Immerse yourself in a landscape that seems to have emerged from a fantastical dream, where towering sandstone peaks pierce through a veil of mist, their lush vegetation defying gravity as it clings to their vertical slopes. This is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the place that inspired the otherworldly scenery in the movie Avatar. Spanning more than 480,000 acres in China's Hunan Province, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is a natural wonder, a cultural treasure, and an adventure in itself. As you traverse its maze of trails, climb its gravity-defying mountains, and explore its ancient caves, Zhangjiajie will undoubtedly capture your imagination.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is through Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport. Several domestic airlines offer regular flights from major Chinese cities to this airport. From the airport, it's a short bus ride to the park entrance. Alternatively, for domestic travelers, high-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie with cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, providing a scenic and convenient option.
• Getting Around: Once inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, an internal shuttle service operates on designated routes, providing convenient transportation to the major points of interest within the vast park. Additionally, there are cable cars and scenic elevators within the park that offer alternative ways to reach different areas and viewpoints.
• Where to Stay: You can choose to stay either in Zhangjiajie City, about 40 minutes south of the park, or in a town that borders the park. For a truly immersive experience, consider one of the hotels within the park boundaries, which have incredible views of the surrounding peaks.
• How Long to Visit: To fully explore the park and its many attractions, plan a visit of at least three to four days. This will allow plenty of time to hike the trails, watch the sunrise or sunset over the sea of sandstone pillars, and even spend some time exploring the other natural attractions in the area!
• When to Visit: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different perspective on its beauty. However, the most popular times to visit are spring (April to June) and fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the vegetation is lush.
• Similar Destinations: If Zhangjiajie National Forest Park piques your interest in unique natural landscapes, you might also consider visiting Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in China's Anhui Province, famous for its strangely shaped granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and sea of clouds. Internationally, Meteora in Greece, with its vertical cliffs and monasteries, and the unique red rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park in the USA offer similar experiences of extraordinary natural beauty and hiking opportunities.

Highlights:

Bailong Elevator:

This amazing feat of engineering holds the record as the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Enclosed in glass, the Bailong Elevator climbs more than 326 meters (1,070 feet) along the side of a massive sandstone column, offering passengers an exhilarating panoramic view of the park's unique landscape. It's a breathtaking way to see the park from a different perspective and makes the extraordinary view accessible to all who are not afraid of heights.

Golden Whip Stream Trail:

Named for the Golden Whip Rock it meanders past, this tranquil trail follows a clear, rippling stream. At approximately 5.7 kilometers (3 miles), it offers a serene hiking experience with the chance to spot some of the park's wildlife (watch out for the monkeys!) and be surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

Hallelujah Mountain:

Jutting up from the earth, Hallelujah Mountain was the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. The mountain's peak often appears to float among the clouds, creating a sight as mysterious as it is breathtaking.

First Bridge Under the Sun:

This natural rock formation is a bridge-like structure consisting of a stone pillar supporting a massive rock. The sight of this natural architecture, especially at sunrise, is truly impressive.

Other Sights in the Area:

Baofeng Lake:

Take a break from hiking and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Baofeng Lake, located high in the mountains. Surrounded by stone peaks covered in lush greenery, the lake's waters reflect the sky and cliffs, offering picturesque views around every bend.

Yellow Dragon Cave:

Known as one of the most beautiful caves in China, Yellow Dragon Cave is a vast underground network of stalactites, stalagmites, underground streams and large caverns. Take a tour of the cave for a fascinating glimpse into this silent, mystical underground world.

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge:

Spanning two cliffs in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the Glass Bridge is the longest and tallest glass-bottomed bridge in the world. Walking across the bridge is a thrilling experience and a spectacular lookout point over the breathtaking scenery.

Tianmen Mountain:

Tianmen Mountain, known as the "soul of Zhangjiajie", can be reached by an exciting cable car ride, which is one of the longest in the world. The mountain is famous for its natural arch, known as Heaven's Gate, and the 99 Bends, the winding road leading up to it.

Mengdong River Rafting:

For those who crave adventure, a rafting experience on the Mengdong River will not disappoint. Navigating the rapids surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes is an exhilarating way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.