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Wulingyuan National Park Facts
Located in China's Central Hunan province, Wulingyuan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its renowned Avatar Mountains. As it is said to be 'The ampliative miniascape and the contractible fairyland', the park showcases a mesmerizing spectacle of slender quartzite sandstone pillars that soar dramatically from the earth, crafting an ethereal and fantastical terrain. Its distinctive karst topography unfolds with deep ravines, natural bridges, and caves meticulously shaped by millions of years of water erosion, embodying a truly surreal and captivating landscape.
Here are key facts about Wulingyuan National Park:
- Location: Situated 34 kilometers north of Zhangjiajie Downtown.
- Area: Encompasses 397 square kilometers, with 264 square kilometers dedicated to the quartz sandstone peak forest landscape.
- Mountain Peaks: Features 3,103 stone peaks towering over 300 meters.
- Main Scenic Spots: Includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley, and Yangjiajie.
- Ticket Price: RMB 227 (USD 32) for a 4-day pass.
- Opening Hours: From 07:00 to 18:00
Wulingyuan National Park Attractions: 4 Parts of Wulingyuan Scenic Area (with Map)
According to the official website of Wulingyuan National Park, the famous park consists of 4 scenic areas: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley, and Yangjiajie.
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (张家界国家森林公园) - Iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountains, Most Crowded
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the heart of Wulingyuan National Park. Established in 1982, it is China’s first national park covering an area of 130 square kilometers. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1992 and as a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004. It is in the youthful stage of its peak forest evolution history, characterized by unique landforms, numerous towering stone peaks of various shapes, and lush vegetation.
Here are main attractions in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Yuanjiajie (袁家界) - Home to Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
Yuanjiajie is one of the most famous attractions in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned for its unique sandstone pillar formations. The natural landscape here served as the inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar, attracting countless visitors.
Hghlights in Yuanjiajie:
- Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (哈利路亚悬浮山): Among the myriad distinctive peaks in Zhangjiajie, the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, once called the Southern Sky Column, stands out as the most renowned. Rising to 1074 meters with a vertical height of approximately 150 meters, its lushly vegetated summit boasts a peculiar shape resembling a grand pillar, seemingly split by a sharp implement. Renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain post its appearance in James Cameron's blockbuster "Avatar," it has become a symbol of the park's ethereal beauty and cinematic significance.
- Tianxia Diyi Qiao (天下第一桥): It is the highest natural stone bridge in the world with a width of 2 meters, a thickness of 4 meters, a span of over 20 meters, and a height of over 300 meters. This natural stone bridge is situated between two mountain peaks that were originally connected as one. Due to the relatively weak rock in the middle, it has been affected by collapse and exposure to sun and rain. Over time, these processes have led to the formation of this unique and extraordinary sight.
- Mihun Tai (迷魂台): An observation deck offering panoramic views of Yuanjiajie. After a rain followed by clearing skies, light clouds and mist often drift and linger among the peaks, making the peaks seem to float in the air, resembling exquisite jade pavilions and towers. Visitors to this place are all enchanted and mesmerized, unsure of their whereabouts, hence earning it the reputation of the "Lost Soul's Platform."
- Houhuayuan (后花园): A secluded valley with towering stone pillars on both sides, presenting a magnificent sight.
Huangshizhai Village (黄石寨) - Fewer Crowds, Enjoy Trekking Experience
Huangshizhai is located in the middle of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, occupying a vast flat mountaintop with an elevation of 1,200 meters. The mountaintop covers an area of 16.5 hectares and is considered the biggest and the most beautiful observation deck in Wulingyuan.
At Huangshizhai, you have the option to reach the summit either by foot or by cable car. Upon arrival, you can embark on a scenic hike along the wooden boardwalk for about 1-2 hours to marvel at the following attractions and peaks:
- Zhaixingtai (摘星台): The highest point of Huangshizhai, offering a bird's eye view of the entire Zhangjiajie.
