Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the southwest of Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province. It is a core scenic spot of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area and was officially established in 1982, with a total area of 48.1 square kilometers. It is the first national forest park in China.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has successively won the titles of national first batch of world natural heritage, national first batch of world geological park, national key scenic spot, national 5A – level scenic spot, etc. It is a popular tourist destination at home and abroad.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: An Epic Karst Peak Sanctuary of Nature
When the panorama of “3,000 jagged peaks rising from the earth, 800 winding streams meandering through the land” unfolds before your eyes, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park becomes Earth’s romantic answer to the wonder of karst landscapes. This is no mere collection of isolated scenic spots—it’s a giant natural museum where geological marvels, ecological secrets, and human culture are woven into a single tapestry of mountains and waters. From the crisp clarity of Golden Whip Stream to the cloud seas of Tianzi Mountain, every inch of this land tells a story written over hundreds of millions of years.
The Birth of the Peak Forest: A Geological Fantasy Spanning Eons
Long before humans walked the earth, this land lay submerged beneath a vast ancient ocean. The story of Zhangjiajie began 380 million years ago, when marine sediments settled on the ocean floor. Over millennia, the forces of nature—crustal uplift, ceaseless water erosion, and the patient carving of wind—transformed these sediments into the quartz sandstone peak forest we see today.
Spanning 4,810 hectares, Zhangjiajie National forest park is a sanctuary for 3,103 uniquely shaped sandstone pillars. These monoliths, ranging from tens to over 400 meters in height, rise from the valley floor like a silent “stone army,” their silhouettes shifting and shimmering, appearing and disappearing within the swirling morning mist.
The streams, valleys, and forests that thread through these peaks are nature’s gentle counterpoint to the rugged stone. Water has softened the sharp edges of time, while resilient vegetation has wrapped the rocks in a blanket of emerald warmth. Together, they forge Zhangjiajie’s signature soul: a breathtaking blend of raw, untamed grandeur and delicate, living beauty.
Practical Essentials: Navigating the Wonderland
- Free Shuttle Buses: Zhangjiajie National Forest park operates an extensive network of free eco-friendly shuttle buses, connecting all major scenic spots and entrance gates. Running frequently from early morning until late evening, they are the primary and most convenient way to get around—no need to stress about getting lost, as clear signage guides you to designated bus stops.
- Scenic Transport (Paid):While the shuttles are free, several iconic paid transport options elevate your experience (and save time), with views that make every penny worthwhile:
- Bailong Elevator: The world’s tallest outdoor elevator, offering a jaw-dropping vertical ascent up the quartz sandstone cliff face, whisking you from the valley to Yuanjiajie in minutes.
- Cableways: The Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, and Yellow Stone Village cableways glide over lush valleys and peak forests, delivering unobstructed bird’s-eye vistas of the surreal landscape.
- Tenli Gallery Train: A relaxing, slow-paced alternative to hiking the entire 5-kilometer valley, letting you soak in the natural rock sculptures without tiring your feet.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Bailong Elevator
Hidden Natural Wonders: Wandering Between Peaks and Valleys
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Golden Whip Stream: A Emerald Ribbon Through Time
Starting from the main gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Golden Whip Stream leads you into the heart of the peak forest like a ribbon of emerald. This 7.5-kilometer stream takes its name from the adjacent “Golden Whip Rock”—a 380-meter-tall peak that glows like a gilded whip in sunlight, its quartz sandstone surface shimmering.The stream varies in depth: in shallow spots, you can wade barefoot, the cool water carrying the chill of river stones over your ankles; in deeper sections, it mirrors the peaks, as if the sky itself has been crumpled into the current. Along the way, macaques often dangle from tree branches, munching wild fruit and eyeing passersby—sometimes dropping a pinecone to ripple the water’s surface. At the end, the fork at “Four Gates Wrapped in Water” leads to Yuanjiajie, but the pine-scented valley breeze clings to your clothes, lingering long after you leave.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Golden Whip Stream
