This disclosure relates to obtaining blockchain data in multiple stages. In some aspects, a first node device of a blockchain network receives a data request from a client device. A distributed database of the blockchain stores target data. The data request includes a first data position identifier that identifies a first position of a first portion of the target data. The first portion of the target data is obtained from the distributed database based on the first data position identifier. A second data position identifier for a second portion of the target data is generated based on the first portion of the target data. The second data position identifier identifies a second position of the second portion of the target data and enables the client device to continue to obtain one or more additional portions of the target data from any one of the node devices.