Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

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.