Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Your Ultimate Guide to Avatar’s Floating Mountains

Welcome to Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This is home to one of Earth’s most surreal landscapes—a forest of towering quartz-sandstone pillars. Many call it “a miniature fairyland, an enlarged bonsai garden.” Its most famous peaks inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. Planning your visit involves exploring the wider area, and you can find more things to do in zhangjiajie on our dedicated travel site.

Quick Park Facts

Type: UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark, China’s First National Forest Park.

Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–November for pleasant weather and clear views.

Recommended Stay: 2–3 full days.

Opening Hours: Generally 7:00 AM–6:00 PM, year-round (seasonal adjustments possible).

Ticket Price: Approximately ¥228 RMB (about $32 USD). This covers park entry and the mandatory eco-bus for 4 consecutive days.

Location: 279 Jinbian Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China.

A Landscape Millions of Years in the Making

The story of Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park began hundreds of millions of years ago. Geological forces lifted a former seabed. Then, water, wind, and time went to work, slowly carving the stone into thousands of pillars, peaks, and ravines. In 1982, this area earned the title of China’s very first national forest park. A decade later, UNESCO recognized its unique value, adding it to the World Heritage List. The name “Wulingyuan” itself evokes the ancient Chinese tales of a hidden utopia.

Must-See Areas & Experiences

Your single ticket grants access to several interconnected scenic areas within the Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huangshi Zhai), and Golden Whip Stream.

Yuanjiajie: The Avatar Zone

“Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” (Qiankunzhu): This 150-meter solitary pillar is the direct inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar. Feel the movie magic come alive.

First Bridge Under Heaven: A natural stone bridge connecting two cliffs. Standing 357 meters above the canyon floor, the view is breathtaking.

Lost Soul Terrace (Mihuntai): The name says it all. This platform offers a dizzying view over a sea of endless stone peaks.

Tianzi Mountain: The Imperial Viewpoint

Imperial Writing Brushes (Yubifeng): A row of thin, pointed peaks resembling upside-down brushes. This is one of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s iconic postcard views.

Fairy Presenting Flowers: Look closely—this rock formation looks like a maiden holding a basket of blooms.

Marshal He Long Park: A tribute to the local revolutionary hero, featuring a large bronze statue with a dramatic mountain backdrop.

Yangjiajie: Adventure & Great Walls of Stone

Natural Great Wall: A spectacular row of peak-tops that mimics the shape of the famous man-made wonder.

One Step to Heaven & Skywalk: A steep climb rewards you with some of the park’s most vast, unobstructed panoramas.

Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huangshi Zhai)

An old local saying goes, “You haven’t been to Zhangjiajie unless you’ve visited Huangshi Zhai.” This large mesa offers a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Key spots include Star-Picking Platform and Five-Finger Peak.

Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi)

Take a break from the heights. This 7.5-kilometer flat walk follows a crystal-clear stream through a shaded valley flanked by cliffs. It’s a scene from Journey to the West. Watch for “Golden Whip Rock” and playful troops of wild macaque monkeys. Remember to keep your distance and never feed them.

Iconic Activities Inside the Park

Ride the Bailong Elevator: Shoot up 335 meters in just over a minute. This outdoor elevator, listed in the Guinness World Records, transports you from the valley floor to the Yuanjiajie summit in a thrilling “sky-lift” experience.

Chase the Clouds & Sunrise: After a rain, the chance for sea of clouds wrapping around the peaks soars. Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie are prime spots for this magical sight.

Beyond the Forest Park

The Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the heart of the wider Wulingyuan Scenic Area. With more time, consider these nearby gems. For thrill-seekers, don’t miss the famous zhangjiajie china glass bridge located at another nearby park.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (~30 km away): Famous for its 7.5km cable car, cliff-hanging glass walkway, and the natural arch cave “Heaven’s Gate.” Plan a full extra day.

Yellow Dragon Cave & Baofeng Lake: A massive karst cave and a serene lake nestled among high cliffs, perfect for a half-day trip.

Fenghuang Ancient Town (~3 hours by car): A beautifully preserved riverside town from the Ming and Qing dynasties, perfect for experiencing historic Hunan charm.

Planning Your Visit: Getting There & Around

To Wulingyuan:

For all details on arrival options, check our comprehensive guide on how to get to zhangjiajie.

By Air: Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. A taxi or airport shuttle to Wulingyuan town takes 40-60 minutes.

By Train/High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Zhangjiajie West Station (HSR) or Zhangjiajie Station. Transfer via tourist bus or taxi to Wulingyuan (30-40 minutes).

Inside Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie Park:

Eco-Bus: Your ticket includes unlimited rides on the park’s shuttle buses connecting major sites and cable car stations.

Fee-Based Transport (Saves time & energy):

Bailong Elevator: ¥65 RMB (~$9 USD) one-way.

Tianzi Mountain Cableway: ¥72 RMB (~$10 USD) one-way.

Yangjiajie Cableway: ¥76 RMB (~$11 USD) one-way.

Huangshi Zhai Cableway: ¥65 RMB (~$9 USD) one-way.

Ten-Mile Gallery Tourist Train: ~¥38 RMB (~$5 USD) one-way.

Where to Stay

Base yourself near the Wulingyuan Scenic Area’s East Gate (Flag Gateway). This area has the widest range of hotels, hostels, and restaurants. It’s the main transport hub, making your daily park entries and exits incredibly convenient.

Sample 2-3 Day Itinerary

If you’re short on time, a well-planned zhangjiajie day tour can cover the main highlights. For a deeper experience, consider 2-3 days.

Day 1 – Peak Highlights Loop

Enter at the East Gate. Take the eco-bus to the Bailong Elevator, ascend to Yuanjiajie. Explore its trails. Hop back on the bus to Yangjiajie for the Natural Great Wall. Continue by bus to Tianzi Mountain. After soaking in the views, take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway down, and catch a bus back to the East Gate. Start early for this full-day adventure.

Day 2 – Valley Walk or Summit Panorama

Option A (Easy Hike): Enter at the Forest Park Gate (South Gate). Enjoy the peaceful walk along Golden Whip Stream (2.5-3 hours). At the end, take the bus to the Ten-Mile Gallery. Exit from the nearest gate.

Option B (Summit Views): Enter at the South Gate. Take the Huangshi Zhai Cableway up, walk the loop trail (2 hours), then cableway down. Spend your afternoon on a shorter section of Golden Whip Stream.

Feeling the pull for more? Use your third day to explore reopened areas like Yaozi Village or the photogenic “Airborne Garden” for quieter moments with nature. Learn more about planning your visit to this specific park at zhangjiajie national forest park.

Extend Your Trip

A classic 5-6 day West Hunan tour could look like this: 3 days for Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, 1 day for Tianmen Mountain, and 2 days in Fenghuang Ancient Town before heading home.

Final Tips for Your Journey

Your ticket is valid for 4 days. There’s no need to rush—the park is meant to be savored.

Mountain weather shifts fast. Pack a light raincoat and an extra layer.

Comfortable, grippy hiking shoes are your most important piece of gear.

Signage is good, but grab a free paper map at the entrance or save a digital one.

Standing amidst these ancient stone giants in the Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with mist weaving through the peaks, you’ll understand why this place feels like another world. It’s time to see it for yourself.