Zhangjiajie Qixing Mountain

Where Karst, Forest & Legacy Converge

• The Forest and Karst: A Symbiotic Quiet

At the heart of Qixing Mountain lies a rare 32-square-kilometer karst “sky platform,” a geological wonder where stone and vegetation merge. This plateau stays cool at around 9°C even in summer, a refuge from lowland heat, with air scented by pine and damp earth. Over 1300 square kilometers of primitive forests form a pristine ecosystem on the karst slopes, untouched by heavy human intervention.Sculpted by millennia of wind and rain, the karst terrain provides a rugged foundation. Cliffs and crevices are homes where Wuling pines cling to rock, ferns nestle in hollows, and magnolias reach for the sun. In return, the forest softens stone, retains moisture, and sustains a cool microclimate. It’s a silent partnership—rock gives structure, forest gives life—crafting an ancient, grand landscape.

• A Haven for Rare Wildlife

This biodiversity hotspot is home to wild animals that roam freely. The forest teems with life: macaques leap between branches, muntjacs graze in clearings, and hedgehogs curl at disturbance. At dusk, civet cats slink through undergrowth, while rock eagles soar above the peaks.The rare red monkey is a precious species whose fiery fur stands out against the green backdrop. Spotting these elusive creatures is a testament to the unspoiled ecosystem. Protected species like pangolins and colorful pheasants add to the magic, alongside boars, weasels, and barmots. Every hike becomes a thrilling adventure, where every rustle signals a new encounter with nature’s wonders.

• Ancient Flora: Living Relics of Time

The vegetation of Qixing Mountain is extraordinary, with rare ancient plants clinging to the karst terrain. Chinese tulip trees and officinal magnolias stand like living fossils, while thousand-year-old boxwood shrubs bear the marks of time.Davidia involucrata (dove trees) have white bracts like fluttering birds, alongside resilient endemic Wuling pines. The mountain is a treasure trove of medicinal plants—Gastrodia elata, sumac, and yellow lotus—relied on by locals for generations. Every step reveals a new wonder, from tiny wildflowers to ancient trees standing sentinel over the karst landscape.

• Echoes of a Mountain Village

Amidst this splendor, human history adds cultural charm. Once, a village thrived here at over 1200 meters, a self-sufficient enclave cut off from the modern world, where locals lived in harmony with the mountain’s bounty.Ten years ago, seeking convenience, most moved down to Daping Town, leaving behind stone houses. Today, only two or three families remain, returning to gather herbs and vegetables, linking the mountain’s past to its present. Wandering the abandoned village, you’ll find cottages and blooming wildflowers. Meeting these families is a privilege, as they share tales of mountain life and the ancient wisdom of coexisting with nature.