Yellow Stone Village: A Scenic Fortress on the Peak
Perched atop a quartz sandstone peak, Yellow Stone Village, aslo named Huangshizhai, is a classic “fortress-style” scenic spot in Zhangjiajie national park. Climbing to its viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the surrounding peak forest, with layers of stone pillars stretching into the distance—especially stunning when shrouded in morning mist. Dubbed “the Balcony of Zhangjiajie,” it sits 1,080 meters above sea level, reachable via 3,878 winding stone steps or a scenic cableway that glides over lush valleys. At dawn, mist wraps around the spires, and sunlight filters through to gild the stone, creating an ethereal scene. The circular platform here unfolds 360° vistas, making it a favorite for capturing the park’s grand, dreamlike beauty.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Yellow Stone Village
Yangjiajie Scenic Area: Rugged Beauty of the West
Known for its wild, untamed landscape, Yangjiajie Scenic Area features steep cliffs, narrow valleys, and unique rock formations (such as “The General’s Rock”). It’s a favorite among hikers seeking less-crowded trails and dramatic views. This is the “wild child” of Zhangjiajie, offering a raw, adventurous alternative to the bustling east. Its crown jewel, the Tianbo Mansion, is a cluster of towering stone pillars resembling an ancient fortress, while the Natural Great Wall is a 2,000-meter-long stone ridge that mimics the architectural wonder. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, dare to walk the Sky Corridor—a glass walkway clinging to a 1,400-meter cliff—where the vertigo-inducing drop is rewarded with unobstructed, heart-stopping vistas of the valley floor thousands of feet below.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Yangjiajie Scenic Area
Yuanjiajie: The “Hallelujah Mountains” of Avatar
A flat-topped karst plateau (dubbed Zhangjiajie’s “sky platform”), Yuanjiajie is globally famous as the inspiration for Avatar’s “Hallelujah Mountains.” Its star attraction is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (formerly the Southern Sky Column)—a 1,080-meter peak balanced on a slender stone base, as if floating in the air.Standing on the Sky City Terrace, you’ll gaze out at a “sea of peaks”—thousands of quartz sandstone pillars rising like spires through the clouds. Don’t miss The First Bridge Under Heaven: a natural stone arch spanning 20 meters between two peaks, its surface worn smooth by millennia of wind. Accessible via cable car, Yuanjiajie’s wide trails make it perfect for families to wander, with every turn revealing a new angle of the surreal landscape.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-The First Bridge Under Heaven
Tianzi Mountain: Where Clouds Dance With Peaks
Named after a Tujia chieftain who declared himself the “Son of Heaven” (Tianzi), this 1,262-meter mountain is Tianzi Mountain’s best spot for sunrises, sunsets, and cloud seas. At dawn, head to Cloud Dispelling Platform: as the sky lightens, clouds surge around the peaks, leaving only their tops exposed like islands in a white ocean. The golden sunlight spills over the jagged skyline, turning the stone spires amber.Other highlights include Fairy Flower Waterfall (a cascade tumbling down a cliff covered in wildflowers) and Panda Peak (a rock formation that uncannily resembles a giant panda). Trails wind through moss-draped pine forests, and in autumn, the slopes blaze with red maple leaves—adding a warm hue to the cool stone landscape.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Tianzi Mountain
Tenli Gallery(Shili Hualang): A Living Landscape Painting
Stretching 5 kilometers (literally “a 10-li art gallery”), this valley unfolds like a scroll of natural sculptures. Every step reveals a new rock formation shaped like figures, animals, or objects: Golden Toad Watching the Moon (a toad-like boulder gazing skyward), Pregnant Mother Peak (a peak curved like a pregnant woman), and Eagle Spreading Its Wings (a cliff edge that looks like a bird in flight).You can explore on foot (following the tree-lined path) or take a leisurely tourist train—either way, the Tenli Gallery wraps you in quiet: bamboo rustles in the wind, birds chirp from hidden perches, and the peaks frame every view like a painted border. It’s a place where nature is both artist and masterpiece.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Tenli Gallery
Shadao Stream: A Steep Hiking Trail
