In China, in the north of the Hunan province, there is the Zhangjiajie National Park, which was one of the first in the country. It includes the protected natural areas of Tianzishan, Zhangjiajie, Sanzhi, Xuosiyu, Yangjiajie, as well as Lake Baofeng.
You can visit Zhangjiajie National Park (Hunan Province) all year round. Spring gives this unique nature reserve the aromas of tropical flowers and magnificent greenery, summer - stunning vegetation and mountain coolness, autumn fascinates with a riot of colors, winter wraps up with fluffy snow, turning the park into a fairy tale.
Zhangjiajie: history
Through several photographs in popular publications and paintings by artists that were painted in Wulingyuan, the world learned that a natural pearl is located in the mountains of China. The Chinese government has officially recognized the forest area of \u200b\u200bthe Wulingyuan region as Zhangjiajie National Park. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Ten years later, the Ministry significantly expanded the area, and in 2004, the huge Natural Geopark entered the global network of national parks.
Description
Zhangjiajie is a national forest park, the territory of which is divided into several large zones, each of which has its own characteristics and picturesque landscape. The park is a huge sandstone pillars located above the rainforest, a labyrinth of karst caves, majestic waterfalls, amazing travertines, a picturesque lake, powerful rivers.
Tianmenshan Mountain
Locals often call it Tianmen. Its height is one and a half thousand meters. This mountain is famous for its very high celestial gate cave. Its height is one hundred thirty-two meters, length - sixty meters, width - fifty-seven. The cave was created by erosion. During the collapse, a huge block of rock broke away from the mountain. Sometimes this cave is called fairytale due to the belief that it is connected with the sky.
"Yellow Dragon"
Zhangjiajie National Park, the photo of which you can see in this article, is famous for its caves. One of the most beautiful in the world is the four-level karst cave "Yellow Dragon". Its height is over 140 meters, and its depth is about fifteen kilometers.
Inside there are thirteen halls, more than a hundred galleries, four waterfalls, two underground rivers and three lakes, thousands of stalagmites, stalactites, stalagmata. The rarest stalagmite reaches twenty meters in height and only ten centimeters in diameter.
Yangjiajie
In the northeast, Zhangjiajie National Park is adjacent to this conservation area. It includes the Xiangzhi Stream, Longquan and Baihou Valleys. These places are known for steep cliffs and the Dragon Spring waterfall. He throws streams of water from a high cliff, which is very picturesquely entwined with ivy and amazingly beautiful flowers.
Baylung Elevator
Every year more and more tourists are interested in Zhangjiajie National Park. How to get here, we will tell you a little later, but for now we will continue to get acquainted with its sights.
For tourists in the park, all conditions have been created for a comfortable tour of the unique reserve. Most of the tourist routes are connected by funiculars and cable cars, which greatly facilitate the ascent to the peaks.
The glass elevator "One Hundred Dragons" (Bailong Elevator) was created to transport tourists to the three-hundred-meter mountain. It is located in the very center of the park and connects the upper and lower levels of the reserve. Before its appearance, tourists were forced to climb the stairs. The road was rather tiresome and long. Today, most travelers prefer to take the glass elevator quickly. If you're lucky, you can be in the front row of passengers, allowing you to admire the stunning views that open from the observation glass of the lift.
It should be noted that this elevator is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the fastest, highest, with an open view and, moreover, the most powerful - it is capable of lifting fifty people at the same time.
Glass bridge
This unique structure was opened in the park in August 2016. Zhangjiajie National Park, whose photos are mesmerizing, became the owner of the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. The author of the unusual project was the architect Haim Dotan. The cost of development, and then the implementation of the project was almost three and a half million dollars.
The structure is located three hundred meters above a deep abyss. The bridge is four hundred thirty meters long and six meters wide. The glass bridge in Zhangjiajie National Park connects two cliffs and consists of heavy-duty steel structures and ninety-nine slabs of three-layer glass. This structure is capable of supporting eight hundred people at a time.
It is interesting that on the day of its grand opening, the number of people wishing to see the structure with their own eyes was a record figure - eight thousand people. Everyone who was lucky enough to visit the Zhangjiajie National Park on this day, the reviews left enthusiastic. A walk over a bottomless abyss, which can be seen through glass slabs, cannot be compared to anything.
