As a travel enthusiast from overseas, I have always heard that China has breathtaking natural beauty. This time, the trip to Zhangjiajie starting from Shanghai completely shocked me, as if I had stepped into a real-life version of the Avatar world.
Departing from Shanghai: a journey full of anticipation
Starting from the bustling city of Shanghai, I imagined the appearance of Zhangjiajie along the way. After arriving in Zhangjiajie, the fresh air instantly swept away the fatigue I had accumulated in the city. As soon as I first entered this city, I felt its unique charm. The streets were filled with local specialty shops, and the people were hospitable, starting my journey well.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The Beginning of a Fantasy Journey
Entering Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is like opening the door to a different world. The towering quartz sandstone peaks stand in various postures, some resembling sharp swords piercing into the clouds, while others resemble fairies standing tall and graceful.
Strolling along the Golden Whip Creek, the water is clear to the bottom, and fish swim happily in the water. The sunlight shines through the dense branches and leaves on the surface of the stream, shimmering with ripples. The crisp chirping of birds and the gurgling sound of flowing water echoed in my ears, as if playing a wonderful symphony of nature. I spent a whole day here, reluctant to take any quick steps, afraid of missing any beautiful scenery. On the way, there is also a chance to see cute wild macaques, who cleverly shuttle through the forest, adding a lot of fun to the journey.
Yuan Jiajie: Realistic Reflection of Avatar Suspended Mountain
Arriving at the Yuan Family Realm, I was truly stunned by the scenery before me. Isn't this the real-life version of the Floating Mountain in the movie Avatar! The prototype of Mount Hallelujah is here. When you see that huge stone pillar isolated between heaven and earth, surrounded by clouds and mist, as if it could float up at any moment, the shock is indescribable.
Riding the Hundred Dragon Sky Ladder quickly reached the mountaintop, saving a lot of energy. Strolling along the trail in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, enjoying the unique peak forest landscape around. Standing on the observation deck, the distant mountains undulate continuously, and the deep canyons among the peaks are bottomless, making people marvel at the incredible craftsmanship of nature. I have been playing here for most of the day and can take beautiful photos from almost every angle.
Tianmen Mountain: A Wonderful Experience of Challenging Heartbeat
Tianmen Mountain is an unmissable stop on the itinerary. Riding the world's longest high-altitude passenger cable car up the mountain, as the cable car slowly rises, the scenery under your feet gradually changes from the city to dense forests, and then to steep mountain peaks, the view becomes wider and the heartbeat becomes faster.
After reaching the mountaintop, the first thing you see is the famous Tianmen Cave. The huge cave hangs high in the mountains, as if it were a gateway to another world. To reach Tianmen Cave, one needs to walk 999 steps, which is a significant physical challenge, but the scenery along the way makes everything worthwhile. Passing through Tianmen Cave, the mountain wind howled past, bringing a feeling of emptiness.
In addition, there is an exciting glass walkway. Walking on it, you can see the abyss under your feet. Although there are safety measures, it is still scary. But once you overcome your fear, you can appreciate the unique scenery.
Food Experience: The Unique Flavors of Zhangjiajie
During the few days I visited Zhangjiajie, besides being impressed by the beautiful scenery, the local cuisine also left a deep impression on me. San Xia Guo is a must try specialty dish, where ingredients such as preserved pork, pork belly, and beef tripe are stewed together. The taste is rich and mellow, and each bite is filled with the charm of Xiangxi. There is also rock ear stewed chicken. Rock ear is a precious ingredient that grows on steep cliffs. When stewed with chicken, the soup is delicious and the chicken is tender. You can taste these delicacies in restaurants around the scenic area, and the prices are much more reasonable than I imagined.
This trip from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie allowed me to see the beautiful scenery of the Avatar world in reality, experience unique cultural customs and cuisine. Zhangjiajie is definitely a treasure trove worth exploring for travelers from all over the world.
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