Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie is a mysterious land covering about 1,200 hectares with an altitude of up to 1,074 meters. It borders Tianzi Mountains to the north, connects to Yangjiajie to the west, faces Huangshizhai to the south, and is adjacent to Golden Whip Stream to the east. Famous for its "Hallelujah Mountain," which served as the filming location for the movie "Avatar", Yuanjiajie Scenic Area attracts numerous visitors from home and abroad.
Yuanjiajie Facts
Origin of the Name of Yuanjiajie
The name of Yuanjiajie originated from the period of the Later Tang Dynasty. After the failure of the Huang Chao Rebellion, the imperial court posted notices everywhere to capture the rebel forces. There was a soldier surnamed Yuan under Huang Chao. To evade capture, he came to live in seclusion on Qingyan Mountain, a remote place far away from human habitation. He built a hut here, reclaimed land to grow crops, and named this place after his surname, calling it "Yuanjiajie".
Must-Visit Attractions in Yuanjiajie Zhangjiajie
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Do you remember the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie "Avatar"? Yuanjiajie’s Heaven and Earth Pillar (Qiankun Zhu) was the inspiration for it. Also known as Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the Heaven and Earth Pillar stands at the southern end of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in Wulingyuan National Park. The lush vegetation atop its peak contrasts beautifully with its unique shape, while the vertical joints give it the appearance of being chopped by an axe, making it stand tall and proud in Zhangjiajie.No.1 Bridge in the World
As one of the "Top Ten Spectacular Sceneries" for Zhangjiajie travel, Yuanjiajie’s No.1 Bridge in the World is a must-see site during your Zhangjiajie tour. It is a naturally formed stone bridge that spans between two mountains. The width of the bridge deck varies from 1.5 to 3 meters, and it is over 20 meters long, with an absolute height of 350 meters. On the bridge, tall and straight pine trees stand, while below the bridge, clouds swirl, and the depth is unfathomable.
Enchanting Terrace
The Enchanting Terrace is a naturally formed viewing platform. It got its name because the scenery here is so enchanting that it captivates and mesmerizes visitors, making them reluctant to leave. When you stand on the Enchanting Platform of Yuanjiajie, you can see numerous peculiar peaks and rocks, as well as misty clouds. Especially in the early morning or after rain, the sea of clouds slowly rises from the valleys, enveloping the isolated peaks as if it were a gathering of immortals or like ships sailing on a vast sea.
Back Garden
The Back Garden is located at the junction of Zhongping and Xiaping in Yuanjiajie. As you stroll along the path and admire the scenery, you will come across a breathtaking sight at a turn of the cliff—dozens of peculiar peaks rising jaggedly from the dark green abyss below. This is the Back Garden of Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie. It is a serene and peaceful place, where trees are lush and flowers emit an attractive fragrance. Wandering through it, you may feel as if you are in a natural oxygen bar.
>> Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours including Yuanjiajie
What to Do in Yuanjiajie
Ride the Bailong Elevator to Appreciate the Stunning Views
Bailong Elevator is a perfect combination of natural beauty and man-made wonders. It can take you to Yuanjiajie in 66 seconds. It features a double-deck, fully exposed car design. As the elevator ascends, the surrounding scenery gradually becomes more expansive, until finally reaching the mountain top, revealing the Enchanting Terrace and the Avatar mountains before your eyes. The towering stone peaks resemble pagodas, swords, spears, or even giants standing between heaven and earth.
Challenge to Walk along the Cliff Plank Path
In Yuanjiajie, there is a thrilling cliff plank path that winds along the steep mountain cliffs. Walking on it, you’ll find yourself above an abyss of unknown depth. The plank path spans nearly two kilometers in length, with some sections made of transparent glass, providing an exhilarating experience. Standing on the glass plank path, you can see clouds swirling around, with peaks intermittently appearing and disappearing, resembling a fairyland. Every step is filled with a challenge but also brings an unparalleled sense of achievement.
Venture into the Peak Forest Maze of Yuanjiajie
Among the peak forests of Yuanjiajie hides a natural maze. It is composed of numerous stone pillars, stone walls, and caves, making you feel as if you are inside a giant three-dimensional puzzle. Upon entering the maze, you will find that every path leads in a different direction, and every choice brings a brand-new experience. Occasionally, some hidden trails will appear in the maze, which can only be discovered through careful observation, adding a touch of surprise to the journey.Take Breathtaking Pictures
Yuanjiajie can be said to be a paradise for photographers. When clouds drift over the floating mountains and the peak forests appear ethereal, it resembles an ink painting. The best times for taking photos are early morning and dusk, when the light is soft, allowing for fairyland-like effects to be captured during your tours of Zhangjiajie to Yuanjiajie.
Pay a Visit to Yuanjia Village
Yuanjia Village is the only private building within the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Visiting there, you will surely marvel at the unique Tujia architectural style, with its distinctive gate design and cleverly upturned eaves. Inside the village, there are many historical artifacts and daily necessities of the Tujia people displayed, through which you can catch a glimpse of Tujia traditions and customs. Additionally, you'll have the chance to witness the mysterious Tujia cultural phenomena of "corpse-carrying," "crying for marriage," and "poisoning," which are fascinating.
Best Time to Visit Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie can be visited all year round, but the best times to visit there are from April to May and September to October. The climate is mild in April and May, with a high occurrence rate of sea of clouds, making it one of the most beautiful times in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. From September to October, it is covered with colorful forests, presenting a breathtaking scene, which offers the best opportunity for photography.
>> Check out Zhangjiajie weather & best time to visit Zhangjiajie
How to Tour Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie is suitable for tourists of all ages. You can choose to take the shuttle bus and Bailong Elevator for an easy tour, or explore this land on foot. Here are two popular travel routes.
Route 1 (classical route): Take Bailong Elevator uphill → Enchanting Terrace → Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Zhu) → No.1 Bridge in the World → The Back Garden → Hike or take the cable car downhill
Route 2 (hiking route): Hike from Luanchuan Slope uphill → No.1 Bridge in the World → Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Zhu)Enchanting Terrace → The Back Garden
Tips: You can get a map of Yuanjiajie at the tourist center for easy navigation.
How to Get to Yuanjiajie
To get to Yuanjiajie, you need to reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park first, where Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is located.
You can fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and then take an airport shuttle bus or taxi to the Zhangjiajie downtown area, where you can transfer to a tourist bus directly to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Remember to get off at the East Gate (Wujiayu Ticket Station). If you prefer to take the high-speed train, you can travel to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station and then take a shuttle bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Upon arriving at the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take a sightseeing bus to Bailong Elevator Station, and then take the elevator up the mountain to reach Yuanjiajie.
>> Read more about how to get to ZhangjiajiePlan Your Zhangjiajie Tour to Yuanjiajie with ETC
Whether you are seeking classic spots for sightseeing, Zhangjiajie hiking trails, or novel ways to travel, Yuanjiajie is definitely worth a visit. If you want to explore the best of Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie with local private guides, you can travel with Easy Tour China. We are a local China travel agency dedicated to providing tailor-made tours to China for our vast number of tourists. Below are our highlighted Zhangjiajie tour packages including Yuanjiajie.
If you want to customize your tour, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our professional team will ensure your trip goes smoothly and unlock a different side of Yuanjiajie for you!
