Found in China's Hunan region, Zhangjiajie National Park holds the distinction of being the country's very first park of its kind. The film Avatar used this location as a model for its iconic floating Hallelujah mountains, which helped to boost the area's profile. This national park is one of the most enchanting places you will ever visit because of the strangely shaped spires that dot its 11,900 acres. The mountains' stunning beauty and the way their spires move in parallax as you move away can make you lose track of time.
Zhangjiajie National Forest – how to get there?
You may reach the peak using either the Bailong lift or the cable car that travels to the Tianzi Mountain region. To reach the national park from either of these entrances, you'll need to decide which side you prefer. Instead of using the lift the next day, we suggest riding the cable car up to the top and then walking down the route that winds its way through the Golden Whip stream.
What is the best time and way to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest?
Every turn reveals hidden gems, necessitating at least three or four days to fully explore. Actually, this is possible because park admission is inexpensive for four days. You can't bring your car inside the park, but shuttle buses will transport you anywhere you need to go. You should know that the site is a popular spot and that hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, both within and outside the park, can be filled up very early for Chinese public holidays. The most important holiday times are the Spring Festival, which celebrates the Chinese New Year, and the first two weeks of May and October.
Places to visit in Zhangjiajie National Forest
Tianzi Mountain
Tianzi Mountain, located in a natural reserve, is also part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, but it is not part of the forest park. A local Tujia farmer called Tianzi declared himself Son of Heaven (in Chinese) and led a peasants' insurrection, thus the moniker. Mist envelops this mountain year-round, particularly in the summer, adding to its scenic qualities; it was also featured in Avatar.
Tianmen Mountain
Experience the splendour of the park by embarking on a cable car journey to the peak of Tianmen Mountain. At an elevation of more than four thousand feet, the cable car trip provides spectacular panoramas of the park and its environs. Tianmen Cave, an archway created by erosion over millions of years, is accessible once you reach the peak. With its towering 400 feet, this cavern has the tallest natural archway on Earth.
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Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
The longest and tallest glass-bottomed bridge in the world, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, is another must-see. Suspended over a steep canyon, the bridge stretches over 1,400 feet. Because of the unobstructed view of the canyon below via the glass floor, crossing the bridge is not an easy task.
Trail of Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains
There is a wide variety of wildlife and plants to see in the park, which adds to its breathtaking scenery. Among the more than 5,000 plant species found in the park are a number of endangered and unusual ones. Animals such as the rare clouded leopard, civets, and macaques also call this park home. Many of the park's hiking paths provide breathtaking panoramas and are perfect for anyone seeking an exciting outdoor experience. Hikers go to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail, which winds its way through the park's core and provides breathtaking vistas of the soaring sandstone pillars. Although the trail's steep and difficult sections make it unsuitable for anyone with heart issues, the vistas are rewarding at the end.
Things to do in Zhangjiajie National Forest
Make sure to explore the more popular overlooks like Yunqing Rock, Arranging Battles Platform, and Imperial Writing Brush Peaks, but don't be afraid to venture a bit further to see some of the less crowded ones. Compared to other parts of the park, these will be considerably more peaceful.
- On one of the peaks, you can see "One Dangerous Stop" and "Cock Pecking" if you get off the bus when everyone else stays on.
- To reach Lucky Mountain, use the paths that go from the Enchanting Terrance. Easily the nicest vantage points in the park are right here. Heavenly Peak and Natural Bridge are must-sees, despite the crowds.
- Taking a leisurely stroll along the 5-kilometer Golden Whip Stream will allow you to see these stunning sandstone pillars without having to endure any more strenuous climbing.
- Traverse monkey-infested woodlands on your way to Yellowstone Village Mountain!