Shadao Stream is a challenging hiking route that winds down from Yuanjiajie to Golden Whip Stream. It features steep stone steps, lush vegetation, and occasional waterfalls—popular among adventure seekers looking for a more immersive experience. This 5-kilometer “hidden gem” is a stark contrast to the park’s paved paths, offering a rugged descent through deep gorges where sunlight barely penetrates the thick canopy. Along the way, you’ll navigate slippery rocks and cross swaying wooden bridges, with the thunderous roar of the Flying Dragon Waterfall guiding your path. It is a strenuous journey that typically takes 3 to 4 hours, often leaving hikers breathless but rewarded with the park’s most pristine, untouched scenery and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Shadao Stream
Daguantai Platform: Panoramic Views of the Peak Forest
Located on the north side of Tianzi Mountain, Daguantai Platform is a renowned viewing spot for sunrises and cloud seas. Its broad platform offers unobstructed views of the “thousand peaks” landscape, with layers of stone pillars extending to the horizon. Unlike the crowded viewpoints in the east, this location provides a quiet sanctuary where the morning mist often transforms the valley into a rolling ocean of white, leaving only the jagged summits exposed like islands in a dream. As the sun rises, the golden light bathes the quartz sandstone, turning the grey peaks into a fiery red spectacle that photographers cherish. It is a place where time stands still, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the grandeur of nature’s masterpiece.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Daguantai Platform
Human Threads in the Wild: Culture Woven Into the Mountains
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Kidney Village(Yaozizhai): A Secluded Tujia Enclave
Tucked in a kidney-shaped valley, Kidney Village is a small Tujia settlement that feels frozen in time. Wooden stilt houses cling to the slopes, their eaves curved like the wings of birds. Locals still practice traditional customs: you can taste homemade Tujia bacon (smoked over pine fires) and rice wine, or watch the Hand-Waving Dance—a rhythmic performance where villagers wave their hands in sync with folk songs.Terraced fields wrap around the village, and in spring, they bloom with rice seedlings; in autumn, they turn golden. It’s a quiet escape from the busier scenic spots, where you can sit on a stone bench, listen to the stream, and feel the slow pulse of mountain life. (it is not open to tourists for the moment due to the falling rocks)
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Kidney Village
Suspending Terrace(Kongzhong Tianyuan): Farming on the Cliffs
Carved into steep karst slopes, the Suspending Terrace, also known as Laowuchang,are a testament to Tujia farmers’ ingenuity. For centuries, locals chiseled these terraces into the cliffs to grow rice, corn, and vegetables—turning unyielding rock into fertile land. In spring, the terraces are a patchwork of green; in autumn, they blaze with golden crops.Above the terraces, the Suspending Waterfall tumbles 30 meters down a cliff, its spray misting the crops below. Walking here, you’ll see farmers tending to the fields, their figures small against the giant peaks—a reminder that humans and nature have coexisted here for generations.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park-Suspending Terrace
Travel Tips
1.The opening time of Zhangjiajie forest park scenic spot is 7.00am-17:00, all shuttle buses ,elevators and cable ways in the park will stop running at 18:00, but it will extend the running time in the peak season during summer time or golden week holidays. The ticket office closed at 17:00 and there are people on duty for 24 hours a day. Zhangjiajie forest park area is quite large, it is recommended not to go in after 4:00PM, as there is not much time to pay a visit to any scenic spot in the park.
2.Tickets of Zhangjiajie national forest park is 239rmb/person,tourists can buy the tickets in the tickets office on the spot,strongly recommended to book zhangjiajie national forest park tickets in advance to avoid huge line buying tickets . Always bear in mind not believe in any cheap tickets offered by local scalper.The ticket is valid for 4 days, that means tourist can use the tickets to get in and out of the park within 4 days. There are free E-co shuttle buses transfer tourist from place to place inside the park, but need to pay extra for riding the elevator, cable way or sightseeing car. Click to Book Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets
3.Tourist can get access to Zhangjiajie national forest park through 5 different gates, they are Wulingyuan wujiayu ticket station (east gate),Zi mu gang ticket station (southeast gate),Zhangjiajie national forest park gate (south gate),Tianzi mountain ticket station (northwest gate),Yangjiajie ticket station (west gate). Click here to see more information about the 5 entrance gate of Zhangjiajie national park.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