- Five Finger Peaks (五指峰): Five standing stone peaks resembling human fingers.
- Wuhaijingui (雾海金龟): Resembling a turtle with its mouth wide open, this stone formation can appear to swallow the sun at sunset.
Jinbianxi Stream (金鞭溪) - Best for Hiking along Stream (6.5 km)
Jinbianxi is a clear stream winding through the forest from west to east. Walking along the stream, you will be surrounded by beautiful scenery, peaks of various shapes, fresh air, and wild macaques, making it an excellent choice for hiking.
The hike starts at Dayangba (大氧吧), near the South Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and ends at Shuirao Simen (水绕四门), near the Bailong Elevator. It is about 6.5 kilometers long and takes 1.5 hours.
Featured attractions(peaks) along Jinbianxi Stream:
- Shenyinghubian (神鹰护鞭): A mountain peak shaped like an eagle with spread wings protects a huge whip-like mountain peak in front of it.
- Shuangguitanxi (双龟探溪): Two giant rocks resembling two turtles stacked together with turtle heads protruding.
- Zicaotan (紫草潭): A 5-meter deep water pool, crystal clear to the bottom, with purple-red sandstone at its edge.
- Qianlixianghui (千里相会): Shaped like lovers who reunite after a long separation, holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes with tears.
2. Tianzi Mountain (天子山) - Panoramic Views of Sandstone Pillars and Valleys
Tianzi Mountain (天子山), a significant part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is renowned for its unique karst topography and rich natural landscapes. Tianzi Mountain is currently in the prime stage of its peak forest evolution and is renowned as the "King of Peaks". Tianzi Mountain (1,262m) is well-known for its magnificent sunrise, the sea of clouds, red moon, winter snow, red leaves, and grand forest of peaks.
Tianzi Mountain's featured attractions include:
- Helong Park (贺龙公园): Named after General Helong, a prominent figure in the Chinese revolution. The park features a bronze statue of General Helong and exhibits many precious historical photos and artifacts. From the park, you can overlook the magnificent peaks of Tianzi Mountain.
- Yubifeng Peak (御笔峰): This uniquely shaped peak resembles a writing brush, making it a wonder of Tianzi Mountain. Legend has it that a divine brush could write anything, and Yubifeng stands like such a brush among the mountains.
- Xiannvsanhua (仙女散花): A group of beautifully shaped peaks, named after the fairy scattering flowers. From a distance, it seems as if fairies are dancing in the air.
- Dianjiangtai (点将台): It is said to be the place where ancient generals reviewed their troops. Standing on Dianjiangtai, you can take in a panoramic view of the beauty of Tianzi Mountain.
- Shentang Gulf (神堂湾): A quiet valley surrounded by towering peaks. There is a clear lake at the bottom of the valley, offering a pleasant scenery.
3. Suoxiyu Valley (索溪峪) - Deep Gorges, Crystal-Clear Streams
Suoxiyu, located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie, is renowned for its unique karst topography, abundant vegetation, and crystal-clear streams. This area is characterized by towering peaks, deep gorges, and is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.
Please note: Baofeng Lake and Huanglong Cave areas are separately ticketed attractions. The entrance fee for Baofeng Lake is RMB 70 (10 USD), and for Huanglong Cave, it is RMB 121 (17 USD).
Suoxiyu Valley's featured attractions include:
Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊)
The Ten-Mile Gallery is a ten-kilometer-long gorge with picturesque scenery, often referred to as a "natural art gallery." Here, you can admire the unique peaks, ancient trees, and clear streams. The best way to explore Ten-Mile Gallery is hiking, biking, or taking a sightseeing train.
- Peaks: Numerous peaks with unique shapes, like natural sculptures.
- Streams: The Suoxi River flows through the valley, with crystal-clear water reflecting the mountains.
- Forest: Lush forests are home to various wildlife.
