Quartz-sandstone pillar peaks, the Avatar filming prototype, misty gorges and canyons.
Zhangjiajie's pillar peaks — the inspiration for Avatar's floating Hallelujah Mountains — rise straight out of the mist in Wulingyuan. Glass bridges, cable cars and a cliff-hung walkway make it China's most surreal national park.
It is a hiker's and photographer's dream: allow two days for the park, plus a half day for Tianmen Mountain in the city.
Here are the highlights worth your time in Zhangjiajie.
The pillar forest behind the 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain'.
Incl. in park pass ¥225One of the world's longest glass-bottom bridges over a gorge.
¥138High viewpoints of the sea of stone pillars at sunrise.
Incl. in park passA cable car, a cliff walkway and a natural 'heaven's gate' arch.
¥261 (cable car)A flat riverside trail through the pillars — easy and lovely.
Incl. in park passAn outdoor glass lift up the cliff — a thrill in itself.
¥72Zhangjiajie has its own kitchen — here are the dishes to try.
Smoked mountain pork, stir-fried with veg.
Foraged greens and fungi, seasonal.
The local minority's spicy broth.
A small mountain frog, crisp-fried.
Rice noodles with chilli — the everyday filler.
A few bars and hotpot streets in Zhangjiajie city.
Small cafés near the park entrance.
Tujia song-and-dance performances in season.
Zhangjiajie (DYG) — direct flights from major Chinese cities.
High-speed to Changsha (~2.5h), Fenghuang.
Park buses link the zones (incl. in pass).
Tianmen and Bailong lifts are attractions themselves.
Works with foreign cards in the city.
Where you stay shapes the trip. Three good bases:
Best for early park access.
Near Tianmen Mountain and the station.
Practical for rail transfers.
Korea, Europe & US nature photographers; a popular inbound group destination.
