Huangshizhai Cableway in Zhangjiajie
The Huangshizhai Cableway (黄石寨索道) is the first sightseeing cableway built in Zhangjiajie, China. Jointly constructed by Taiwan Zhengji Xingye Co. (台湾证吉兴业有限公司) and the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Management, it began operations from May 1997. With a total investment of 45 million yuan, the cableway stretches for 990 meters, with a vertical drop of 430 meters, making it an essential transport and sightseeing route for visitors.
Cableway Features
The Huangshizhai Cableway is a single-carrying, single-towing, reciprocating cable car system. The primary machinery was imported from POMA (法国POMA公司), a French company renowned for manufacturing cable cars. Since its opening, it has welcomed nearly 10 million tourists and hosted several state and national leaders.
- Total length: 990 meters
- Vertical drop: 430 meters
- Capacity: 50-person cabin (two sets, with three 17-person cabins each)
- Speed: 9 meters per second
- Hourly capacity: 948 people per hour
- Cableway Type: Reciprocating cableway with 6 cabins, each holding 17 passengers
- Opening date: November 1997
Geographical Location and Scenic Environment
Located within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园), the Huangshizhai Cableway connects Baisha Jing (白沙井) and Huangshizhai (黄石寨). Huangshizhai, situated at over 1200 meters above sea level, is renowned for its unique landscape of bizarre rock formations, towering peaks, ancient cypress trees, and mist-filled valleys, making it the largest aerial viewing platform in the area.
The cableway provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy the views that are otherwise inaccessible by foot. The scenic route offers panoramic views of Zhangjiajie’s landscape, filled with thousands of peaks and lush greenery, making it an ideal route for both leisurely tours and photo opportunities.
Economic Impact and Growth
Since its operation began in 1997, the Huangshizhai Cableway has achieved significant growth, with steady increases in both tourist numbers and revenue.
- In 1998, the cableway welcomed 231,583 visitors, generating revenue of 1.1 million yuan.
- In 1999, the number of visitors increased to 346,873, with revenues rising to 17 million yuan.
- By 2000, annual visitors reached 557,940, with revenue surpassing 30 million yuan.
As of November 18, 2024, the Huangshizhai Cableway expects to reach an annual tourist reception of 3 million visitors, with projected revenue of 94.28 million yuan, and it is anticipated to exceed 100 million yuan by the end of the year.
Tourist Experience
The Huangshizhai Cableway offers visitors a quick and comfortable journey up the mountain, saving time and energy compared to the traditional 3878-step climb. The total walk-up route spans 16 kilometers, taking approximately 4 hours to complete. With the cableway, tourists can now enjoy the stunning vistas of the mountains, the “miniature landscape,” and the spectacular sight of the peaks in their full grandeur, all while experiencing the beauty of Zhangjiajie (张家界).
National “Top Ten” Cableways
The Huangshizhai Cableway (黄石寨索道) began operations in 1997 and quickly recouped its investment costs. It has since become an enterprise with an annual revenue exceeding 10 million yuan, making it one of the largest Taiwanese-invested companies in Zhangjiajie (张家界). In addition to achieving solid economic returns, the company has placed great emphasis on social and ecological benefits. To ensure the cableway’s smooth operation, the company has passed certifications for the ISO9001 Quality Management System, ISO4001 Environmental Management System, and OHSMS18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.
In March 2005, during the China Cableway Association’s “Top Ten Cableways of China” event, the Huangshizhai Cableway was awarded the top spot for its comprehensive performance, which prioritized safety and human-centered design.
Scenic Features of Huangshizhai
Huangshizhai (黄石寨) is located in the central part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园), and it is the largest aerial viewing platform in Zhangjiajie. The peak area of Huangshizhai spans 16.5 hectares, with a 3-kilometer-long scenic route that takes visitors around the site. Along the way, there are several famous landmarks such as the Six Wonders Pavilion (六奇阁), Three-legged Nine Tripod (三足九鼎), Star-gathering Platform (摘星台), Tianqiao Remains (天桥遗墩), Front Garden (前花园), Natural Mural (天然壁画), and Misty Sea Golden Turtle (雾海金龟). These scenic spots are deeply loved by both domestic and international tourists, making Huangshizhai a premier attraction in Zhangjiajie.
The famous quote, “Immortals reside at the top of Zhangjiajie,” was a poetic praise from former Premier Zhu Rongji (朱镕基) after visiting Huangshizhai.
Economic and Development Impact
The success of Huangshizhai Cableway largely stems from its strategic positioning, combining investment with the local development of key industries. By leveraging the rich tourism resources in Zhangjiajie, the company introduced advanced international technology and equipment, collaborating sincerely with local companies. This investment approach has contributed not only to the upgrading of local industries but also to the economic growth of the cableway itself, creating a mutually beneficial partnership for both the local economy and the business.
Ticket Prices for Huangshizhai Cableway
The Huangshizhai Cableway is located within the core of the Zhangjiajie AAAAA Scenic Area, with a total length of 990 meters and a vertical drop of 431 meters.
- One-way ticket: 50 yuan; Round-trip ticket: 96 yuan.
- For students (height between 1.2m and 1.5m): One-way ticket 30 yuan, round-trip 60 yuan (with student ID).
- For active military personnel (with soldier or officer ID): One-way ticket 30 yuan, round-trip 60 yuan.
- For seniors (aged 60 and above, with ID or senior discount card): One-way ticket 30 yuan, round-trip 60 yuan.
- For people with disabilities (with national disability certificate): One-way ticket 30 yuan, round-trip 60 yuan.
- For low-income households (with low-income card): One-way ticket 30 yuan, round-trip 60 yuan.
- Children under 1.2 meters: Free entry.
Free Policy
In February 2020, to honor medical professionals working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Zhangjiajie scenic area offered free admission to all medical workers from across China, from the opening of the park until December 31, 2020.