Due to the huge influx of people interested, two weeks later, the park administration temporarily closed the bridge for reconstruction. However, the management assured that this was not associated with any damage. After carrying out maintenance work to strengthen the structure, the bridge was reopened to the public.
Stream "Golden whip"
This area is recognized as the easiest to explore, as it is located at the foot of the mountains in the valley and does not have steep ascents. The hiking trail runs along the stream for almost eight kilometers. From this area, you can climb to Yuanjiajie or walk to the Yellow Stone Village.
Tourists note that the walk here is very pleasant - you can feel the much-desired unity with nature. Crowds of tourists are found only in some areas, so you can enjoy the sound of the water in the stream, the cheerful chirping of birds, and the picturesque views of the mountains.
In this zone, at one of the stops, very insidious monkeys live. Tourists try to treat them with all sorts of sweets. Do not do this. These cute, at first glance, animals are very cunning and dexterous - they can completely imperceptibly leave you without wallets, phones and other valuable things. In addition, they often show aggression towards a person.
Vegetation
China's Zhangjiajie National Park amazes tourists with its diversity of flora and its beauty. Scientists believe that the tropical humid climate and varied terrain contributed to the emergence of dense forests in Wulingyuan. Vegetation develops here much faster than in the neighboring provinces of the country.
More than seven hundred and seventy plant species grow on the territory of the park. There are very rare specimens among them. These include the gingko biloba, the softest chestnut (Chinese), the pigeon tree, and on the plains, travelers can see compact tangerine groves.
But a special impression on visitors to the park is made by the large white stipules of a pigeon tree swaying in the wind, which resemble a huge flock of white doves.
Animals in the park
Zhangjiajie National Park has become home to more than five hundred species of different animals. Twenty-eight of them are rare, and therefore are under constant protection. These include:
- gigantic salamander;
- big panda;
- a golden snub-nosed monkey;
- leopard.
- In the 20th century, a waterfall unexpectedly collapsed into the gorge from the top of Tianmen Mountain. This happened four times. The streams of water broke off for fifteen minutes, and then just as suddenly stopped.
- A staircase with 999 wide steps leads to the Heavenly Gates Cave.
- Along the top of the massif, at an altitude of 1500 m, a pedestrian path is laid. Above especially picturesque and steep cliffs, it was made of high-strength glass.
China, Zhangjiajie National Park: how to get there?
If you want to see extraordinarily beautiful landscapes, then you must visit this unique place. To see the Zhangjiajie National Park, you first need to get to the city of the same name, and then get to the small villages located at the entrances to the park. There are several ways to get to the city: by plane, by train, or by bus. Let's consider each of them in more detail.
By plane
If you plan to visit Zhangjiajie National Park and spend as little time as possible on the road, then this option is more suitable for you. You can fly by plane from other major cities in the country. The airport is located five kilometers from the city center. Every day, aircraft fly here from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Tianjin and other cities of the country.
You can get from the airport to the city by bus or taxi, which will take you to the park entrance for 100 yuan ($ 15).
By train
Zhangjiajie National Park is of great interest to all tourists who come to the country, so many trains leave here. We would like to warn you that this option is suitable for those who have a supply of free time and patience. A small note: the road from Beijing to the destination takes about twenty-six hours, and the ticket will cost sixty dollars (reserved seat) and one hundred (compartment). Zhangjiajie Railway Station is conveniently located close to the city center and the airport.
By bus
There are several bus stations in the city. Flights from different cities in China arrive on them. Departure schedule, cost of travel, travel time must be checked at bus stations.
When you arrive in the city in a way convenient for you, it remains to find the Zhangjiajie National Park (China). How to get to the territory of the reserve? It is necessary to go to one of the entrances, which have small villages. You can stay there for the night.
The nearest entrance to the city is 32 km away and is called Zhangjiajie Village. Forty kilometers from the city is the entrance to the Wulingyuan area. The third is the most distant from the city. It is located near Tianzi Mountain and is not very popular with tourists.
Where to stay?
The city of Zhangjiajie offers a good selection of hotels, but settling here, you will have to spend money and time on the road every day. And this is about two hours a day. It is more expedient to stay in a village at the entrance to the park - you will save time on the road.
Almost all of these villages have several comfortable hotels. If you wish, you can stay at a hotel in the park, unless, of course, you are afraid of the Spartan living conditions: there are frequent interruptions in electricity, water, and Internet disconnections. After the closure of the park, tourists cannot leave its territory, which, you see, is not very convenient.
