Zhangjiajie National Forest is located in the Hunan province of China. It is known for its incredible natural beauty, unique geological formations, and breathtaking landscapes resembling the movie Avatar sets. The park covers an area of over 3,000 square kilometres and is home to over 3,000 unique rock formations, towering sandstone pillars, and deep ravines that have been carved out by millions of years of erosion. These formations are so unique that they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main attraction of the park is the towering sandstone pillars that rise up from the forest floor, often shrouded in mist and clouds. Locals call these pillars the "Hallelujah Mountains" due to their resemblance to the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
One of the best ways to experience the park is by taking a cable car ride up to the top of Tianmen Mountain. The cable car ride is a breathtaking experience that takes you up to a height of over 4,000 feet, offering incredible views of the park and the surrounding area. Once you reach the top, you can explore Tianmen Cave, a natural archway formed by millions of years of erosion. This cave is over 400 feet high and has the world's highest natural archway.
Another must-see attraction in the park is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. The bridge spans over 1,400 feet and is suspended over a deep canyon. Walking across the bridge is not for the faint of heart, as you can see straight down to the bottom of the canyon through the glass floor.
In addition to the stunning natural beauty, the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to over 5,000 plant species, many of which are rare and endangered. The park is also home to various wildlife, including macaques, civets, and the elusive clouded leopard.If you are looking for an adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails in the park that offer incredible views of the landscape. One of the most popular hikes is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park and offers incredible views of the towering sandstone pillars. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it can be steep and challenging in places, but the views are well worth the effort.
Once in Zhangjiajie, use local transport, such as buses or taxis, to reach the park entrance at Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Inside the park, utilize internal shuttle buses and scenic elevators like the Bailong Elevator to access the mountain areas. Plan to visit nearby attractions like Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area for a complete experience.
The closest airport is Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Zhangjiajie, with connections from major Chinese cities. From there, it is about 30 minutes by car to the main road of hotels. Alternatively, take a train or bus from cities like Changsha or Wuhan.