Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
You may have seen many mountains, but you’ve definitely never seen peaks as strange as those in Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) is China’s first world-class forest park. It features over 3,000 unique peaks, soaring into the sky like natural sculptures on Earth. This landscape is known as the “Flower of Earth.” The park is also home to many rare animals, including golden monkeys, clouded leopards, and leopards. During your visit, you might have a chance to see these animals in their natural habitat.
Table of Contents
Highlights of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tianzi Mountains
The Tianzi Mountains are a typical sandstone peak forest, made mainly of quartzite and formed around 318 million years ago. The peaks here are tall and dramatic, with shapes that vary greatly. After a rain or in morning fog, the sea of clouds creates a breathtaking, dreamlike scene, making it feel like entering a fairyland.
Yangjiajie
Yangjiajie is located in the northwest of Zhangjiajie National Park Hunan China. The highest peak here, “Yibu Deng Tian” (Step into Heaven), stands at 1,130 meters. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view, with stunning landscapes in every direction. To reach the observation platform, visitors climb a steel ladder, nearly vertical, which can be quite thrilling.
Yuanjiajie
Located to the north of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park China, Yuanjiajie is known for its lush forests and misty landscapes, earning it the nickname “Pandora World.” On rainy days, the clouds swirl around the peaks, creating an enchanting, mystical atmosphere.
Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi)
Jinbianxi, a 5.7 km-long gorge in the park’s east, is known as “one of the most beautiful gorges in the world.” It’s perfect for hiking, where visitors can walk along the stream and enjoy close-up views of odd-shaped peaks and clear water. You may even encounter lively monkeys along the way. Be careful and respect their natural behavior.
Huangshizhai
Located in the center of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Huangshizhai is the park’s largest aerial viewing platform. It’s a high plateau surrounded by steep cliffs, with several observation platforms extending out into the air. The landscape is grand and awe-inspiring, blending features of China’s Danxia landforms and the grandeur of Colorado’s canyons.
Mihun Tai (Mesmerizing Platform)
Mihun Tai is one of the best natural viewpoints in Zhangjiajie Forest. Standing on the platform, visitors are entranced by the breathtaking views. It is located in Yuanjiajie and offers a wide vista of the surrounding basin.
Aerial Farmlands
Located near the Yubi Peak of Tianzishan, Aerial Farmlands sits at over 1,000 meters above sea level. This terraced land, covering 120 acres, is surrounded by lush peaks and towering trees. During harvest time, local residents celebrate with traditional drums, folk songs, and dances, expressing gratitude to nature.
Natural Great Wall
The Natural Great Wall, in the northwest of Zhangjiajie National Park, is a series of parallel stone walls formed around 380 million years ago. These towering walls are mostly flat-topped, and from the side, they resemble mountains, while from the front, they appear as massive stone barriers.
Qian Kun Pillar
The Qian Kun Pillar, located in Yuanjiajie, is a famous landmark in Zhangjiajie and was the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the Zhangjiajie Avatar Movie. It rises about 150 meters and is topped with lush vegetation. The pillar’s unique shape gives the impression of being chiseled by a giant axe.
World’s First Bridge
The World’s First Bridge spans between two mountains. The bridge is 25 meters long, 2 meters wide, and has a vertical drop of 357 meters. It holds the record for the largest vertical difference of any natural stone bridge in the world.
Yubi Peak
This cluster of slender, upright peaks rises sharply into the sky, resembling a group of pencils pointed straight up.
Dianjiangtai (Generals’ Platform)
Dianjiangtai is located in a deep valley in Tianzishan, shrouded in mist. The strange rocks here appear like human figures, adding a sense of mystery to the landscape.
Ten-Mile Gallery
Ten-Mile Gallery is known for its stunning peaks and clear rivers. The shapes of the mountains here are varied—some resemble camels, while others resemble soaring eagles. Visitors can take a cute little train to explore the area, passing through lush forests with the scent of flowers and the sound of mountain streams cascading down rocks.
Ten-Mile Gallery Train
Take the little train through the Ten-Mile Gallery and enjoy the scenery without the effort of hiking. The 1.9-kilometer route costs 38 yuan one way, with different themed train designs to choose from. The gallery stretches for about 5 kilometers, with lush trees, wildflowers, and uniquely shaped peaks creating a picturesque, painting-like experience.