Opening hours and cost of visit
Zhangjiajie National Park can be visited throughout the year. Opening hours depend on the season:
- in summer - from 7.00 to 19.00;
- in winter - from 7.30 to 17.00.
In summer it is not hot at all, and in winter there are no severe frosts.
There are two types of entrance tickets:
- for seven days - 298 yuan;
- 4 days - RMB 245.
- It is better to come to the park early, then you will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty in relative silence.
- If you want to use the Bailong elevator, then it is also better to do it in the morning and go down before 16:00. Otherwise, you can spend about four hours in line.
- You will have to walk a lot in the park, so prepare comfortable shoes to prevent chafing. The same can be said about clothes: they must be comfortable.
- To conserve energy for exploring the park for a longer time, combine hiking with the cable cars and the lift.
- When heading to the park, be sure to take a card (you can buy it at the entrance), sunscreen, cash, water and food. You can buy food on the territory of the park, but the prices for them are excessively high. The most available in these shops are fruits, corn, fried potatoes (about 10 yuan).
- Chinese and international students studying in China can purchase tickets at half price. But this applies to young people under 24 years old. When buying discount tickets, you must show your passport.
- Store purchased tickets separately from those of friends or family. The fact is that on each of them a number is stamped to which fingerprints are attached. If you take your husband's or friend's ticket, the system will refuse to let you through the turnstile.
China: Zhangjiajie National Park ("Avatar Mountains") September 9th, 2015
One of China's most famous national parks, Zhangjiajie has recently become particularly famous for being the inspiration for the movie Avatar. You can also visit the planet Pandora, it's not that difficult. First you need to get to the city of Zhangjiajie. There is an airport there, but ground communication is not so hot, you can get there from Yichang and Changsha, and from Chongqing - only a big hook with a transfer. The distance from the city to the park is 20-30 kilometers. You can enter the park from several sides, but the most accessible are two: Wulingyuan village and Zhangjiajie village (the name is the same as that of the city). These villages have all the necessary infrastructure: many hotels where foreigners can easily settle from 80 yuan, shops, restaurants. Prices are slightly higher than in regular Chinese cities, but quite reasonable.
The entrance ticket costs 248 yuan ($ 50), the student ticket costs 148 (they also check the passport, which is not more than 25 years old). On a regular ticket it was written that it was valid for four days, on a student one - three. Such high prices, apparently, are designed to somewhat regulate demand - the more popular a place, the more expensive it becomes. It will not work to cheat and pass on someone else's ticket, because the entrance is by fingerprints. But the price divided into three days does not seem so high anymore, and it is worth coming here for three days. In principle, you can see the park in one day, if you continue to leave by train, then it can work out. But if you want to fly, it is very risky to set aside one day, because if it rains, you will see something like this "beautiful" landscape from all observation decks:
So I was incredibly lucky on the first day.
It rains frequently in this region and has a very humid climate.
Rain is less likely in the morning, so it makes sense to move out early.
Now, actually, about what to see if the weather is good. In Zhangjiajie there are several viewing platforms from where you can look at the narrow and high cliffs sticking out of the ground. First, Huangshi (yellow village), second, Yuanjiajie, and third, Tianzishan (imperial mountain). The rest of the places are already, as they say, outside the main path, and there are mostly long hiking tracks. A cable car leads to Huangshi, but you can only walk there in a circle along the top of the mountain, and then back. Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain are connected by a highway along the tops of the mountains, free buses run there. There is also a cable car to Tianzi Mountain, and a Bailong elevator to Yuanjiajie. The entrance to Zhangjiajie village is very close to Huangshi, the Wulingyuan entrance is far from everything, but from there there are free buses to both the elevator and the cable car. There is no transport between Huangshi and Yuanjiajie, you need to walk along the valley along the river.
The ambush is that both the ascent and descent by the elevator and any of the cable cars cost under 100 yuan ($ 15). So if you want to see all the main things in one day, you will have to spend another $ 60 for the ascent and descent, in addition to the $ 50 for the entrance. If you have two days, then you can drastically save on this by going through the entire route on foot.
The ascent to Huangshi or Yuanjiajie takes about an hour, walk up the stairs. Much easier than. They say that at peak times you can stand in line for an elevator, so it's not even that slower.
