Zhangjiajie National Park

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a unique national forest located in northern Hunan Province in China.  It is one of several national parks within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

The park is comprised of dense forests, deep ravines, deep canyons, unusual peaks, caves, and pillar-like rock formations blanketed throughout the park.  These pillar rock formations are what the park is renowned for around the world. The pillar rock formations are comprised of quartz-sandstone and formed from physical erosion caused by the abundant rains. The landscapes created by the mountains, pillar rock formations, dense forests, and clouds are the epitome of Chinese landscapes that inspire so many different types of artwork.

The Bailong Elevator and Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge are two record-holding features that help visitors experience the splendor of the national park. In 1982 it was recognized as China’s first National Forest Park. In 1992, it was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.

The whole of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is huge with many different scenic areas. Plan well in advance to maximize your time in the places you are most interested in.

The top-rated scenic areas are Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Gold Whip Stream.

Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

Yuanjiajie contains “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” which is the most popular sight in Zhangjiajie. Yuanjiajie is a steep-sided platform mountain, surrounded by higher peaks, grotesque rock pillars, and deep valleys. Highlights of Yuanjiajie include the First Bridge under Heaven, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, and ‘Lost Souls Platform’.

You can reach Yuanjiajie by the famous Hundred Dragon Elevator.

Tianzi Mountain

Tianzi Mountain offers the best chance of the clouds sea which mainly happen during spring or early autumn. You can take the 30 minutes cable car up to this area.

Gold Whip Stream

Gold Whip Stream is  7½ km (4½ miles) long , you can enjoy a easy and relaxing walk along the stream for 2 hours. The 400-meter-high cliff offers spectacular sunset view.

Yellow Stone Village

About 1200m above the sea level. Main attractions include Trail in Fir Woods, Imperial Edict and the Precious Box, Needle Peak, the Southern Gate to Heaven, and Five-Finger Peak.

Yangjiajie Scenic Area

Yangjiajie is a newly developed area which is least-crowded offers spectacular scenery and challenging hiking.

How Many Days to Spend in the Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest would need a week to explore all the scenic areas. (Entry tickets are valid for 4 days.) . If your time is limited, we recommend you spend at least 2 days in the park which allows you to explore th must-see attractions.

Glass Bridge, Glass Skywalks, and Glass Elevator

The Glass Bridge spans two cliffs in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, about 25 kilometers (16 miles) northeast from Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s main gate.

The glass skywalks are built along the edges of the summit of Tianmen Mountain, which is in Zhangjiajie city proper.

Bailong Glass Elevator is inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park which provides an easy way to ascend to the top of towering cliffs near Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. Is the world’s tallest outdoor lift.  It carries around 50 people at a time up 1,070 feet (326 m).  It makes the journey less than 2 minutes.