Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Lying in the northwest of Hunan province, China, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park covers 4810 hectare, 32 kilometers from Zhangjiajie city. It was recognized as the first national forest park in China in 1988 and was included in World Heritage list by NUESCO in 1992.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also a World Geological Park, with a sandstone peak forest consisting of more than 3,000 knife-edged pillars. Certain geologists have even proposed naming this type of formation a "Zhangjiajie" Landform. The park together with Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve and Yangjiajie Nature Reserve constitute Wulingyuan Natioanl Park. For tourists who are planning to visit Zhangjiajie, we would say Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a must for your Zhangjiajie tour.
Top Reasons to Visit it
By far, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has already developed several scenic spots, such as, Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huang-shi-zhai), Golden Whip Stream (Jin-bian-xi), Yuanjiajie, etc. It not only boasts breathtaking natural landscape but also is rich in animal and plant resources. So it is titled 'Natural Garden' and ‘Kingdom of Wild Animals'.
The vegetation in the park is up to 98%. And there are 7 kinds of rare species (plant and animal) under the state-level protection. Among them, national-level protected animals include macaques, otters, big civets, musk deer, pangolins, golden roosters, and giant salamanders.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Facts
Cool and Fun Facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
1. The forest park is densely covered with more than 3,000 strange peaks and rocks that rise up vertically, making it the world's largest quartz sandstone peak forest geomorphology group.
2. The floating mountain in the movie “Avatar” was inspired by the Zhangjiajie Peak Forest. The prototype of “Hallelujah Mountain” is the Qiankun Pillar in the forest park.
3. The Bailong Elevator, with a vertical difference of 326 meters, was certified by Guinness as the “World's Highest Outdoor Elevator”.
4. There are more than 3,000 wild rhesus monkeys from different tribes living in the park. They will “rob” food from visitors and even know how to open the food bags.
5. Local Tujia medicine pickers still climb the cliffs of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with their bare hands to collect rock ears. They do not use safety ropes, but only rely on vines and rock crevices to move, and have been called “modern-day Spiderman”.
6. In 2010, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) named a stratigraphic period in the Cambrian period the “Zhangjiajie Stage” -- the only geological era in the world to be named after a scenic spot in China.
7. Tianmen Mountain is not part of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
>> Recommended 3-day Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour
How was Zhangjiajie National Forest Formed
One of the ten unique national forest parks in China, Zhangjiajie landform is a special type of sandstone landform. The quartz sandstone peak forest here was formed 380 million years ago, even earlier than the dinosaur age.
In the tectonic background of the South China Plate and the subtropical humid zone, the Middle and Devonian quartz sandstones with nearly horizontal occurrence formed the parent rocks. A landform landscape mainly composed of tall stone pillar forests with straight edges and corners, was formed by forces such as water erosion, gravitational collapse and weathering. Under the influence of multiple factors, landscape types such as platforms, square mountains, stone walls, stone pillars, natural Bridges and residual forests was gradually formed.
What to See in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
1. Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Fitness needed: moderate
Yuanjiajie is located in the north of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, has a total area of about 1200 hectares and an average elevation of 1074 meters. It was named after a person surnamed Yuan who lived here in history. There are several attractions and among all the Bailong Elevator, the No.1 Bridge and the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain are highlighted.
Being the tallest outdoor elevator in the world, with the running speed at 5.25 meters per second, it only takes 66 seconds for the Bailong Elevator up the mountain from the mountain foot. The construction of the Bailong Elevator solves the traffic problem which is the biggest problem of developing the scenic area. It turns many inaccessible places into popular tourist attractions. When the elevator reaches the top of the mountain and visitors walk out of the station, a magical picture is surprise right in front of them. From here, you start to get the charm of Zhangjiajie.
The No. 1 Bridge, as one of the top ten scenic spots in Zhangjiajie, spans between two mountains. The bridge has a width of 2 meters and a thickness of 5 meters, a span of 25 meters, and a height of 357 meters from the mountain foot, which makes it very majestic. In fact, the two large mountains spanned by the No. 1 Bridge were originally connected together. It was named after a person surnamed Yuan who lived here in history. Geologists say the probability of its formation is lower than winning the lottery. The stone in the middle part is relatively fragile and gradually collapse due to the effects of weathering and now it has been formed like a stone bridge in front of us. There is a 2,000-meter-long stone slab path built on the edge of the cliff where is perfect for light hiking, from the No. 1 Bridge to the Ecstasy Terrace. Along the way with a pleasant hike, tourists are able to enjoy the marvelous beauty of nature.
