Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
湖南张家界国家森林公园

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most famous natural attractions in China. Established as the country’s first national park in 1982, the park is known for its impressive sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the ground, creating a landscape that resembles a scene from a fantasy film. The many pillars are the result of millions of years of erosion and are now covered in dense vegetation, giving them an almost surreal appearance.

One of the most iconic formations in the park is Hallelujah Mountain, which became famous after inspiring the floating mountains in James Cameron’s film Avatar. The park also offers a number of spectacular viewpoints and attractions, such as Tianzi Mountain and the Golden Whip Stream. You can take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor elevator, to the top of Tianzi Mountain in less than two minutes, and the experience is well worth the trip.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also home to a rich wildlife and diverse flora. The park is home to around 400 different species of animals and over 850 plant species. This biodiversity makes the park an important area for nature conservation and research. Among the many animal species found in the park, there are rare and endangered species such as the Chinese giant salamander, snow leopard and yellow-necked pheasant. These species are protected at the national level and are of great importance for conservation efforts in the area.

The park’s complex terrain, deep gorges and dense forests create ideal conditions for wildlife. Visitors can often see monkeys, birds and other wildlife while exploring the park. Macaques are one of the most common animal species encountered, and they are known for their curious and playful behavior. In addition, various bird species can also be found such as sparrowhawks, mandarin ducks and various pheasants. The park’s rich flora includes a number of rare and endemic species. The dense subtropical forests and lush vegetation contribute to the park’s unique ecosystem and beautiful and varied nature.

To visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, plan to allow plenty of time to explore the park’s main attractions. The park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is most pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. There are many hiking trails that lead around the nature, and there are also cable cars, elevators, and shuttle buses that you can use to get around the park.

Tianmen Mountain
天门山

Tianmen Mountain is a popular tourist destination south of Zhangjiajie, also known as the Gate of Heaven. It is a nickname given to the mountain due to its natural rock arch, which can be reached via a cable car, one of the longest in the world. The cable car stretches for 7,455 meters, and the cable car ride itself is a great experience with many breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the spectacular views and exciting activities on Tianmen Mountain, the mountain has also been an important religious site for centuries and is home to several temples and shrines. One of the most notable temples is the Tianmen Mountain Temple, also known as Tianmen Temple/天门山寺. It was founded during the Ming Dynasty and is located on the mountaintop with a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by ancient trees.

Tianmen Mountain Temple consists of several important buildings, including the Mahavira Hall, the Guanyin Pavilion, the Sutra Repository and the Dharma Hall. The Guanyin Pavilion is particularly known for its unique and intricate design, comprising a three-story building with two additional hidden levels. The temple also has a rich history and cultural significance, as it houses a relic of Buddha Shakyamuni, which was received from Lumbini in Nepal. The relic attracts many believers who come to worship and find inner peace.

Tianmen Mountain also features thrilling glass bridges and paths that hang along the mountainside. The most famous of these is the Glass Skywalk, a transparent walkway that allows visitors to walk along the cliff face and enjoy stunning views of the valley below. The Glass Skywalk is 60 meters long and hangs high above the landscape, making it a thrilling experience for those who dare to take the trip. The bridge is made of 6 cm thick glass and is designed to be both safe and durable, although for some it may feel intimidating to walk on it.

There is also a road with 99 hairpin turns. Known as Tongtian Avenue or Avenue to the Sky, the road leads to the top of the mountain. Over ten kilometers long, the road rises from 200 meters to 1,300 meters above sea level. The 99 sharp bends make the trip both exciting and challenging, and you can take a specially designed bus that navigates through these bends, offering an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and steep cliffs.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
张家界大峡谷玻璃桥

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is a bridge that was built to be the world’s longest and highest glass bridge. It spans 430 meters and hangs 300 meters above the valley floor, giving visitors a stunning view of the canyon below. The bridge has a transparent glass bottom, making the experience even more exciting than just the usual excellent view, as you can see straight down into the canyon below your feet.

The bridge opened in 2016 and has since attracted thousands of visitors from all over the world. Designed by Israeli architect Haim Dotan, it is an engineering feat that combines aesthetics and functionality. The bridge can carry up to 800 people at a time and has of course been tested to ensure its safety and durability.

In addition to walking on the bridge, visitors can also enjoy other activities in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. The area offers hiking, boating, and zip-lining, making it an ideal place for adventurous travelers. Hiking in the canyon offers the opportunity to explore the scenic trails and enjoy the views of lush forests, waterfalls and rock formations. One of the popular hiking trails is the Holy Spring Valley, where you can experience the beautiful Butterfly Spring Waterfall.

For those looking for a little more excitement than a leisurely hike, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon also offers zip-lining, where you can soar over the canyon for an adrenaline-filled experience. There is also the option of bungee jumping from the Glass Bridge, which offers an unforgettable experience with a fantastic view of the canyon if you can keep your eyes open. For a more relaxed experience, there are boat trips on the calm rivers in the canyon.

Baofeng Lake
宝峰湖

Baofeng Lake is a scenic lake located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area northeast of Zhangjiajie City. Surrounded by lush mountains, the lake is filled with pure rainwater that flows down from the mountain peaks. You can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes and cultural highlights along the way.

There are a number of ancient temples and shrines along the shores of the lake, which provide an insight into the cultural heritage of the area. There are also traditional Tujia and Miao villages nearby, where you can experience the unique customs and traditions of the local ethnic minorities. The lake is also known for its majestic waterfalls that cascade down the mountainside, creating spectacular views that are most impressive after heavy rains when the water level is at its highest.

Huanglong Cave (Yellow Dragon Cave)
黃龍洞

Huanglong Cave, which means Yellow Dragon Cave, is one of the largest and most impressive karst caves in China. The cave stretches for 15 kilometers and consists of a series of underground chambers, rivers and waterfalls. On a trip here, you can explore the cave’s many formations, including stalactites, stalagmites and limestone columns that have been formed over millions of years.

The cave is divided into several sections, each with its own unique characteristics. Among other things, you can sail on a large underground river and see a series of waterfalls and lakes, creating an almost magical atmosphere. The cave is also known for its colorful lighting, which highlights the natural formations and creates a breathtaking visual experience.