brings convenience, it doesn’t allow you to experience the gradual beauty of approaching the falls up close.
5. Lion Mountain:
According to Yangtse Evening Post, some citizens reported that a roughly 40-meter-long uphill escalator is being constructed halfway up the eastern gate of Yuejiang Tower on Nanjing’s Lion Mountain. In response, the scenic area stated that building a mountain-climbing elevator had long been planned to facilitate visitor access and create a looped tourist route. Reporters observed that this “winding” escalator follows the mountain’s contour, nestled among trees, and indeed makes climbing easier. But some visitors disagree, feeling that constructing such a massive modern structure in a relatively historic and classic scenic spot is somewhat incongruous and feels rather awkward.
6. It is China’s only ancient-style tower-type sightseeing elevator, standing over 100 meters tall with 13 levels. From a distance, the sightseeing elevator resembles a towering divine tower. It takes just 40 seconds to reach the mountaintop by riding the elevator.
Netizen: The elevator is designed to look like an ancient tower, which at least makes it less jarring and allows it to blend harmoniously with the scenic area.
7. The oval elevator cabin of the St. Louis Gateway Arch can accommodate five visitors. Eight cabins are linked together, taking just four minutes to reach the top and three minutes to descend. The elevator is equipped with observation windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful views outside.
Netizen: It’s a must-visit attraction when going to St. Louis, Missouri, USA.