Thousands of natural pillars can be found in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. One of them, Qiankun Pillar, which is considered to be the inspiration of the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar”, so the special pinnacle got its new name “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”. In December 2008, Hollywood photographer Hansen carried out a four-day location shooting in Zhangjiajie. A large number of landscape pictures later became the prototype of "Pandora" in the film “Avatar”. The Hallelujah Mountain is located at the southern end of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. It has a vertical height of about 150 meters and looks very distinctive.If you love “Avatar”, don’t forget to add Yuanjiajie Scenic Area into your Zhangjiajie tour plan.
>> Recommended 4-day Zhangjiajie Tour with Avatar Mountain
2. Golden Whip Stream
Fitness needed: low
Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream is one of the earliest scenic spots developed in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Zhangjiajie Golden Whip Stream scenic area is 5.7 kilometers long, and the general hiking time is about 2.5 to 3 hours. It’s said that the Golden Whip Stream (Jinbian River) is the most beautiful area in the whole Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Every cubic centimeter of air here contains 80,000-120,000 negative oxygen ions, which is 80 times higher than the WHO's “clean air standard”. It is called a natural oxygen bar. After entering from the entrance of Zhangjiajie Forest Park, you will reach the entrance of the Golden Whip Stream after a walk about 300 meters. Walking along the Golden Whip Stream, which flows between the serried peaks and luxuriant plants, to see what nature offers in such deep mountains.
The main tourist attractions of the Golden Whip Stream are Water winding four gates, Camel Peak, Guanyin Sending Children, Baijie carrying his wife on the back, Drunk Arhat, Condor Whip, Golden whip crag, Rescue Mother by cutting the mountain in halves and so on.Choose Golden Whip Stream for a light and leisure hike, would color your tour in Zhangjiajie.
>> Keep reading on Hiking in Zhangjiajie: Best Hiking Trails
3. Huangshizhai village
Fitness needed: moderate
Huangshizhai is the most famous scenic spot in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. There’s a local saying that "If you don't reach Huangshizhai, you will come to Zhangjiajie in vain". According to legend, Huangshizhai was named after a master Huang Shigong, who came here to make alchemy.
With more than 1,200 meters altitude, and a central location, Huangshizhai village is the best and largest viewing platform overlooking the sandstone peaks and also the best place to enjoy the sunrise. Standing on this large natural viewing platform, looking around, countless stone pillars forming a vast forest, make people feel bright and happy. There are more than 20 main attractions in the Huangshizhai area, such as the Tianshu Treasure Box, Nantian One Column, Natural Murals, Star Picking Platform, Yuanyang Spring, etc.
4. Wildlife
Zhangjiajie alone has 93 families and 517 species of woody plants, more than double that of the entire Europe. It is truly a treasure trove of forests. Precious tree species include Davidia involucrata, Ginkgo biloba, fragrant fruit tree, liriodendron chinense, Photinia variegata, Eucommia ulmoides, money willow, cat dung (a remnant tree species from the Tertiary period), silver magpie, and Taxus chinensis.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also rich in animal resources, and there are 156 species of terrestrial vertebrates of 22 orders and 59 families in the park. Rare and precious animals include giant salamander, rhesus monkeys, red-bellied pheasants, long-tailed pheasants, golden pheasants, musk, rhesus monkeys, rock sheep, otters, flying squirrels and so on.
How to Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
We suggest two travel routes below.
Tianzishan - Yuanjiajie - Ten Miles Gallery: Enter from the Wulingyuan Ticket office, take the shuttle bus to the lower station of Tianzishan Cable Car, and then go up the mountain. Visit scenic spots such as Helong Park and Yubi Peak. After lunch, take the shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area to visit the World's No. 1 Bridge, Haliluya Mountain, Houhuayuan, Mihun Terrace and other scenic spots. By taking the Bailong Ladder down the mountain, you can choose to visit the Golden Whip Stream or the Ten-Mile Gallery.
Huangshizhai-Golden Whip Stream: Enter through the ticket office of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Hike (1.5-2 hours) or take the cable car up to Huangshi Village's viewing platform, the largest in the Forest Park. In the afternoon, hike the Golden Whip Stream (7.5 kilometers in length, about 2 hours. Take the ring shuttle bus to Wulingyuan ticket office out.
