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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: A Guide to China’s Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of China’s most breathtaking natural wonders, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Located in Hunan Province, this UNESCO-listed park is a dream destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.


Why Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?

  • Iconic Sandstone Pillars – Over 3,000 dramatic rock formations, including the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
  • Glass Skywalks & Breathtaking Views – Walk along the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, one of the highest and longest glass bridges in the world.
  • Lush Forests & Unique Wildlife – A rich ecosystem with rare plant species and animals.
  • Thrilling Cable Cars & Elevators – Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, for an unforgettable panoramic view.

Learn more about Zhangjiajie’s UNESCO status


Top Attractions in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

1. Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

A must-see for Avatar fans, this stunning peak was the inspiration for the floating mountains in James Cameron’s film.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

2. Tianmen Mountain

Located near Zhangjiajie city, Tianmen Mountain is famous for its 99-bend road, glass skywalks, and the stunning Heaven’s Gate (Tianmen Cave)—a massive natural arch that looks like a gateway to the sky. Take the world’s longest cable car ride from downtown Zhangjiajie to reach this breathtaking site.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tianmen Mountain aka Heavens Gate

3. Tianzi Mountain

Known as the “Monarch of the Peak Forest,” Tianzi Mountain offers some of the best panoramic views of the park.

4. Bailong Elevator

Soaring 326 meters up a cliff, this glass elevator provides an adrenaline-pumping ride with unbeatable views.

5. Golden Whip Stream

A scenic 7.5 km trail winding through lush valleys, perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

6. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge

Dare to cross the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor!


Best Time to Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  • Spring (March–May): Lush greenery and mild temperatures.
  • Autumn (September–November): Clear skies and colorful foliage.
  • Winter (December–February): Snow-covered peaks create a magical landscape.

Avoid visiting during China’s public holidays, as the park can get very crowded.


How to Get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

By Air

  • Fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG), with direct flights from major Chinese cities.

By Train

  • High-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie to Changsha, Guangzhou, and other cities. Read more about how to travel with China’s high-speed trains here.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park High-speed train

By Bus

  • From Zhangjiajie City, local buses take about 40 minutes to reach the park entrance.

Tips for Visiting Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

🌿 Wear Comfortable Shoes – Expect lots of walking and stairs.

📷 Bring a Camera – The landscapes are incredibly photogenic.

🎫 Buy Tickets in Advance – Park entrance fees vary, so check the latest prices before visiting.

🚠 Use the Cable Cars & Elevators – They help save time and energy on steep climbs.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Cable Car

Explore Zhangjiajie with Next Level China

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