You can also hire porters, however, what is the point is not clear. The elevator will be cheaper.
Stairs.
Path. Everything in the park is civil and well-equipped.
There are shops and eateries on the stairs. One of them stores empty bottles.
And there are a lot of impudent snickering monkeys living here.
DO WANT!
I've read a lot of horror stories about queuing up to push through the railing and taking a photo, but the reality was something like this:
Don't travel in "season"!
The only big group. Everyone is in raincoats, but it didn't really rain that day.
Selfies with caviar are taken here.
But the main thing is that they are watching this here!
Zhangjiajie National Park 张家界. Zhangjiajie.
It is also called Zhangjiajie Nature Reserve, Wulingyuan Nature Reserve 武陵源 区 Wulingyuan. Locals call Zhangziajie simply "Forest Park" (Senlin Gongyuan) Hunan Province.
Several dozen tourist routes.
You will see: the Pandora Mountains, a glass path over the abyss, picturesque valleys (without climbing the mountains), the Heavenly Gate. Rafting. Take a boat ride through the Yellow Dragon Cave. Numerous viewing platforms. Amazing landscapes are guaranteed everywhere, get your cameras ready!
Included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List under the name Wulingyuan.
Attention! Airport, city, village and National Park have ONE name. Don't confuse them with each other.
The name of the Zhangjiajie nature reserve is translated as "Homeland of the Zhang family." Its area is not small - about 400 square kilometers, and the concentration of steep peaks directed towards the sky is in first place in the world.
Best travel time: April - September
It is desirable not less than 3 - 4 days.
Reserve symbol - giant salamanders (up to 160 cm long). After all, this is the natural habitat of this endangered species of amphibians. But you are unlikely to see them: during the day, the salamanders hide under stones. But there is no reason for sadness. One of the most beautiful places on Earth is waiting for you.
How to get there
1.Airplane... Zhangjiajie Airport. Located 4 km southwest of Zhangjiajie City, but 40 km from the entrance to the National Park (Zhangjiazee Villages - the southern entrance to it)
There are flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Xian, from the administrative center of this very province of Hunan - Changsha. And the list is expanding.
From the airport, you can, without stopping in the city of Zhangjiajie, immediately go to the National Park itself and stay at the hotel in the village of Zhangjiajie, where you will find to stay there.
2.Bus... From the administrative center of the province itself (Changsha) to Zhangjiajie, about 350 km to the northwest. Travel time is about 4 hours.
3.By train... The railway station is located 8 km southeast of the city of Zhangjiajie.
Communication with the cities of Beijing (23 - 27 hours), Guangzhou (14 hours), Huaihua (about 5 hours), Yichang (5 hours), Jishou (2 hours).
But no matter what you go to the city of Zhangjiajie, you still have to drive 30 km to the Reserve itself.
Minibuses run from the city of Zhangjiajie to the village of the same name (the stop is called "Forest Park").
Depart from the intercity bus station every 15 minutes. Travel time is 40 minutes. (The last bus returns at 19:00)
The bus station is located on Huilong Lu Street.
Attention! Specify which entrance to the Reserve your bus goes to. To what you have chosen? If you suddenly made a mistake and arrived at the eastern entrance, in general, it's okay: you can stop there and it's okay. Take a different route to start, or take a different bus to the southern entrance (Zhangjiajie Village). They run around the Reserve frequently. And if you buy an entrance ticket to the park, you do not pay for the trip between these entrances (everything is included in its price).
Since within the boundaries of the park, the cost of travel on buses is included in the cost of the entrance ticket, many tourists who do not particularly like walking, even choose to travel on these buses as a way of traveling.
Where to stay
Zhangjiajie City... The best choice of hotels, but then you still have to get to the park itself. At the same time, there are more restaurants and grocery stores here.
Zhangjiajie village. There are good hotels. Mainly located on the main street of Jinbian Lu. The choice of comfortable living conditions is less, but there are also undeniable advantages: the entrance to the Reserve (southern, also central) is nearby.
Eastern entrance to the Nature Reserve(from Wulingyuan side, Sosi Lake). Good selection of hotels.
North entrance to the Nature Reserve... (From the side of Tianzi mountain). There is also a good selection of hotels.
