What to see at Huangshizhai
Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Fort) is the largest mesa-style summit viewing platform in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is known as “Zhangjiajie’s finest scene.” From the top you look out in all directions over thousands of sandstone pillars, especially magnificent when the sea of clouds rolls in.
- Zhaixing Terrace: a viewing platform right on the cliff edge with the widest panorama;
- Five Fingers Peak: five stone peaks standing shoulder to shoulder like an open hand;
- Golden Turtle in the Sea of Mist and Liuqi Pavilion: classic viewpoints along the summit loop trail.
How to get up
Ride the Huangshizhai Cableway up (about 5 minutes), or hike up from the Forest Park gate — the full stone-step climb takes about 1.5 hours. The summit loop trail is about 2 km and gentle; walking and sightseeing takes about 2 hours.
Photography and timing
- The sea of clouds is most likely in the early morning and right after rain — enter as soon as the park opens;
- The loop trail has front- and back-hill sections; the front-hill platforms are clustered and yield the best shots;
- It is windy at the top — bring a jacket.
