Why visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, established in 1982, was China’s first national forest park and is the core of the Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage site. More than three thousand quartz-sandstone pillars rise straight from the ground — “an enlarged bonsai, a miniature wonderland.” It is where the Hallelujah Mountain in the film Avatar was inspired.
Five core areas
- Yuanjiajie: Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar), the First Bridge Under Heaven and Mihun Terrace — the most dramatic peak forest, reached by the Bailong Elevator.
- Tianzishan: Yubi Peak, Xiannü Sanhua and Helong Park — peaks framed by the sea of clouds, reached by the Tianzishan Cableway.
- Golden Whip Stream: a ~7.5 km valley stream trail flanked by weird peaks — easy and flat, ideal for seniors and children.
- Yangjiajie: Wulong Village and Tianbo Mansion — steep peak walls, with fewer visitors.
- Ten-Mile Gallery: a sightseeing mini-train along shaped peaks such as the Three Sisters and the Old Man Gathering Herbs.
How to plan
For the highlights, allow 2–3 days: Day 1 Yuanjiajie + Yangjiajie, Day 2 Tianzishan + Ten-Mile Gallery, Day 3 a Golden Whip Stream hike. The ticket is valid for 4 days with unlimited re-entry; connect the in-park cableways, the elevator and shuttle buses to move around.