You can stop at the park itselfif you arrange with local residents to spend the night with them (for example, with those who sell drinks, food and souvenirs in the park).
A visit to the reserve is paid... The ticket is valid for two consecutive days (without interruption). At the entrance they will take your thumbprint, and from now on, only you can use this ticket. This ticket includes transport in the park, admission to some attractions along the route is paid separately. In the hotels of the city and village of Zhangjiajie, at the ticket office there is a tourist map of Zhangjiajie National Park and a map of the area in English.
Zhangjiajie nature reserve
South entrance (central)
The most popular route: From Zhangjiajie Village, located at an altitude of about 600 meters above sea level. You are immediately greeted by mysterious sheer cliffs.
Huangshi 黄石 Zhai Plateau is considered the most beautiful in the reserve. Located at an altitude of 1048 meters. You can climb it on foot, heroically overcoming almost 4000 steps (or more precisely - 3878) for about 2 hours. You can take the cable car and just go down.
At the top is the Qingping Temple of the 17th century. This is the highest place in the Reserve near the southern entrance.
And if you don't want to climb the mountain, there are several routes through the beautiful valleys, starting right from the central entrance.
Behind the southern entrance, if you turn left - the route along the Pipa stream (Pipa Xi). Forest, pagodas, bridges. The journey takes 4 hours.
If you turn left from the entrance to the Shadogou Valley, you can reach the Black Dragon Village (Heilongzhai) in a day. On this route, you will see the Heavenly Gate. And if you turn right from the entrance, several routes begin. The shortest and most popular of them is the seven-kilometer long one along the Golden Whip (or whip) stream - Jinbianxi. The route along this gorge is considered the most beautiful: mountains, waterfalls.
East entrance from Wulingyuan, east of Sosi Lake. Sosiyu National Park. Sosi Gorge in the northeast of Wulingyuan Nature Reserve.
North entrance from the side of Tianzi Mountain - Tianzishan National Park.
Located in the north and northwest of the main nature reserve Wulingyuan Valley - Ten Mile Gallery. In it and the kaleidoscopic succession of picturesque landscapes departing from it.
You can see if you keep to the left:
Mount Tianzi (in the lane Son of Heaven, ie Emperor), waterfalls and mountain streams and brooks.
The attraction of the mountain: "The Bridge of the Immortals" - a narrow ledge, like a bridge, connected the two edges of the gorge at a length of 26 m and 100 m above the abyss. You are not immortal, so don't try to walk through it. A minibus runs to the Tianzishan area from the village entrance. There is a route to Jiutyan (Ninth Heaven) Cave, which includes rafting. The scenery is amazing and the descent is not very dangerous. Trip 4 hours + descent 4 hours.
Story
380 years ago the sea was rustling here, and when it receded, an uneven bottom rose from the water. For millennia, the skillful work of wind and rain has been going on. Nature has carved an extraordinary temple for itself. Its quartz pillars - columns - rise almost vertically. It has a mild climate and lush vegetation (3000 species!). There are very rare species among animals: salamander and black bear. Those living in these places did not disturb them. The fields were not cultivated here: it was cramped, not really cultivated. They only wandered around for medicinal plants and firewood. After all, almost the entire area is covered with forests. And somehow it was not comfortable.
The most famous places
Pandora Mountains.
This is now often called the fantastic rocks of the Zhangjiajie Reserve. One of them is officially (since January 2010) called "Avatar Hallelujah". After all, it was here that the incredibly beautiful landscape of Pandora, the famous film "Avatar", was filmed. But the Huangshan Mountains are also related to the floating mountains of Pandora, says Cameron, the filmmaker.
Glass transparent path above the abyss (on Tianmen Mountain) 60 m long and only 6 cm thick. A kind of attraction for tourists since 2011, making their hearts sink. They write that the height of the abyss underfoot is 1430 meters. I do not know who and how measured, but really high and scary.
Mount Tianmen (in the Heavenly Gate lane).
Earlier, the mountain was famous for the fact that a very long time ago, in 263, a huge piece broke off from the rock and got stuck between the rocks, blocking the passage at a length of 60 meters and a "gate" height with a little more than 130 m with a slope of up to 28 m. the gates were no, no, but the planes were flying - these were the pilots who showed their skills. The Russians, of course, did not stand aside. And one of the first was one, and in 2006 a group of "Russian Knights" flew through these Heavenly Gates.
