A Day of Sightseeing in Zhangjiajie

Departure by bus from the parking lot at 9:00 AM. After over an hour, arrive at the Tianzi Mountain entrance to enter the Yuanjiajie scenic area.

Dined at the mandatory tourist restaurant in the scenic area—not exactly a culinary delight, but no alternatives. A monopoly industry, everyone must eat here. Thankfully, cabbage and chili helped me finish a bowl of rice.

First Bridge

Entered the World’s First Bridge parking lot by scanning ID cards.

The First Bridge Under Heaven is a natural stone bridge located within Zhangjiajie’s Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.

This naturally formed stone bridge stands 350 meters high, a marvel of nature’s artistry. A thick, 5-meter-wide natural slab spans the void between two mountain peaks, seamlessly connecting the eastern and western summits.

Its height, span, and sheer peril are unmatched worldwide, earning it the title “First Bridge Under Heaven.”

The bridge spans 20 meters in length but varies in width from just 1.5 to 3 meters. Despite its narrowness, the surface remains relatively flat, allowing pedestrians to cross safely.

This marvel stands as one of Zhangjiajie’s greatest wonders, drawing crowds eager to capture photos atop it. Towering cypress trees stand tall on the bridge, while below, mist swirls amidst sheer cliffs and plunging abysses. Surrounded by sheer cliffs, water droplets spray in the air. Stepping onto the bridge gives one the sensation of soaring through the sky. Holding onto the iron railings and looking up, the blue peaks appear ethereal amidst the swirling mist.

Upon reaching this spot, one cannot help but marvel at nature’s incredible craftsmanship!

Avatar Mountains – Filming Location for Avatar

We took the car up, and during the tour, the remaining walking sections were mostly easy paths with only occasional steps. Yet climbing the mountain felt surprisingly effortless.

Bailong Elevator

Descending via the Bailong Elevator—a Zhangjiajie marvel that baffles foreigners. Many outdoor enthusiasts would never imagine a mountain hike requiring cable cars, sky lifts, elevators, or even palanquins. All “Made in China,” catering to the lazy and physically challenged with extreme convenience.

The queue for the Bailong Elevator stretched endlessly.
Finally reaching the elevator visitor center, we still had to queue again to reach the entrance.
At last, we boarded the Bailong Elevator for an 88-second descent. Truly, an hour of waiting for a ride lasting mere seconds. (Our queue today moved fairly smoothly, but our guide mentioned lines stretching for hours.)

Exiting the elevator brought us to the viewing platform of the Forty-Eight Generals Rock, one of Wulingyuan’s top ten attractions.

Here, the unique landscape of Wulingyuan’s mountains was breathtaking. Many peaks stood like solitary pillars, some rising straight from the ground to pierce the clouds. Others featured flat, level tops. Looking down, ravines crisscrossed the terrain, and dense forests stretched endlessly.

Unlike Mount Lu’s majesty, strangeness, peril, and beauty, or Mount Huang’s peculiar peaks, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and hot springs, Zhangjiajie’s landscape features numerous strange peaks, beautiful waters, and secluded valleys, exuding a mysterious, untamed beauty.

In the evening

In the evening, we attended the Charm of Western Hunan performance, showcasing local folk customs. It consisted of both indoor and outdoor segments.

The indoor segment primarily features Miao drum dances, Border Town, Tower Climbing, Maogusi dance, Masang Tree Lanterns, Daughter’s Meeting, Bridal Lament, Xiangxi Corpse-Carrying Ritual, and live audience interaction.

All these performances, enhanced by modern 3D technology and unique stage lighting effects, deliver a spectacular feast for the eyes and ears.

Hiking in Zhangjiajie is also an excellent option. We’ve discussed this topic before; those interested can check it out.