Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Travel Guide
Highlights, History & Visitor Information
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, designated as China’s first national forest park in 1982 and listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, is a true treasure of the Earth. The park’s landscape, with over 3,000 quartz sandstone peaks that were formed by the uplift of a seabed dating back 380 million years, is often described as a "magnified bonsai and miniature fairyland." It is also famously known as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the global blockbuster film *Avatar*. Everywhere you look, stunning and otherworldly vistas unfold, inviting visitors into a surreal world that feels like stepping into a dream.
1. Main Highlights
🌄 Scenic spots by area
① Yuanjiajie Area
• Avatar Mount Harula model: Take the elevator straight to the top. The vertical rock formations are like a "walking corridor in the sky."
• Tenka Daiichi Bridge: A natural bridge spanning two rocky peaks, 357m high.
② Huangshizhai area
• The observation deck is considered the "essence of Zhangjiajie Forest Park." From the top, a 360-degree panoramic view unfolds.
• A spectacular spot where it is said that "there is no point in coming to Zhangjiajie if you don't climb to the top of the mountain."
③ Kinpenkei area
• A 7.5km long promenade along the valley. A "Corridor of Landscape Paintings" with crystal clear streams and strange rock formations.
• It is also nicknamed "Journey to the West Trail" as it was used as a filming location for the movie "Journey to the West."
2. Historical Stories
📚 Mysteries and Legends of Nature
• Legend of Golden Whip Rock: There is a legend that a whip left behind by an ancient warlord to fight the Dragon King was turned to stone.
• 380 million years of geological history: The layers of rock that were once the ocean floor have been eroded by wind and rain over the years, creating the amazing sight we see today.
• The official name of the "Avatar Pillars": The Southern Pillars served as the model for the film. It is now affectionately known as "Mount Harula."
3. Useful Information Before Your Visit
Address：Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
Regular Opening Hours：March-November: 7:00-18:00 / December-February: 7:30-17:30
Admission Tickets：228 yuan (valid for 4 days)
Access：40 minutes by car from Zhangjiajie Airport / 50 minutes by bus from Zhangjiajie Station
4. Visiting Etiquette and Important Notes
1. Comfortable walking shoes are essential: There are many stairs and slopes, so trekking shoes are best.
2. Weather precautions: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and warm clothing.
3. Avoid crowds: We recommend avoiding long weekends like Golden Week and visiting early on weekdays.
4. Stay hydrated: There are only a limited number of vending machines in the park, so it's a good idea to bring a water bottle with you.
5. Pandaland Trip's Original Tour Services
🌟 Five features that other companies don't have
1. Avatar Filming Location Guide: We will show you the most beautiful filming spots from the angles that inspired the movie.
2. Route to avoid crowds: We suggest a course that takes you along back roads where there are fewer tourist groups, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
3. Includes geological explanation: An easy-to-understand explanation of the secrets of the formation of the landform over 300 million years.
4. Priority mountain elevator access: Skip the long lines and enjoy the spectacular views straight away.
5. Guide to the best seasons for each season: We introduce the charms of each season, such as the haze of spring and the autumn leaves.
🚠 Recommended itinerary examples • Full Sky Journey Course: Yuanjiajie Elevator + Tianzi Mountain Ropeway + Jinpen Creek Walk • Photographer's Plan: A photography tour capturing the best times to view the sunrise and sea of clouds • Family-friendly Course: An efficient route that covers the main attractions with minimal effort
Embark on a journey to experience the magnificent art of the Earth with Pandaland Trip!