The mountain is steeped in legends: both the mountain is a soothsayer, and the keeper of the untold treasures of the leader of the peasant uprising, it is true, they searched for centuries, but they did not find anything. Or maybe they found it, but they didn't tell anyone)))
You can climb to the top by 999 steps, called the "Heavenly Staircase". Take the bus along the road with 99 bends called "The Road to Heaven." And you can easily, but expensively - along the world's longest cable car at 7456 meters. Most often, the funicular goes up, and goes down on foot, admiring and photographing the stunning, simply unearthly landscapes.
Baofeng Lake (Baofeng Hu), as well as the mountain rivers of the Reserve - the habitat of giant salamanders. But you are unlikely to see them: they are nocturnal. However, the lucky ones manage to be caught in the early morning by the lake blissful under the gentle sunbeams, but, thanks to their color, they blend perfectly with the stones. In length, these animals reach 160 cm. Salamanders are very sensitive to the purity of air and water, to silence. Twice a year, the animals are solemnly released during the traditional holiday. Then you can look at them without any difficulty.
And also in Zhangjiajie you can take a picture with a Chinese woman in the national costume of these places.
The famous film "Avatar" with stunning special effects made an impression on the whole world. Flying among the high rocks forced to follow the rapid movements of the heroes with bated breath. Most viewers believe that the mountains from the movie "Avatar" are completely simulated on a computer, they do not exist in nature. It turns out they are real!
Pandora country in the vastness of China
Strange mountains were not accidentally chosen by the creators of the picture. The special effects are just an addition to the unusual appearance of the Wulinyuan mountain range. The mountains of the unearthly Pandora on Chinese soil are real wonders of the nature of our planet.
You can visit Wulinyuan National Park, which contains the mountains from the famous movie "Avatar", at any time. Only 158 yuan - and you can explore the unearthly landscape for 2 days. It's so easy to touch! In China now they say: "Pandora is far away, and Mount" Aliluyah, Avatar "is close!" And they are waiting for guests who wish to see the high cliffs that inspired the creators of Avatar.
Mountains from the movie Avatar in China photo
Do you want to see the soaring mountains of Avatar with your own eyes? Then head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The amazing cliffs of this unique park have become the real prototypes of the world famous "soaring Hallelujah mountains". You can talk about this park endlessly. The beauty and uniqueness of nature is simply incredible. Mountains, streams and parks calm, inspire, delight and make you think about the eternal. No photographs can convey all the splendor and grandeur of this place.
Read also about other places in Zhangjiajie:
Formation of mountains
The world famous Zhangjiajie Park, or rather the wider area of \u200b\u200bthe Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is the first Chinese park to receive the status of a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.
As a result of weathering of sandstones and limestones, as well as soil leaching, about 3000 peaks and cliffs of the most bizarre outlines were formed. The mountains are covered with dense vegetation, and they are separated by deep gorges with rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These distinctive mountain formations are a hallmark of the Chinese landscape, depicted in numerous ancient paintings.
Geography of Zhangjiajie Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known as Avatar Park, is located in the northwest of Hunan Province in China and is part of the huge Wulingyuan Nature Reserve (Wulingyuan Scenic Area). The nearest airport and train station are located in Zhangjiajie (张家界 市). But, the park is located 50 km from the city of Zhangjiajie, so it is not recommended to stay in city hotels to visit the park. Near the park there is Wulingyuan town, also known as Zhangjiajie village, with all the necessary infrastructure, including hotels and restaurants.
In China, names are always difficult. They are duplicated and embedded in each other like nesting dolls. I will try to clarify a little how things are with the parks near Zhangjiajie.
Wulingyuan Nature Reserve (Wulingyuan Scenic Area, 武陵源) has four parts:
- Zhangjiajie National Park (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, 张家界 国家 森林 公园),
- Tianji Mountain | Tianzi Mountain Natural Resource Reserve (天子山),
- Yangjiajie Region (Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, 袁家界),
- Suosi Valley (Suoxiyu Natural Resource Reserve, 索溪峪).
The Zhangjiajie Park ticket allows you to visit all of the above zones.
However, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area has attractions that require separate tickets:
- Yellow Dragon Cave (黄龙 洞) - 100 RMB
- Dragon King's Cave Longwang Dong (龙王 洞) - 81 RMB
- Baofang artificial lake - 98 RMB
- Museums, river rafting, etc.
