What is special about Zhangjiajie? it’s like stepping into the world of Avatar.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tianmen cave is so beautiful it’s almost unfair! 3,000 strange peaks pierce through the sea of clouds, and the quartz sandstone that has been shaped over millions of years awakens in the morning mist. It’s like a real-life “floating mountain secret realm,” straight out of a sci-fi movie.
Must-visit spots:
1. Yuanjiajie “Qiankun Column”: The inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar! Take the Bailong Elevator to soar into the sky, stand on the Mihuntai platform, and watch the stone peaks shrouded in mist, as if you’ve touched an alien civilization.
2. Jinbian Stream 7.5km Hike: A real-life version of The Wizard of Oz, with crystal-clear waters. If you’re lucky, you might spot red-bellied pheasants drinking, and sunlight filtering through the trees creates stunning Tyndall spots—absolutely magical! But remember to keep a 5-meter distance from wild monkeys.
3. Tianzi Mountain Cloud Sea: The view after a rain shower is simply breathtaking! The West Sea Peak Forest appears and disappears amidst the surging clouds. Take photos at the viewing platform in He Long Park, and each one will be a stunning ink-wash painting.
4. Huangshizhai Star-Gazing Platform: Stay overnight at a mountain-top guesthouse, wrap yourself in a blanket at midnight to watch the Milky Way cascade between the peaks, and see the Big Dipper hanging atop the “Ding Shan Shen Zhen” peak—it’s incredibly romantic.
Photography Tips:
The Love Bridge in Yuanjiajie is perfect for capturing floating-sensation masterpieces.
The Natural Great Wall in Yangjiajie is ideal for time-lapse photography.
The Ten-Mile Gallery Mini Train captures dynamic landscape scrolls, with an atmosphere that’s off the charts.
Travel Tips:
Tickets are 228 yuan, valid for 4 days. It’s recommended to enter and exit from the East Gate.
The best time to visit is in spring or autumn. Remember to bring waterproof shoe covers and a lightweight raincoat on rainy days.
The scenic area’s eco-friendly shuttle is included in the ticket price. The Tianzi Mountain Cableway is 72 yuan one-way, and the Bailong Elevator is 65 yuan one-way.
Bring some nuts and energy bars to replenish your energy during hikes
Every rock here tells the story of Earth’s 500 million-year history. Come unlock the secrets of the earth! ✨
Zhangjiajie Travel: A Journey to a Fairyland, Avatar Filming Location, Hunan Travel Guide, Off-the-Beaten-Path Destination, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
