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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

tourist-attraction

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (China)

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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province was established in 1982 as China's first national forest park and is the crown jewel of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is world-renowned for its unique geological landscape, consisting of more than 3,000 towering quartz-sandstone pillars, many of which exceed 200 meters in height. These ethereal and gravity-defying structures served as the primary visual inspiration for the 'Hallelujah Mountains' in the blockbuster movie 'Avatar.' The park's diverse terrain also features deep ravines, dense forests, and a rich array of wildlife, including native macaque populations. Modern engineering marvels such as the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift at 326 meters, allow visitors to swiftly reach the summits for panoramic views. In 1992, the area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrating its exceptional natural beauty and unique geomorphology that has evolved over 300 million years.

Location: China
Top sights: Yuanjiazhai · Natural Bridge Observing Point · Binoculars Viewpoint
Nearby: Zhangjiajie (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug–Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	5	10	16	20	23	26	25	21	16	10	4
Rain mm	38	53	86	142	207	230	228	157	124	106	76	26

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The expansive national park involves significant outdoor walking and hiking among the towering quartz-sandstone pillars, with cable cars and glass elevators providing access to higher viewpoints.

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Typical hours

Usually open from early morning until late afternoon, but the exact operating hours of specific cable cars, elevators, and shuttle buses within the park can vary by season.

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Photography

A paradise for nature photographers, the park features endless opportunities to capture the sweeping pillar formations, especially dramatic when shrouded in the lingering morning mist.

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Time needed

To truly appreciate the massive scale and diverse landscapes of the park, plan to spend at least two full days exploring the various distinct scenic zones.

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Combine with

Many travelers combine a multi-day visit here with a thrilling walk across the famous nearby glass bridge over the Grand Canyon or an excursion to Tianmen Mountain.

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Getting there

Reaching the park is straightforward via frequent buses or taxis from the closest major city, which features both a railway station and an airport connecting to major hubs.

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Insider tip

Purchase a multi-day entrance pass to avoid rushing, and always check the local weather forecast, as dense fog can sometimes completely obscure the famous mountain views.

Geography

Coordinates

29.32000, 110.45000

Facts

Established in 1982 as the first national forest park in China.
Features more than 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars and peaks.
Primary inspiration for the floating mountains in 'Avatar'.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1992.
Home to the 326-meter-high Bailong Elevator, a world record holder.
The geological formations are estimated to be 300 million years old.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park2 km · NExplore →

Wulingyuan6 km · NExplore →

Zhangjiajie8 km · NEExplore →

Three Gorges Dam85 km · NWExplore →

Fenghuang109 km · SEExplore →

Wudang Mountains Monasteries136 km · NWExplore →

Longji Rice Terraces142 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (6)

Yuanjiazhai 📍 landmark

This mountain village has a glimpse into the traditional wooden architecture and culture of the Tujia people on a high peak.

Natural Bridge Observing Point🌿 nature

This viewpoint features a direct look at the 'First Bridge Under Heaven', a massive natural stone arch connecting two peaks.

Binoculars Viewpoint 🌿 nature

This viewpoint is good for spotting the particularly narrow and tall rock spires in the distance.

Tianbo Mansion 🌿 nature

This mountaintop site features ruins surrounded by natural rock walls that stand ten meters high.

The Front Garden 📍 landmark

This area features a particularly dense cluster of sandstone spires that look like a hidden stone garden.

Avatar Hallelujah Mountain 📍 landmark

This 150-meter pillar inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar and was formerly named the Southern Sky Column.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Was this the inspiration for Avatar?

Yes, the floating mountains of Pandora were inspired by the quartz-sandstone pillars here.

What is the Bailong Elevator?

It is the world's tallest outdoor glass elevator, built on the side of a massive cliff.

How long is the ticket valid?

The standard entrance ticket is typically valid for 4 consecutive days.

Are there wild monkeys there?

Yes, many rhesus monkeys live in the park; be careful with your food.

Is the park very foggy?

Fog is frequent and gives the mountains a magical, mystical atmosphere.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: where is it located?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in China.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include Yuanjiazhai, Natural Bridge Observing Point, Binoculars Viewpoint.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Aug, Oct.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: why is it worth visiting?

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province was established in 1982 as China's first national forest park and is the crown jewel of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

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