What to see in Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie has the densest and most bizarre peak forest in the park and is an Avatar filming location. Highlights:
- Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar): a solitary spire towering into the sky, the inspiration for the film’s floating mountain;
- The First Bridge Under Heaven: two peaks joined by a natural stone bridge about 350 m above the valley floor;
- Mihun Terrace: overlooks an array of peaks, most spectacular at sunrise with the sea of clouds.
Getting there
The fastest way: enter at the Wulingyuan landmark gate → Shuizhaosi → ride the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie (about 2 minutes), then walk between the viewing platforms. You can also arrive from Tianzishan on foot or by shuttle bus.
Photography
- Best early morning and right after rain, when mist drifts among the peaks;
- Use a wide angle for big scenes and a medium telephoto to compress the layers; mind the railings for safety.