Also near the city of Zhangjiajie there is (Tianmenshan National Forest Park, 天门山 森林 区). It is located in a completely different direction from Zhangjiajie and is not included in the Wulingyuan reserve zone. This is an absolutely beautiful, majestic and unique place. With a completely different atmosphere from Zhangjiajie Park.
Main Areas of Zhangjiajie Park
Yuanjiajie
View from the elevator 100 dragons
The most picturesque, but touristy area of \u200b\u200bthe park. In this zone are located (the one that is the main attraction of the entire park and is renamed "Avatar Mountains" in honor of the well-known film), The first bridge under heaven (natural bridge between two rocks), Lost Souls Platform, Bailong elevator (the world's highest elevator).
Bailong Elevator - the world's tallest elevator
Bailong Elevator | Hundred Dragon Elevator
Hundred Dragons Elevator – the tallest open lift in the world... It takes tourists to the top of a 330-meter steep slope in the heart of Zhangjiajie Park. A ride in the glass elevator will give you stunning views of the plain. The main thing is to get closer to the window, because 50 people can fit in the booth, and not everyone will be able to enjoy the beauty that opens from above.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
1080 meter mountain The Southern Sky Column has been renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in honor of the landmark film Avatar. The mountain is located in the Yuanjiajie region.
Natural Bridge No. 1 (The First Bridge under Heaven)
Natural bridge number 1 (The First Bridge under Heaven | Tianxia Diyi Qiao) or "Bridge over the sky" is a kind of unique in the world, unique natural creation. At an altitude of 357 meters it connects the peaks of two rocks... Its length is 50 meters, width - 4 meters, thickness - 5 meters. It is the tallest natural bridge in the world.
Tianzishan | Mountain of the Son of Heaven | Emperor's Mountain (Tianzi Mountain)
Rocks forest | Stone peaks forest
The main advantage of this area is its height. The height of 1182 meters gives a great opportunity to see the famous mountains in the clouds. Here the mountains really seem to be floating. The area is popular with photographers. In this area you can see Dian Jiang Tai, Yubi Feng, Ten-Li Gallery.
Emperor's Pavilion | Tianzi Pavilion
Gallery ten li | Ten-Li Gallery
Yellow Stone Village
Five Fingers Peak | Five fingers peak
The region is just north of the Zolotoy Khlyst stream. This part of the park is home to the famous five-Fingers Peak... The area is just as picturesque, but less popular than Yuanjiajie. Many go to the main observation deck, which overlooks the Five-Fingers Peak on foot, without using expensive lifts.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area
it area for real explorers... Here you will have to walk not along paved paths, but along dangerous and slippery paths. No infrastructure, but no tourists or queues. Real nature.
Laowuchang Area
One of the wildest areas of the park. You will have to walk on muddy paths. But this is the best area for photographers. Here are the rice fields Paddies in the sky and Spirit Soldiers 'Gathering'.
Golden Whip Stream
A pleasant walk along a beautiful stream surrounded by incredible mountains is the most popular route in the park... The path is quite long - 7 km, but not at all difficult. All is well, except that there are always a lot of people here.
How much is a ticket to Zhangjiajie?
A ticket to the park costs 248 RMB for 4 days or 298 RMB for a week. For students, seniors and children, prices are 160 RMB and 193 RMB, respectively. Children up to 1.2 meters tall are free. The price is far from low, but it's definitely worth it! You will not regret a dime.
The ticket price includes all the zones and observation decks listed above, as well as all bus movements within the park. However, rides by funiculars, trams and elevators require a separate fee.
Price for lifts and trams:
- Glass Elevator Bailong | Elevator 100 dragons (Bailong elevator) - 72 RMB.
- Tianzishan Cable Car - 67 RMB one way / 134 RMB round trip.
- Funicular Huangshi Zhai (Yellow Stone Village Cable Car) - 65 RMB one way / 118 RMB round trip.
- Tram in the ten li gorge (Tenli Gallery's Mini Train) - 38 RMB one way / 52 RMB round trip.
The main entrances to the park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has two main entrances. The park ticket allows you to visit all the attractions located inside.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Gate (on map A): Southwest entrance, convenient if you want to walk along the Gold Whip Stream.
