Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Nature · Hunan · 武陵源·张家界国家森林公园

Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie

Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Yuanjiajie

Sight 1

Yuanjiajie

袁家界

Yuanjiajie. Located in the heart of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie is renowned for its spectacular quartz sandstone peak forest landforms. Here stone pillars rise like a forest, each with its own unique shape, and when shrouded in swirling mist, the scene resembles a floating fairyland—often praised as "a miniature wonderland and an enlarged bonsai." Key highlights include the Lost Soul Terrace, the Back Garden, and the First Bridge Under Heaven—a natural stone bridge spanning between two peaks that never fails to amaze. The floating mountains in the movie *Avatar* were inspired by this very place. Visitors can take the Bailong Elevator or hike up the mountain, enjoying typical karst terrain and subtropical vegetation along the way. Yuanjiajie is the top choice for experiencing the breathtaking peril and beauty of Zhangjiajie, perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking in-depth exploration.

Tianzi Mountain

Sight 2

Tianzi Mountain

天子山

Tianzi Mountain. Located in the core scenic area of Wulingyuan, Tianzi Mountain is renowned for its spectacular forest of stone pillars and peaks, standing as a quintessential example of Zhangjiajie's unique landform. From the summit, visitors can overlook thousands of sandstone pillars rising abruptly from the ground, appearing like a fairyland when shrouded in swirling clouds and mist. This mountain is also one of the inspirations for the floating mountains in the film *Avatar*. The scenic area is home to iconic attractions such as Helong Park, Imperial Writing Brush Peak, and Fairies Scattering Flowers, each offering distinct scenery across the four seasons, with sunrises and seas of clouds being particularly magnificent. Whether hiking or taking a cable car, visitors can easily reach the summit, making it an ideal destination to experience nature's extraordinary craftsmanship and the rich legends of the Tujia culture.

Golden Whip Stream

Sight 3

Golden Whip Stream

金鞭溪

Golden Whip Stream. Golden Whip Stream is a clear, winding mountain stream within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, flowing through the forested peaks and valleys. Flanked by towering cliffs in striking array and lush vegetation, the area boasts fresh air and is hailed as a "natural oxygen bar." Along the way, visitors can admire unique landforms such as Golden Whip Rock and Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip, and might even spot wild macaques, adding to the untamed charm of nature. The trail is gentle and well-suited for a leisurely hike, stretching about 5 kilometers in total. It is an unmissable destination for experiencing the ethereal beauty of Zhangjiajie's mountains and waters.

Huangshi Village

Sight 4

Huangshi Village

黄石寨

Huangshizhai. Huangshizhai is the core scenic area of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned for its spectacular stone pillar clusters and breathtaking sea of clouds. Ascending to the summit, visitors can overlook a majestic forest of peaks, each vying for prominence, resembling a natural bonsai garden. It is also an ideal spot for witnessing sunrises, seas of clouds, and rime ice, earning the saying, "A trip to Zhangjiajie is incomplete without visiting Huangshizhai." The scenic area features a circular walking trail and observation decks, perfect for hiking and sightseeing. As a World Natural Heritage site, Huangshizhai showcases typical quartz sandstone peak forest landforms, making it a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Ten-Mile Gallery

Sight 5

Ten-Mile Gallery

十里画廊

Ten-mile Gallery. The Ten-mile Gallery is a narrow valley trail within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, flanked by towering peaks that resemble a natural ink-wash painting. Visitors can explore on foot or by sightseeing train, taking in iconic rock pillars such as "Old Man Gathering Herbs" and "Three Sisters Peaks" while marveling at the unique charm of the quartz-sandstone peak forest landform. The scenery varies with the seasons, and it becomes even more mystical when shrouded in mist and clouds. Little explanation is needed here—the natural formations speak for themselves and spark the imagination, making it an excellent choice for photography and light hiking.

Yangjiajie

Sight 6

Yangjiajie

杨家界

Yangjiajie. Located in the western part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yangjiajie is renowned for its spectacular peak wall landforms, often hailed as the "Natural Great Wall." The rock walls here rise like chiseled cliffs, layered and majestic, offering a striking contrast to the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie's core scenic area. Key highlights include One Step to Heaven, Sky Corridor, and Wulong Stronghold, where hikers can intimately experience the ruggedness and raw power of quartz sandstone up close. Compared to other scenic zones, Yangjiajie draws fewer visitors, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts seeking deeper exploration. The scenery captivates in all seasons, with an extra layer of mystique when shrouded in clouds and mist.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Zhangjiajie Sanxiaguo Zhangjiajie Sanxiaguo
Eat 1

Zhangjiajie Sanxiaguo

张家界三下锅

Zhangjiajie San Xiaguo (Three Delicacies in One Pot). This traditional Tujia dish brings together cured meat, radish, tofu, and other ingredients in a single pot, simmered slowly over charcoal for a rich and savory broth. Diners can choose between spicy and mild versions, with local chili peppers and mountain delicacies adding warmth and flavor. It is both a testament to the wisdom of staying warm in the mountain highlands and a classic choice for experiencing the culinary culture of western Hunan.

Stewed Local Chicken with Rock Ear
Eat 2

Stewed Local Chicken with Rock Ear

岩耳炖土鸡

Rock Ear Stewed with Free-Range Chicken. Rock ear, a rare lichen that grows on the sheer cliffs of Zhangjiajie, is extremely difficult to harvest. Simmered slowly with free-range local chicken, the broth turns crystal clear, the meat stays firm and flavorful, and the rock ear is smooth and tender with a hint of wild mountain fragrance. This dish not only captures the pure essence of ingredients from the mountains of western Hunan but also embodies the heartfelt hospitality of the Tujia people. After a long day of hiking, a steaming bowl of rock ear chicken stew warms the stomach and nourishes the body—a true local delicacy not to be missed.

Sour Pickled Fish
Eat 3

Sour Pickled Fish

酸酢鱼

Sour Fermented Fish (Suan Zha Yu). This is a traditional delicacy of the Tujia ethnic group in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province. Fresh river fish are packed into a clay jar along with glutinous rice, chili peppers, and Sichuan peppercorns, then left to ferment naturally. The fish boasts firm flesh and a vibrant sour-spicy flavor with a distinctive fermented aroma, making it an essential dish for entertaining guests. When served, the bones have turned tender and can be chewed directly. Its appetizing tang cuts through richness and pairs wonderfully with wild mountain greens or steamed rice. This dish embodies the Tujia people's wisdom in harnessing nature to create flavor, offering an excellent gateway into the culinary culture of western Hunan.

Kudzu Root Noodles
Eat 4

Kudzu Root Noodles

葛根粉

Kudzu Root Starch. This is a traditional local snack in the Zhangjiajie area, made from wild kudzu roots. It has a smooth, tender texture and a refreshing, palate-cleansing quality. Locals typically stir it into a paste and enjoy it with chili, peanuts, or honey, allowing for both savory and sweet flavors. It’s commonly found in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and the surrounding streets and alleys, making it especially ideal for replenishing energy after a hike. The preparation is natural and simple, preserving the herbal aroma of the kudzu root, making it a light bite for experiencing the flavors of western Hunan.