Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a breathtaking destination located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie City, known for its stunning natural beauty and unique geological features. Here’s a detailed overview:
Introduction
- Location: Situated 35 km north of Zhangjiajie City, the park is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
- Features: The park is famous for its more than 3,000 iconic sandstone columns and peaks, most exceeding 200 meters in height. It also includes chasms, dales, streams, lakes, waterfalls, and over 40 cavernous stone formations.
- Significance: Established in 1982 as China’s first national forest park, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and added to the list of UNESCO Global Geoparks in 2004. The park gained international fame after inspiring the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar” .
Key Attractions
- Yuanjiajie: Recognized as the backdrop for the floating mountains in “Avatar”, it features the famous Hallelujah Mountain and the naturally formed First Bridge under Heaven.
- Tianzi Mountain: Celebrated for its needle-like peaks and spectacular views, it includes the Helong Park Zone and Kong Zhong Tian Yuan Scenic Area.
- Huangshizhai: The first developed scenic area in the park, offering a 360-degree view of the peaks and ideal for cloud sea watching.
- Golden Whip Stream: Dubbed “the world’s most beautiful valley”, it winds through a lush environment with exotic flora and fauna.
- Ten-mile Gallery: A valley renowned for its rock formations that resemble sculptures, perfect for a relaxing walk and sightseeing tram ride.
- Yangjiajie: Serves as a link between Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie, offering exciting adventures for brave explorers .
Activities
- Hiking: The park offers trails for all skill levels, from relaxed meanders along the Golden Whip Brook to challenging hikes up the mountains of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
- Photography: The park is a photographer’s paradise with stunning landscapes and ever-changing interplay of light and color.
- Adventure Activities: Visitors can experience thrilling activities such as walking on glass bridges and skywalks .
How to Get There
- By Taxi: From Zhangjiajie Airport to the park costs around CNY 100; from Zhangjiajie Railway Station costs CNY 80-100; from downtown Zhangjiajie costs around CNY 80. It takes about 40 minutes.
- By Bus: Direct buses run every 10 minutes from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station to the park’s South Gate, taking about 45 minutes .
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring China.