Towering sandstone pillars, misty valleys and glass elevators, the landscape said to have inspired the mountains of Avatar.
Dramatic Stone Pillars
Dramatic stone pillars unlike anywhere else in China.
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About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan is a landscape of sheer stone pillars rising from green forest, often wrapped in mist. The tall, thin peaks look like something from a dream, and they are said to have inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, listed in 1992.
Thousands of tall quartz sandstone pillars make up the park, with Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and the Golden Whip Stream valley among its main areas. Paths, buses, cable cars and the Bailong Elevator — among the tallest outdoor lifts in the world — make the scenery easy to see. Walk through shaded valleys by stream, then climb to viewpoints where the pillars stretch as far as you can see. Monkeys live in the forest, so keep food hidden, and mist and clouds change the view quickly — a foggy morning can be the most beautiful of all.
Why Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
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Good to Know
The park suits families, couples, groups, adventure lovers and photographers, best explored over 1 to 2 days since a single day only covers a small part. Choose cable cars and buses over steep stairs for younger children and older travellers.
Crowds are extreme during early October and Chinese New Year, so avoiding national holidays makes for a much more comfortable visit, and popular rides and tickets can sell out in peak season.
How to Reach Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- 01
Pakistan to Zhangjiajie
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi to China, with connections to Zhangjiajie via a major hub. Check current routes and book early.
- 02
Airport to Wulingyuan
Take a taxi, hotel transfer or bus to Wulingyuan, the town beside the park entrances.
- 03
Wulingyuan to the Park
Enter through the park gate and use the park buses to reach your trail.
- 04
Explore
Ride the elevator, walk the viewpoints and follow the valley trails.
Things to Do in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Excellent
Autumn
September to October
Clear skies, golden leaves and good views. One of the best times.
Recommended season
Good
Spring
April to May
Fresh greenery, mist and comfortable walking.
Good time to visit
Good
Winter
November to March
Cold, with occasional snow on the pillars. Quiet and beautiful.
Good time to visit
Good
Summer
June to August
Warm, humid and busy. Rain is common but adds mist.
Good time to visit
Travel smart
Travel Tips for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Plan at Least Two Days
The park is large, and a single day only covers a small part.
Start Early
Queues for lifts and buses grow quickly later in the day.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trails include many steps and can be slippery after rain.
Carry a Rain Jacket
Showers are frequent and the mist keeps everything damp.
Protect Your Food from Monkeys
Do not feed them and keep snacks out of sight.
Avoid National Holidays
Crowds are extreme during early October and Chinese New Year.
Set Up Mobile Payment
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used almost everywhere, and foreign cards are not always accepted.
Book Tickets and Lifts Early
Popular rides and tickets can sell out in peak season.
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Location
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Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China and get directions easily.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China
Frequently Asked Questions
The pillars are said to have inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. The area has even renamed one peak after the film.
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