>> Recommended 6-day Zhangjiajie Tour to Fenghuang Ancient Town
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Weather & Best Time to Visit
The park is famous for its strange peaks, quiet valleys and elegant forest. More than 3,000 sandstone hills with various shapes are erecting at the wonderful land.
Zhangjiajie International Forest Park belongs to the middle-subtropical climate zone. High mountains, deep valleys valleys and dense forests make the parkThe park's fresh air and high negative oxygen ion content make it an ideal place to relax and escape the summer heat.
In spring it is drowned by fragrance of brilliant flowers. In summer with cool wind, it is the great resort for leisure and relaxation. Mountains are decorated by red leaves and wild fruits in autumn whereas by glittering snow in winter. Different seasons show different sceneries in the park, which also make it an ideal destination for tour and holiday.
September to November. These two seasons offer a favorable climate and beautiful scenery for sightseeing, hiking and photography. cool in summer. The average annual temperature is 12.8℃, the average maximum temperature in summer is 16.8℃, and the average minimum temperature in winter is 9.6℃.
Don't get frustrated if you encounter a foggy day - the cloudy peaks and forests are the essence of Zhangjiajie.
>> Learn more about Zhangjiajie Weather
>> Recommended 4-day Zhangjiajie photography tour
How to get to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
From Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport: 1. Then take taxi or public bus No.4 to Zhangjiajie Centre Bus Station, and then take the tourists bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 2. Take taxi to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park directly. 3. The most convenient and recommended way from airport to the park is taking the private vehicle service of Easy Tour China. Please book the service at least one day in advance.
From Zhangjiajie Bus Station: take the tourists bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
From Zhangjiajie Rail Station: from the exit of the rail station, walk to Zhangjiajie Centre Bus Station which is about 100m away. Take the tourists bus to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park from Beijing
By Air: When planning a tour from Beijing to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the fastest way is to fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (approximately 2.5h), where take a taxi to get the park directly.
By train: Embark a bullet train from Beijing to Changsha (5.5 to 6.5h) and transfer another bullet speed train from Changsha to Zhangjiajie Railway Station (approximately 2.5h).
>> Recommended 5-day Beijing Zhangjiajie Getaway Tour
How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park from Shanghai
By air: For those planning Shanghai to Zhangjiajie tours, fly from Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport to Zhangjiajie airport (approximately 2.5h). Then take a taxi or meet your ETC guide and driver and transfer to the park.
By train: You may also consider take a high sleep train from Shanghai Railway Station to Changsha (4.5 to 5h) , connect with another bullet train to Zhangjiajie (about 2.5h).
>> Recommended 4-day Zhangjiajie Avatar Tour from Shanghai
If you travel from Chengdu or Chongqing to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you may also leverage the China high speed railway or the direct flight. The latter is the fastest and most convenient way.
>> Recommended 13-day Chengdu to Guizhou & Zhangjiajie Discovery
Travel Tips
1. It’s very easy to get confused by the names of difference scenic areas in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. So it’s important to be clear about what is what, or just join Easy Tour China for your private guided Zhangjiajie tour.
2. Good walking and antiskid shoes always help.
3. Ready for crowds and queues before taking the Bailong Elevator especially in peak season.
4. Be careful of the wild monkeys. They sometimes rob tourists for food.
5. Restaurants in the park are basic and offer simple food. So take some snack as backup.
6. Shared shuttle buses inside the park can be used for transfer between different sites.
7. Ready for steps and moderate hiking in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
8. Don’t miss the latest cable car down which is at 18:00.
9. A local tour guide is highly recommended.
10. There is no glass bridge in Zhangjiajie National Park. You can visit Tianmen Mountain for the glass skywalk or Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge.
11. Cable cars, Bailong elevators, and shuttle buses are available for wheelchair-users who have limited mobility.
>> Explore more Zhangjiajie Travel FAQs and Zhangjiajie Travel Tips
Plan a Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour with ETC
The avatar mountains. Golden Whip Steam hiking. The discovery of over 3000 sandstone peaks. What excites you? Travel with Easy Tour China with a customized private adventure at your own pace & style, with the confidence that our local guide will show you the top things to do in Zhangjiajie in your preferred way.
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