Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Located deep in the Hunan province, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the greater Wulingyuan Scenic Area, holds the esteemed title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a place of awe and humility. In 1982, it was declared China's first national forest park covering up to 4,810 hectares. Made up of unique geological formations unparalleled in their magnificence, the area has become a little wonder that attracts millions of tourists every year. Known as the Avatar Mountains: a name frequently used to refer to the rugged peaks of Zhangjiajie area, came about because it was this very site that inspired the iconic backdrop from the renowned sci-fi movie.

Apart from the unique geographical and geological features, the park is home to the vast number of flora and fauna including the Dove tree and the Chinese chestnut tree. The National Forest Park is located in the subtropical belt which experiences the four distinct seasons and high levels of humidity in the summer months. Zhangjiajie National Park is a vast area brimming with all kinds of attractions from tranquil springs and lakes to enormous mountain peaks. See the following attractions:

1)First Bridge Under Heaven

It is called the No. 1 Bridge of nature masterpiece which reaches up to 350 meters, connecting with a natural slate between two separate peaks, hence it has astonishing and thrilling beauty. You can use your imagination to describe what they look like. In short, it looks like a fairyland when fog unveils everything in mystery after raining.

2) Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

Originally named the South Celestial Pillar or Qiankun Column, it attracted the Hollywood photographer Hansen who had four-day filming for this special mountain. After he took photos for this mountain and put it as a floating ‘Pandora Planet’ in American sci-fi blockbuster "Avatar". Besides Hallelujah Mountain became the prototype of "the South Celestial Pillar".

3) Mihun Stage

This is a natural platform from where you can have breath-taking views of the surrounding peaks and gorges.

4) Tianzi Mountain

In legend, it’s named after the farmer Xiang Dakun of the Tujia ethnic group. Since it’s high, you would see numerous stunning peaks, steep cliffs and colorful waterfalls from the top. There are four wonders: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in winter. You can take cable as well.

5) Golden Whip Stream 

Surrounded with steep grotesque peaks and luxuriant trees, the Golden Whip Streams flow faster. At this section the meandering streams, crystal-clear waterfalls, exotic plants and rare animals co-exist and constitute in an extraordinarily beautiful, tranquil and natural ecological environment. The main scenic spots here constitute of the Rock of Welcoming Guests, the Golden Whip Rock, the Reunion Rock and the Purple Grass Pond.

6) Yellow Stone Village

Known for its dramatic cliffs, dizzying rock platforms and grotesque peaks standing at 1,109 meters above sea level, this is a spot not to be missed.

7) Wulong Zhai

It was originally called Heilong Zhai once. To attract tourist’s attention, it changed name after broadcasted TV series Putting Down Bandits in Wulong Mountain. It’s home for brigands who live by attacking and robbing people. It only has one dangerous path to the summit and surrounded with steep cliffs with natural protection. The precipitous steps make the journey hard, and there are three levels you need to conquer. After you climbed onto summit, you will be delighted to finish.

8) Huanglong Cave

Huanglong Cave is a typical karst cave. The cave system extends to 7.5 km in length and is divided into try and wet levels. Filled with stalagmite, stalactite, subsurface streams and waterfalls, it has the praise for the underneath labyrinth. The largest chamber in the cave is 4,000 m2 which can hold thousands of people. Since inside temperature is a little bit low, we don’t advise you to go inside in winter.

9) Baofeng Lake

Located 1.5 kilometers away from the south of the Wulingyuan District of Zhangjiajie City, Baofeng Lake is a veritable place of graceful mountains and charming waterfalls. It is like a paradise that deserves to visit many times. The Baofeng lake not only attracts tourists all over the world but also attracts natural precious animals due to perfect and harmonious ecological environment. Every October of the lunar calendar, a mass of Yuanyang birds (mandarin duck) will fly to the lake from the north to avoid the chilly winter. The birds would like to choose here as their habitat as the water in the lake is of high quality and the water temperature is warm; the lake will not freeze in the winter. The three islands in the lake center are called the island for the mandarin duckes. 

10) Xibu Street  

It is a multi-functional pedestrian street with water bar, the famous Chinese snacks, Xiangxi folk shopping street, leisure inn and creative workshop. And it is travel culture collection which can’t be copied in the center view of Wulingyuan.

It combines street and courtyard as whole distribution pursuing romance, elegance and fashion. Using Tujia and Miao traditional language as showing elements for the construction makes facade styles unified and rustic.