Highlighted Landmarks: Where the Earth Meets the Sky

• 1520 Sky Eye Glass Platform: Perched at 1520 meters above sea level, this architectural marvel is a romantic symbol of “I love you forever” in local culture. The name declares love, as the numbers 1-5-2-0 phonetically represent “I Love You” in Chinese, making it a pilgrimage for couples seeking to lock their love amidst the clouds. A circular glass disk juts a heart-stopping 16 meters out over the abyss, offering unobstructed 360° views of the valleys below and the distant Zhangjiajie cityscape. The floor is made of ultra-clear, high-strength glass, providing a transparent perspective that makes you feel as if you are walking on air. The adrenaline rush is real as the wind blows and the mountains loom. Standing here, you feel suspended between heaven and earth, ranking it alongside Tianmen Mountain’s famous glass walkways. However, what sets the 1520 Sky Eye apart is its unique circular design, which wraps around you like an embrace, offering a more immersive and panoramic experience that is breathtaking.
• Qixing Mountain Cableway: Access the mountain’s core via this scenic cableway (local name: 索道), an engineering marvel renowned as the “First Span in Asia.” This architectural feat features the world’s steepest single-span, soaring over 1,700 meters across the peaks with a breathtaking vertical drop. As you board the modern glass-bottomed gondola, you will smoothly glide over lush forests and karst peaks, ascending from the foot of the mountain to the summit in just minutes. On clear days, the view is spectacular; you feel as if you are floating through a sea of clouds, with the majestic quartz sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie rising beneath you like a surreal landscape. The transparent floor offers an immersive “sky-walk” sensation, providing sweeping views of the valley and making it a gentle, scenic start (or end) to your adventure.
• Tianshi Cave: Tucked into the karst cliffs, this ancient cave (local name: 天师洞) blends natural rock formations with subtle cultural traces. It is named after the revered “Celestial Master,” adding a layer of mystique to the geological wonders. Wander its cool, winding passages to discover stalactites and the quiet atmosphere of a hidden mountain grotto. As you venture deeper, you are greeted by a surreal underground landscape where thousands of years of dripping water have sculpted the stone into breathtaking shapes—resembling towering pagodas, mythical beasts, and cascading waterfalls frozen in time. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dreamlike atmosphere, making every twist and turn a new discovery. It is a sanctuary of silence and serenity, offering a cool retreat from the mountain heat and a glimpse into the earth’s ancient history.
• Ruyi Bridge Glass Walkway:Stretching 199.99 meters long, this is one of the longest and widest glass bridges in Zhangjiajie. The number itself is auspicious, symbolizing “eternal love” (long-lasting) in Chinese culture, making it a favorite spot for couples to take memorable wedding photos against the backdrop of the sky. Its unique design features a suspended, lotus-shaped platform that appears to float in the clouds. As you walk across the transparent floor, the dramatic visual impact of the deep valley beneath your feet is both terrifying and breathtaking. The ultra-clear glass acts like a mirror of the sky, reflecting the clouds and sunlight, creating a vertigo-inducing illusion that you are walking on air. The bridge gently sways with the mountain breeze, turning every step into a thrilling dance with gravity, yet offering a perspective that feels like standing at the edge of the world.
• Zhaixing Terrace (1528.6m altitude): Located at the mountain’s highest point, this terrace offers a front-row seat to the most spectacular sunrise in the region. The altitude, 1528.6 meters, holds a special charm in Chinese culture as the numbers phonetically imply “I want you to prosper,” adding a touch of auspiciousness to the natural grandeur. As dawn breaks, the sky is painted in soft hues of pink and gold, casting a warm glow over the jagged karst peaks that stretch to the horizon. Below, a vast ocean of clouds often surges and billows, swallowing the valleys and leaving only the mountain tops exposed like islands in a white sea. The changing light creates a magical, ethereal landscape that makes it a paradise for photographers and romantics alike, offering a moment of pure tranquility and awe.

Activities for Different Preferences: Adventure & Serenity

• For Thrill-Seekers:
   
  1. Via Ferrata Rock Climbing (Feilada):
     Challenge your limits by scaling the natural karst cliffs via a protected iron path. This is not just climbing; it is an adventure that takes you along sheer rock faces, testing your courage amid panoramic views of the valley floor thousands of feet below. Unlike traditional mountaineering, Feilada requires no prior technical experience, making the thrill of vertical ascent accessible to everyone. You will be securely harnessed and clipped into a steel cable, allowing you to focus entirely on the climb as you navigate iron rungs, suspension bridges, and zip lines bolted directly into the rugged limestone. Whether you choose a beginner-friendly route or a more advanced trail that hugs the cliff edge, the adrenaline rush is unmatched. It is a journey of self-discovery that rewards you with a profound sense of accomplishment and the most exhilarating perspective of the Zhangjiajie landscape.
      
     
  2. 1000m Alpine Luge (Pipe Track Slide): Experience the rush of gravity as you glide down the mountain on a 1000-meter-long pipe track. With an 80-meter vertical drop, you control the speed as you twist and turn through the forest, feeling the wind rush past your face. The enclosed pipe design ensures maximum safety, making it suitable for both adults and children to enjoy. Each rider gets a comfortable, secure sled with easy-to-operate handbrakes, letting you adjust pace from thrilling sprint to leisurely glide. Winding through dense greenery, you’ll zip past towering trees and catch fleeting views of distant karst peaks, blending adrenaline with the beauty of nature. It’s a fun-filled adventure that turns a mountain descent into an unforgettable ride for the whole family.
     