- Wulingyuan Gate (on map B) : Closest to Wulingyuan Town Hotels. It is convenient to get to Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Cable Way and Ten-Li Gallery train.
How long does it take to visit the park?
We had only 3 days for everything, and even during the Chinese holidays. We walked quite a lot and in a day and a half managed to see all the most interesting in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. For half a day we went to the Yellow Dragon Cave, and on the last day we saw Tianmenshan National Forest Park.
When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie Park?
- Avoid Chinese Holidays (May 1-3, October 1-7) and the Chinese holiday period (July and August). There will be not just a lot of tourists, but horror how many. You may have to queue for hours for the lifts.
- It's very cold in winter, and in February, the park may be closed for reconstruction.
- April to June good time but high humidity and a high probability of rain and fog. But if this does not scare you (and I advise you not to be intimidated by small rains), then this time is great.
- May to October high season... Accordingly, prices are higher, there are more tourists on average.
- September and October - the best time to visit the park. It is still warm enough, but this is already a low season, and therefore there are no queues and prices do not bite.
Where to stay to eat?
The restaurants in the park are small and very authentic. The most European place is McDonald's on Tianzi Mountain. But on every corner there are street vendors with sausages, tofu, fruits, water and other snacks. Everything is quite expensive and not particularly tasty. So I recommend bringing sandwiches, nuts or fruits with you. You can have a full meal in Wulingyuan Township or near attractions outside the park, such as Yellow Dragon Cave.
Hotels in Zhangjiajie
I recommend staying in Wulingyuan Town, also called Zhangjiajie Village, or inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is definitely not necessary to stop in Zhangjiajie city, because it is located quite far (50 km or an hour's drive) from the park.
Hotels in Wulingyuan
Walking distance to the entrance to the park. You can come early in the morning and return late at night. The infrastructure of the village is much better than inside the park. Restaurants, shops, everything is there. The level of hotels from hostels to 5 stars.
Hotels inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Hotels inside Zhangjiajie Park are not comfortable and quality. But you do not need to stand in lines at the entrance and you can come to the most interesting places before others, as well as meet sunrises and sunsets in the park. In terms of infrastructure, you will have to rely on the hotel and what you brought with you.
How to get to the Avatar Mountains?
Getting to the famous Avatar Park is not at all difficult:
- Fly to Hunan Airport. Aircraft to Zhangjiajie fly from any major city in China.
- Take a taxi or bus to the park or hotel.
I recommend taxisince the way is not close, taxis in China are not expensive, and there are always a lot of cars near the airport. The price to the park and to the village of Wulingyuan will be asked for about 300 RMB, but in fact, they can be delivered for 100 (such prices are offered to the Chinese). They don't like to turn on the meters, especially at night, so bargain fiercely.
If you want to get there to the park by busthen go to the bus station (next to the train station and McDonald’s). You need a bus that goes to the main entrance to the park. The stop is called Wulingyuan Menpiaozhan (武陵源 门票 站). The fare is 12 RMB and the controller takes the money during the trip.
The entrance to the park is indicated by a huge pagoda, it can be seen from afar.
- Queues... There are a lot of Chinese. And during the holidays there are even more of them. You can hang around (as we did on May 1) in the queue for the elevator for 2-4 hours or an hour in the queue for the bus. Therefore, more walks, less transport.
- Come to the park early... Better then sleep off in the early evening. The majority of tourists arrive after 10, and the park opens at 7.
- If you are traveling on your own, then learn the most important phrases in Chinese better... In China, almost no one speaks English.
- You must be able to pronounce the hotel name and address, taxi drivers often do not know how to read and do not always know the area well.
- Cash money (of course yuan) will save you always and everywhere. Currency and Visa, Master Card may not be accepted. Don't be surprised, China uses its own banking system.
- If you take map park at the entrance, choose English-Chinese... It most closely resembles the truth.
basic information
- A place: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, 张家界 国家 森林 公园.
- Nearest town: Zhangjiajie, Hunan province, China.
- Location: Wulingyuan Scenic Area (武陵源).
- The size: 48 sq. km
- Ticket price: 248/298 RMB
- Opening hours: 7.00-18.00
- Time for inspection: 2-4 days
- Number of visitors: many
- Best time to visit: September, October.
- Must-see: areas of Yuanjiajie, Yellow Stone Village, Tianzi Mountain.
- We were in Park: 1-2 May 2014
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