Modes of Access in Zhangjiajie Forest Park
Bailong Sky Lift
The Bailong Sky Lift is the world’s first outdoor scenic elevator, equivalent in height to a 100-story skyscraper. Since its opening, over 65 million visitors have used the lift, with no accidents. At first, you might think you’re in an ordinary elevator, but soon you’ll realize it’s “floating” in the air, with glass on three sides offering stunning views of Zhangjiajie Mountains.
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car
As the cable car rises steadily, the views become increasingly spectacular. You’ll pass by bizarre rock formations and lush green landscapes. From the sky, the breathtaking scenery of mountains and valleys is fully visible, giving you a thrilling experience as you “travel” through the peaks.
The natural beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is awe-inspiring. Hikers can experience the grandeur and mystery of nature. Although some trails may have safety risks, with proper preparation, a hike here is a truly unforgettable adventure.
The Animals of Zhangjiajie National Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park China is home to many monkeys and other small animals. The monkeys often sit on trees or handrails, curiously watching visitors. Some may even approach in hopes of getting food. However, feeding them can be risky, as it may provoke the monkeys to scratch or bite, so be cautious and respectful.
FAQ About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
1. Will there be altitude sickness on the mountains in Zhangjiajie National Park China?
It generally does not cause altitude sickness. The average elevation of the Zhangjiajie mountains is between 300-1000 meters. And altitude sickness usually occurs in areas above 3000 meters above sea level. Therefore, generally speaking, traveling to Zhangjiajie will not cause altitude sickness.
2. Is it cold on the mountains of Zhangjiajie?
The mountains in Zhangjiajie National Park are indeed quite cold. Especially in winter. Due to the high altitude and humidity, the actual perceived temperature on the mountain may be 6-10 degrees lower than the predicted temperature.
3. How long is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park suitable for playing?
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park recommends a visit time of 2-3 days. The specific playing time can be adjusted according to personal interests and physical strength. But generally speaking, a 2-3 day itinerary can allow you to fully explore the main attractions.
4. Where is it convenient to live in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot District is one of the best accommodation places to visit Hunan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. There are abundant accommodation options here. Including high, medium, and low-end hotels and homestays. Jundi Road in Wulingyuan National Scenic Spot District is a snack street, surrounded by many restaurants and hotels. It is only a 7-8 minute walk from the east gate of Chinese National Park Zhangjiajie. Very convenient.
Hours & Fees
Hours
Daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time
Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October)
Fees
224 CNY (approx. 31 USD), subject to annual changes.
How Do Local Visitors Rate the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park China
Translation:
Winter is the off-season in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, so there aren’t many visitors, which makes for a great experience. However, on the day I visited, there was heavy fog, so the distant peaks weren’t very clear. Patience is needed for better views. The Baolong Sky Lift is definitely a must-ride—experience the thrill of soaring to the top, it’s worth it! A friendly reminder: there are quite a few monkeys around, so keep your distance. They tend to grab things and aren’t shy about it. The park is huge, so at least two days are needed to explore everything. Hiking in Huangshizhai and Jinbianxi is excellent, and the air is incredibly fresh.
Translation:
The mountains in Zhangjiajie are truly the most beautiful on Earth, with a sense of floating in the air. The scenery here is breathtaking! The monkeys are so cute, but I’m a little scared to get too close—I’ve heard they like to grab things. There are so many Korean tourists here that it felt like I had stepped into Korea, with so many people speaking Korean around me. The peaks here are incredibly unique, looking like they’ve been split by an axe. They rise high into the clouds, almost like a series of fingers pointing up to the sky. It’s a sight worth seeing for everyone. When the Baolong Sky Lift emerges from the ground, everyone around is shocked by the incredible and dramatic view, letting out a collective “Wow!”
Translation:
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is an impressive destination, and young people will need about three days to explore everything. We hiked to all the attractions and visited almost every viewpoint. The national forest park is more worth visiting than Tianmen Mountain Park, so if you’re short on time, I recommend focusing on this one. Two tips: 1.The shuttle buses don’t operate on a round-trip route, so be sure to plan your route in advance, or you might end up retracing your steps. 2. The second tip is related to the first one. Even though the Baolong Sky Lift can have long lines, it’s the best way to visit all the attractions without repeating routes, so it’s worth waiting for.
