Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is known by its quite unique quartz sandstone peaks. It’s China’s first national forest park since 1982, and it was listed on UNESCO world’s heritage site in 1992. It attracts more and more foreigners coming here since the movie Avatar released, as the movie filmed here. The popular places are included Yuangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten Miles Gallery, Golden Whip Stream, Yellow Stone Village and so on.
Yuanjiajie is a high mountain village, about 1000 meters above sea level, surrounded by many high mountain peaks. To go there, the better way is taking a mountain elevator which is called Bailong elevator. This is the world’s highest outdoor elevator, counting 326 meters, but running very fast, almost 1 minute you will reach the top. on the top side of the mountain, there are many view platforms, like back garden, enchanting stage, No.1 bridge in the world, and Avatar Hallelujah mountain. It’s really a Pandora world, that’s why the movie Avatar filmed here.
Tianzi Mountain, Tianzi means prince or the son of heaven. The name is after a local story which happened in ancient times. It’s the highest area among the whole national park. the view here is beautiful, especially the moment when fog floating, normally after rain. There is bronze statue called Marshal Helong, his hometown is not far from here, and local people regarded as hero, so made a statue for memorial. Take cable car getting down from Tianzi mountain is a very nice experience, you will feel quiet and getting touch closed with mountain peaks.
Golden Whip Stream is a small sized mountain river, the full way is almost 7.5 km, the lowest area among the whole national park. The name is after a peak called Golden Whip Rock, it’s 378 meters high, very steep and sharped. When sunshine covered it looks like a golden color whip. It’s the symbol scenic spot in this area. Walking along the stream is very nice, you can enjoy the clean water and fresh air, and exercise.
Yellow Stone Village is the largest view platform in this national park, with an elevation 1200 meters above sea level. You can take cable car getting up & down. on the top side, it’s big cycle walking road, about 4 km. you will see many views, especially the front garden, the best view point in this area. and probably you will be met with lots of wild monkey.
Yangjiajie is famous by huge mountain walls, called natural Great Wall. It’s different from other places. You can take cable car getting up and down to see the wonderful views. Or you can hike in this area, to explore Wulong village, one step to heaven, and sky garden.
Ten-mile Gallery is a natural gallery with length 5.8 km. You can take mini train, or walking in this area. the views on two sides are beautiful, there are many views like old medicine man, local king reading book, three sister peaks etc. At the end of way, there is a monkey garden where you can enjoy their funny life.