- Rural Scenery: There are many farmhouses along the way, allowing visitors to experience local customs.
Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖)
Baofeng Lake is a naturally formed high-altitude lake with crystal-clear water that reflects the surrounding peaks. There are many small islands in the lake, covered in lush vegetation, offering beautiful scenery. You can take a boat tour to enjoy the wonderful scenery.
- Scenery: The clear lake water and the reflection of the mountains create a picturesque scene.
- Boat Tour: Visitors can take a boat tour on the lake to enjoy the scenery.
- Unique Peaks: There are many uniquely shaped peaks around the lake, such as the Pagoda Peak and the Turtle Looking Out at the Sea.
Yellow Dragon Cave (黄龙洞)
Yellow Dragon Cave is a large cave with well-developed cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. The cave is spacious and illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
- Cave Formations: Various shapes of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns are breathtaking.
- Underground River: There is an underground river in the cave, and visitors can take a boat tour.
- Light Show: The cave is illuminated with colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
4. Yangjiajie (杨家界) - Unique Rock Formations and Peaks
Located in the northwest of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yangjiajie covers an area of 34 square kilometers with a highest elevation of 1130 meters. It is in the early stage of the evolution of the peak forest, featuring a variety of mountain shapes including columnar and sheet-like formations, abundant vegetation, and a forest coverage rate of 90%. Yangjiajie is the last of the four major scenic areas in Wulingyuan to be developed and is known for having the fewest visitors. Yangjiajie's featured attractions include:
1. Natural Great Wall (天然长城)
The most unique attraction in Yangjiajie, the Natural Great Wall derives its name from dozens of stone walls standing relatively parallel, resembling rows and sections of the Great Wall. The mountain peaks here are distinct from the solitary stone peaks found in other areas, appearing as peaks from the side and walls from the front, giving it a unique character.
2. Wulong Fort (乌龙寨)
Wulong Fort is the most thrilling attraction in Yangjiajie, featuring a bandit fort dating back to the 1930s. The excitement of exploring Wulong Fort lies in traversing the rugged, narrow cliffs, and pathways nestled among the lush green peaks.
3. One Stride Ahead of Heaven (一步登天)
This spot is a rarely-visited viewing platform. The journey to the platform is intriguing, starting with a few hundred meters of primitive earth road, winding through towering pristine forests. Visitors then have to climb a nearly vertical iron staircase for several tens of meters to reach the viewing platform on top of a peak.
Wulingyuan National Park Attractions Top Rated
| Scenic Area | Highlights | Recommended Hours | Landscape | Hiking Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park |
Yuanjiajie | 1-2 hours | ★★★★★ | ★★ |
| Huangshizhai | 1-2 hours | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | |
| Jinbianxi Stream | 1.5 hours | ★★★★ | ★★★ | |
| Tianzi Mountain | Tianzishan | 2 hours | ★★★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Suoxiyu Valley | Ten Mile Gallery | 1 hour | ★★★☆ | ★★☆ |
| Baofeng Lake | 1 hour | ★★★☆ | ★ | |
| Yellow Dragon Cave | 1.5 hours | ★★★☆ | ★★★ | |
| Yangjiajie | Natural Great Wall | 0.5 hour | ★★★★ | ★★☆ |
| Wulong Fort | 1 hour | ★★★☆ | ★★★★ | |
| One Stride Ahead Heaven | 0.5 hour | ★★★ | ★★★☆ |
How Many Days to Spend in Wulingyuan National Park
For a comprehensive experience of the diverse attractions and activities in Wulingyuan National Park, it is recommended to plan a 1-3 day itinerary. Here are some factors to consider when determining the ideal duration to allocate for your visit to Wulingyuan National Park:
Day Trip - Focus Tianzi Mountain & Yangjiajie
If you are short on time, you can visit Wulingyuan National Park as a day trip from Zhangjiajie City. Focus your visit on Tianzi Mountain and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which is part of Wulingyuan National Park. A single day allows you to see some of the main attractions like Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and the Bailong Elevator. While you may not be able to explore all the areas in detail, you can still get a taste of the park's beauty.
