Wulingyuan National Park
Wulingyuan National Park in Zhangjiajie is a natural ecological area dominated by rare quartz sandstone peak-forest landforms both in China and abroad, complemented by Western Hunan-style karst landforms. Within a radius of hundreds of kilometers in Wulingyuan (in Chinese, 武陵源), there are over 3,000 unique mountains and peaks and more than 800 streams. Characterized by its stacked peaks, deep valleys, and gentle streams, Wulingyuan attracts countless tourists to explore.
Wulingyuan National Park Facts
How Was Wulingyuan National Park Formed
The geological formation of the Wulingyuan National Park, China can be traced back to the Paleozoic era, when intense tectonic movements lifted the rock layers, gradually forming the peaks and valleys. During geological evolution, water erosion shaped the rock layers of varying hardness into unique forms, such as stone pillars, stone forests, and valleys. In addition, the limestone geological characteristics of Wulingyuan have made karst processes another crucial factor in landform formation.
Top Attractions of Wulingyuan National Park
Wulingyuan National Park is located in the northwest of Hunan Province, and it consists of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and Yangjiajie Scenic Area.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a green treasure trove filled with natural beauty, renowned for its peculiar peaks, secluded valleys, and exquisite forests. The peaks here have clear lines and various shapes, resembling an elderly man gathering herbs, a couple hugging their child, the God of Longevity greeting guests, a double-sided Buddha, and so on. When visiting here during your Zhangjiajie tours, you will surely marvel at the magnificent workmanship of nature.
Highlighted scenic spots: Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain), Huangshi Village
Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve
Tianzi Mountains in Wulingyuan National Park is reputed as "an enlarged bonsai, a miniaturized fairyland". The highest point, Tianzifeng, stands at an altitude of 1,262.5 meters, surrounded by stone peaks on the east, west, and south sides, earning it the reputation of "King of Peak Forests". If you visit here after a rain, you’ll be amazed by its unique charm, with mists spreading around, overflowing from valleys and covering forest peaks.
Highlighted scenic spots: Helong Park, Tianzi Pavilion, Yubi Peak, Dianjiang Terrace, Shenyang Bay
Suoxi Valley
Suoxi Valley of Wulingyuan Scenic Area got its name because the stream there resembles a rope in shape. It is famous for its peculiar caves, lakes nestled against the sky, diverse fauna, comprehensive flora, and unique landscapes. Visitors can take in the overall view of the connected scenic areas or explore each garden in detail. It can be said that there are scenes within scenes and gardens beyond gardens.
Highlighted scenic spots: Yellow Dragon Cave, Ten-Mile Gallery, Baofeng Lake
Yangjiajie
Yangjiajie in Wulingyuan National Park is the last developed scenic area among the four major scenic spots in Wulingyuan of Zhangjiajie. It is a masterpiece meticulously carved by nature, a fantastical world interwoven with mountains and clouds, stones and forests. For those who love climbing and seek challenges, "One Step to Heaven" in Yangjiajie is a place that cannot be missed.
Highlighted scenic spots: Oolong Village, One Step to Heaven, Corridor in the Cliffs, Longquan Waterfall
>> Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours including Wulingyuan
What to Do in Wulingyuan
Admire the Peculiar Peaks and Rocks
Stepping into Wulingyuan National Park is like entering a fantastical kingdom of stones. The numerous peculiar peaks and grotesque rocks here come in various shapes and forms. The "Hallelujah Mountains" in Yuanjiajie are based on the "Floating Mountains" in the movie "Avatar". They rise abruptly from the ground, piercing through the clouds, with the mountain tops shrouded in mist, as if suspended in the air, creating a dreamlike and magical scene.
Hike along the Golden Whip Stream
Golden Whip Stream is located within Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with a total length of about 7.5 kilometers. Hiking here is a unique experience. As you stroll along the cobblestone path by the stream, you’ll hear the sound of tinkling water and see green mountains and valleys. At that moment, you will feel as if you have stumbled into a real-life "Wizard of Oz". With good luck, you might spot animals in Wulingyuan National Park, such as monkeys.
>> Recommended 6-Day Zhangjiajie hiking tour
Enjoy a Boat Tour on Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake in Wulingyuan National Park is one of the filming locations for the Water Curtain Cave scenes in the Journey to the West. Taking a boat to explore the lake, you'll see that the unique peaks and rocks on both shores are reflected in the water, forming a stunning landscape. It's truly delightful to enjoy the lake breeze on the boat. During the boat tour, Tujia young men and women will engage in antiphonal singing with tourists, which adds fun to your Zhangjiajie tour to Wulingyuan.