  3. Xiangxi Northwest Alpine Ski Resort: In winter, Qixing Mountain transforms into a snowy wonderland. The resort is the only outdoor alpine ski area in the region, offering over 50,000 square meters of snow-covered slopes. Equipped with advanced snow-making systems and comfortable magic carpets for easy ascent, it guarantees a premium skiing experience even if nature doesn’t immediately deliver. The slopes are carefully divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, ensuring both first-time learners and seasoned skiers can find their perfect rhythm. Whether you are mastering your first plow turn or carving through fresh powder at high speed, the crisp mountain air and stunning snowy scenery make carving through the snow here an unforgettable experience.
     
  4. Rime & Snow Scenery (local name: 雾凇雪景): Winter also brings stunning rime—pine trees draped in crystal-like frost, turning the forest into a glittering, fairy-tale landscape. This natural phenomenon occurs when freezing fog meets the mountain’s pines, coating every branch in thick layers of white ice that sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight. Unlike ordinary snow, rime creates a fragile, intricate beauty that transforms the rugged karst peaks into a serene white paradise. Walking through this “Ice Kingdom,” you’ll hear the crisp sound of frost breaking underfoot, while the trees stand like silver sculptures. It is a fleeting masterpiece of nature that adds a touch of magic to the winter air, making every visit a unique and ethereal journey.
     
   
• For Family & Relaxation:
   
  1. Tianjie Town & Accommodation: Wander through the charming Tianjie Town at the foot of the mountain, a unique “town above the clouds” featuring traditional architecture harmoniously integrated with the surrounding peaks. It offers a variety of boutique shops, local snack bars, and cozy cafes where you can relax after a day of hiking. Alternatively, stay in one of the upscale villa hotels or resort hotels nestled in the woods. These accommodations blend modern luxury with nature, offering spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the mountain scenery. You can soak in a private hot spring while gazing at the starry sky, enjoying a quiet retreat where you can fall asleep to the sound of the forest and wake up to birdsong.
     
  2. Stargazing Campsite (Alpine Camp): For a more immersive experience, spend the night at the Stargazing Campsite. With RVs and tents available, you can lie back and gaze up at the Milky Way. Due to the high altitude and lack of light pollution, the stars here are incredibly bright and clear. Surrounded by the silence of the night and the rustling of pine trees, you can pitch a tent or relax in a cozy RV, feeling as if you are sleeping inside a planetarium. The celestial display is so vivid that the stars seem close enough to touch, offering a rare chance to reconnect with the universe away from city noise. It is the perfect base to end your day under a blanket of stars and wake up early for the breathtaking sunrise at Zhaixing Terrace.
     
   
• Unique Experience: International Wilderness Survival Base:

   

  The mountain gained viral fame (over 18.2 billion views) for its Wilderness Survival Challenge—specifically the 2025 “Qixing Mountain Cup” Extreme Wilderness Survival Tournament (hosted by Zhangjiajie Qixing Xianshan Cableway Co., Ltd. and organized by Lao Liu Wilderness). Today, it offers a unique International Wilderness Survival Base where visitors can learn ancient survival skills, forage for food, and experience what it means to truly live off the land in a controlled and educational environment. Guided by professional instructors (many of whom participated in the tournament), participants master practical skills: starting a fire with primitive tools, building weatherproof shelters using local branches and vines, identifying edible wild plants (like mountain herbs) and safe water sources, and even setting simple traps for small game. The adventure continues in the “Wilderness Kitchen,” where you cook your foraged bounty—such as bamboo tube rice and grilled mountain delicacies—over an open flame, tasting the true flavors of nature. As night falls, gather around a roaring campfire to share stories under the stars, forging deep bonds with fellow adventurers. Beyond thrill, this experience fosters deep respect for nature—letting visitors connect with the wilderness while understanding the delicate balance between human ingenuity and the natural world. It’s a blend of adventure and education that challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, leaving a lasting impression of self-reliance and environmental awareness.