Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the first UNESCO Global Geopark in China, is a surreal landscape of 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars towering over misty valleys, deep gorges, and lush forests. Famed for inspiring the floating mountains in Avatar (2009), the park spans 481 square kilometers in Hunan Province. Its otherworldly scenery, home to rare flora and fauna like the giant salamander, blends geological wonder with Tujia ethnic culture. The park’s Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, and 10 suspension bridges offer thrilling access to its peaks.
Historical Overview
The park’s geological history dates back 380 million years to the Devonian period, when sandstone deposits formed the iconic pillars. Tujia and Miao ethnic groups have inhabited the region for centuries, preserving traditions like weaving, folk songs, and shamanic rituals. In 1982, it became China’s first national forest park, and in 1992, UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site. Its global fame surged after Avatar’s release, with the park renaming a peak “Hallelujah Mountain” in homage. Today, it hosts eco-tourism initiatives and cultural festivals, balancing conservation with sustainable development.
Structural Layout
The park is divided into four zones:
Golden Whip Stream Zone:A 7.5-km canyon with crystal-clear waters, Golden Whip Rock, and the Mile-Long Painting Gallery cliff carvings.
Yellow Stone Village Zone:The park’s highest peak (1,262m), offering 360° views of the pillar forests via the Six Wonders Pavilion.
Yuanjiajie Zone:Home to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Natural Bridge, and the First Bridge Under Heaven (the world’s tallest natural stone arch).
Tianzi Mountain Zone:Famous for its sea of clouds, Terraced Fields, and Helong Park (dedicated to Marshal He Long, a local revolutionary hero).
Major Attractions
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Southern Sky Column):A 1,074m-tall pillar featured in Avatar, accessible via the Bailong Elevator (326m in 1 minute 58 seconds).
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car:The world’s longest high-altitude cable car (7,455m), rising 1,279m over 28 minutes to Tianmen Cave (a 131m-high natural arch).
Golden Whip Brook:A serene 2.5-hour hike along a emerald-green stream, passing Pig Back Ridge and Welcoming Guest Pine.
Natural Bridge:A 40m-long stone arch spanning two cliffs, formed over millennia by erosion.
Tianzi Mountain:A plateau with 10,000 sandstone peaks that transform with mist, sunlight, and seasons.
Ten-Mile Natural Gallery:A flat 5.8km trail (or scenic tram ride) through a corridor of pillars resembling ancient warriors.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Route (1 Day):
Golden Whip Stream Entrance → Golden Whip Rock (1.5h hike) → Bailong Elevator → Yuanjiajie (Avatar Zone) → Tianzi Mountain (cable car down).
Highlights: Avatar landmarks, elevator thrill, and panoramic vistas.
Extended Route (2 Days):
Day 1: Classic Route + Tianmen Mountain (cable car up, glass Skywalk, 999-step Heavenly Staircase).
Day 2: Yellow Stone Village (4h hike) → Tianzi Mountain (sunrise) → Baofeng Lake (boating).
Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path trails, lake serenity, and cultural performances.
Adventure Route (3 Days):
Day 1: Classic Route + Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (world’s longest/tallest pedestrian bridge).
Day 2: Tianmen Mountain + Yellow Dragon Cave (karst cave with underground rivers).
Day 3: Furong Town (Tujia water village) + Bailong Elevator Night View.
Highlights: Extreme sports, cave exploration, and ethnic immersion.
Ticket Purchase
Online: Book via the official Zhangjiajie website or Ctrip (up to 7 days in advance).
On-Site: Tickets at Wulingyuan Entrance (main gate); e-tickets scanned via QR code.
Prices:
4-Day Pass: ¥227 (includes parks + buses).
Bailong Elevator: ¥72 (one-way).
Tianmen Mountain Cable Car: ¥278 (round-trip).
Optional Add-Ons:Glass Bridge: ¥138.
Boating at Baofeng Lake: ¥96.
Transportation
Plane:Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, then a 40-minute taxi to Wulingyuan.
High-Speed Train:From Changsha (3 hours) or Guangzhou (5.5 hours) to Zhangjiajie West Station, then a 1-hour bus.
Bus:Long-distance buses from major cities to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station, then a shuttle to Wulingyuan.
Park Shuttles:Free buses connect zones (6 AM–7 PM); last bus times vary by season.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Seasons:Spring (April–June) for wildflowers and mild weather.
Autumn (September–November) for clear skies and foliage.
Avoid summer (July–August) rain and crowds.
Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or early mornings (7:30 AM opening).
Essentials:
Wear hiking boots (many stairs and uneven terrain).
Bring rain gear (sudden showers common).
Photography allowed (tripods permitted outside restricted zones).
Prohibited: Drones, littering, and feeding wildlife.
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
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