Take the Bailong Elevator to Overlook Wulingyuan
How can you miss the Bailong Elevator when exploring the magnificent scenery of Wulingyuan National Park? This elevator, with a 335-meter vertical height difference, holds the Guinness World Record as the "Highest Outdoor Elevator". It carries visitors from the bottom of the valley to the top of the mountain, allowing you to overlook the peak forest wonders from a unique perspective. The elevator cabin is fully transparent, and as it ascends, you may feel like traveling to the Avatar planet.
Taste Delicious Local Cuisine
The food culture of Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie goes beyond satisfying the delight of the taste buds; it lies in the art of transforming everyday ingredients into enchanting culinary feasts through simple cooking techniques. Sanxia Guo (a stew with three main ingredients), mugwort cake, bacon stir-fried with dried bamboo shoots, and Tujia sour meat are all must-try delicacies. Tasting these dishes will make your trip to Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie even more fulfilling.
Best Time to Visit Wulingyuan National Park
The months from April to October are recognized as the best times to travel to Wulingyuan in Zhangjiajie. During these months, the weather of Wulingyuan is fine and the climate is pleasant, making them the perfect time for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural scenery. However, Wulingyuan in winter is serene with enchanting views, which also offers a chance to admire the snowy landscape.
>> Read more about Zhangjiajie Weather
Wulingyuan Entrance
Wulingyuan National Park has a total of five entrance gates to the scenic area, namely the East Gate (Wujiayu Ticket Station) of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the South Gate (Forest Park Ticket Station), the West Gate (Yangjiajie Ticket Station), the North Gate (Tianzishan Ticket Station), and the Middle Gate (Zimugang Ticket Station). You can choose an entrance to Wulingyuan based on your itinerary plans and stay nearby. After entering the scenic area, pick up a map of Wulingyuan for easy navigation.
Wulingyuan Hotel
When it comes to where to stay in Wulingyuan, you can consider hotels in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which allows you to have an easy access to the scenic spots. Among the hotels and hostels in Wulingyuan District, Wulingyuan Hotel in Zhangjiajie, the best garden-style and ecological hotel in Zhangjiajie, is a good choice. Besides, Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, a luxury hotel blending modern design with Tujia and Miao architectural features, is also a wise option.
How to Get to Wulingyuan from Zhangjiajie
From Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport
Wulingyuan of Hunan, China is located 34 kilometers from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, and there is no direct bus to Wulingyuan Scenic Area. So you need to take Bus No.4 to Zhangjiajie downtown and then transfer to a bus bound for Wulingyuan, or take a taxi to the scenic area.
From Zhangjiajie West Railway Station
Zhangjiajie has four railway stations, among which Zhangjiajie West Railway Station is the most commonly used one. It is 18 kilometers away from Wulingyuan and 5 kilometers away from the downtown area of Zhangjiajie. If you arrive in Zhangjiajie by train and want to go to Wulingyuan National Park, walk to the Tourism Distribution Center on the right side of the exit and take a direct shuttle bus, which departs every 40 minutes and costs CNY 13.
From Zhangjiajie Downtown
If you find yourself in Zhangjiajie downtown area, you can head to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station and take a bus to Wulingyuan Bus Station, which also offers buses from Wulingyuan to Tianmen Mountain. Alternatively, take a coach directly to the Forest Park Ticket Station for scenic spots. Chartering a car is economical (CNY 100-150 one-way) when shared among 4-6 people.
By the way, if you also want to visit Fenghuang Ancient Town after your tour of Wulingyuan, you need to go back to Zhangjiajie downtown and take a bus or bullet train, as there is no direct bus from Wulingyuan to Fenghuang.
>> Check out how to get to Zhangjiajie
How to Get to Wulingyuan from Changsha
To travel from Changsha to Wulingyuan, a bullet train is a preferred choice, allowing you to get from Changsha to Zhangjiajie in about 2 hours. After arriving at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, you can take a direct bus to Wulingyuan. Alternatively, you can go to Changsha West Bus Station and board a bus to Wulingyuan National Park, with a journey of 4.5 hours and a cost of CNY 103.
Plan Your Zhangjiajie Tour to Wulingyuan with ETC
Want to experience an unforgettable trip to Wulingyuan National Park in Zhangjiajie? You can plan your tour with Easy Tour China, a travel agency with over 20 years of experience in Chinese tourism. Below are our popular China tours including Zhangjiajie.
If you also want to customize your itinerary, feel free to contact us.
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