Zhangjiajie is located in the northwest of Hunan province. Built for tourism, Zhangjiajie is one of the most important tourist cities in China. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first National Forest Park in China.
It is noted for wining 3000 quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks with striking beauty of landscape. The Zhangjiaije National Forest Park is the main part of Wulingyuan zealand-based Scenic Area which was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Are you impressed by the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar? The real ones are in Zhangjiajie. There are 243 peaks and wining 3000 pinnacles and spires in The national park. The Scenes in Avatar last come to mind when The peaks are caught in The right light or The when The early morning mountain mist rolls around them.
For those who love nature, wish to seek adventure, and want to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, Zhangjiajie is a must for your travel itinerary.Escape from your busy routine to see the most beautiful scenery and rejuvenate your mind and body. Enjoy the adventure of hiking in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in dense forests cleans and by stunning waterfalls and limpid streams.
Main Attractions of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The city features a variety of different terrains including: mountainous regions, upland areas, plains, and Karst rock areas. Among these, the mountains cover 76 percent of the total area. The world-famous natural heritage site ‘Wulingyuan Scenic Area’ is located on the base of these great mountains. It is known for its odd-shaped peaks and rocks, exquisite forests, tranquil water, beautiful canyons, limestone caves and breathtaking views.They enjoy the reputation of ‘Original Picture on Mountain and River of China’. This wonderland is covered with dense forests and is considered Mother Nature’s Oxygen Bar.
Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huangshizhai)
Yellow Stone Stronghold, also known as Yellow Stone Village or Huangshizhai, Yaozizhai is located west of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. A saying goes “ One cannot claim to have completed a Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tour without visiting Yellow Stone Stronghold”. With an elevation of 1080 meters, Huangshi Village (Yellow Stone Village) presents the largest collection of marvelous spectacles and also provides the largest sightseeing platform in Zhangjiajie. Occupying an area of 41 acres and 1,200 meters (0.8 miles) above sea level, this stronghold is the largest observing spot of the forest park. The main attraction spots include Tranquil Trail in Fir Woods, Imperial Edict and the Precious Box, Needle Peak, the Southern Gate to Heaven, Five-Finger Peak and so on.
Gold Whip Stream
Sceneries along the Golden Whip Stream are the most beautiful scenery in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Named after the Golden Whip Rock that it flows by, this stream, 5.7 kilometers long (3.5 miles), joins the Lute stream in the west and Suoxi Stream in the east. A 300-meter (984 feet) walk from the gate of the park will lead you to the entrance of the Golden Whip Stream. It is called “the most poetic valley in China”.
Golden Whip Stream is suitable for 2-3 hours’ hiking. It is an easy and relaxing walk along the streamFlanked by ridges and peaks, the crystal clear water makes it possible to observe every action of the fish in the water. Wild flowers are in abundance here.The 400-meter-high cliff by Gold Whip Stream is spectacular, especially at sunset.
The main attraction spots here include: the Welcoming Guests Rock, Golden Whip Rock, Reunion Rock and the Purple Grass Pond.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area
Yangjiajie is a newly developed area of the park. The highest peak, “one step to the sky”, is 1,130 meters high. The streams are clear and the vegetation is lush, with a forest coverage rate of 95 percent.It is the least-crowded area, with spectacular scenery and challenging hiking. The area is also abundant with plants and animals, such as white cranes, macaques, ancient trees and rare flowers.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area involves a lot of hard and steep climbing — about 2 hours up. The steepest path is made up of slippery stone steps, going up at 70 degrees and only allowing people to pass sideways. The highlight of this area is its ‘Natural Great Wall’, towering walls of rock snake through the landscape like the Great Wall of China, quite different to the pillars in the rest of the national park.
Tips to Travel in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The Best Time for a Visit
Zhangjiajie national park can be visited all year round. Different seasons have different sceneries
September and October are the best time to visit, the weather is sunny and comfortable. But be aware that there are many people at the same time
The period from early to mid-november is considered the perfect time for good weather and fewer people.
If you plan to travel during the May Day holidays (solstice 3, May 1), National Day holidays (solstice 7, October 1) and the summer holidays from July to August, book early as a large number of visitors are expected.
The Way to Avoid Tourist Crowds
We recommend you to arrive at the park before 7:30 am. Arriving half an hour earlier may save you two hours in line for the cable car or Bailong Elevator. Chinese groups only go to the most famous attractions for a snapshot visit. Areas like Yangjiajie and Yellow Stone Village are much quieter.
Beware of The Wild Monkeys
The monkeys in zhangjiajie are all wild rhesus monkeys, which are protected by the second-class national protection. The monkey is a very spiritual animal, lively and clever, lovable. Now the monkeys all know “the banana in the plastic bag is delicious” so all the monkeys are very sensitive to the white plastic bag. Every time you pass by, monkeys will follow you quietly, waiting for the right moment, quickly attack and take your package.
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