Zhangjiajie & Wulingyuan National Park

Wulingyuan Scenic Area consists of three parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve and Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, covering over more than 26,000 hectares. The site has been given UNESCO World Heritage status, and the area has seen a big increase in popularity in recent years since the unique mountains were used as the inspiration for the film Avatar. 

We recommend 3 days to get the most out of your stay here. During your stay you can take a ride on the cable car up and down Huangshizhai scenic area, where you can enjoy the view from the largest observation platform in the area. Afterwards set out on a 3 hour hike along the Golden Whip Stream. One of the most picturesque parts of the National Park, the Golden Whip Stream meanders its way through 5.5km of mountains and valleys, surrounded by dense forest and oddly shaped peaks on either side. Care must be taken, especially after rainfall as the paths can get slippery, and watch out for the monkeys along the way! Elsewhere you can take an elevator up Yuanjiajia Scenic Area, home to the famous "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain", before heading to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, the highest area in the park, and a favourite spot for photographers hoping to get that shot of the famous 'sea of clouds'. There is a cable car, or it is possible to hike up the mountain, for those who are feeling more adventurous.

On your final day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, we suggest a trip to Tianmen Mountain, home to the longest cable car ride in the world. The mountain is easily explored along the cliff-face walkways (including one dramatic section made from glass!), and the height of the mountain means that the views of the surrounding scenery are excellent, particularly on a clear day. Tianmen Mountain is regarded as the soul of Zhangjiajie, and many stories about the mountain have been passed through generations. Viewed as a holy mountain by locals, there is a 500 year old Buddhist Temple nestled in the mountain.