Two Days - Explore Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Huangshizhai, Jinbianxi Stream
Spending two days in Wulingyuan National Park gives you more time to explore the various scenic spots, hike the trails, and soak in the natural beauty at a more leisurely pace. This duration allows you to visit popular sites like Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Tianzi Mountain, Jinbianxi Stream, and Huangshi Village in more depth.
- Day 1: Start your journey at the East Gate. Begin by boarding the Tianzi Mountain cable car to discover the Tianzi Mountain area. Next, hop on a shuttle bus to explore the Yuanjiajie area before descending via the Bailong Elevator. Conclude the day by transferring to a shuttle bus to exit through the East Gate.
- Day 2: Enter from the South Gate. Take the Huangshizhai cable car to explore the Huangshizhai area. Descend by cable car and board a shuttle bus to the starting point of the Jinbianxi Stream for a 6.5 km hike. Upon reaching the endpoint, take a shuttle bus through the East Gate to exit the scenic area.
Three Days - Fully Explore Wulingyuan Attractions
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the park's stunning landscapes, consider spending three days in Wulingyuan National Park. This extended duration allows for a comprehensive exploration of the park, including lesser-known areas, additional hikes, and the flexibility to revisit favorite spots or discover hidden gems.
- Day 1-2: Same as the above 2-day itinerary.
- Day 3: Take a shuttle bus to Baofeng Lake area, enjoy a boat ride, then take a car to Huanglong Cave area to explore the magical karst cave.
It's highly recommended to plan your visit based on the attractions you want to see, the activities you wish to engage in, and we are very pleasure to help you plan a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning sandstone pillars, lush forests, and captivating scenery.
How to Get to Wulingyuan National Park
To get to Wulingyuan National Park, which is part of the larger Zhangjiajie area in China, you typically need to travel to Zhangjiajie City first. From Zhangjiajie City, you can then make your way to Wulingyuan, where the park is located. Here are the common transportation options to reach Wulingyuan National Park:
By Air - Best Way to Zhangjiajie
Flight is the best way to get to Wulingyuan National Park. The closest airport to Wulingyuan is Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. Major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and Guangzhou, have direct flights to Zhangjiajie.
If you're traveling from other parts of the world, you'll likely need to take a connecting flight in China. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Wulingyuan District, the gateway of Wulingyuan National Park.
By High-Speed Train
You can take an express bullet train to get to Zhangjiajie West Railway Station now. Several high-speed trains connect Zhangjiajie to major cities in China, such as Changsha (2 hours), Guilin (7.5 hours), Guangzhou (6 hours), Shanghai (9 hours), and Hangzhou (8 hours).
From the train station, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to Wulingyuan District, the gateway of Wulingyuan National Park.
How to Travel within Wulingyuan National Park
Exploring the vast expanse of Wulingyuan National Park is made more accessible through various modes of transportation, from hiking trails to cable cars and unique elevators. Here are the primary ways to travel around Wulingyuan National Park:
Hiking
Hiking is the most immersive way to experience Wulingyuan's natural beauty. The park offers trails of varying difficulty levels, catering to hikers of all abilities. These scenic trails wind through the majestic landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Hiking provides a closer connection to the park's stunning rock formations, lush forests, and breathtaking vistas.
Please note: Utilize a shuttle bus to move between various zones in Wulingyuan, followed by a brief walk to reach the observation deck for a closer view of the peaks. Both elders and young children can make it.
Shuttle Buses within the Park
Shuttle buses operate within Wulingyuan National Park, providing convenient transportation between key attractions and trailheads. These buses offer a comfortable and efficient way to move around the park, allowing visitors to access different areas without the need for extensive walking.
Please note: The bus fare is already included in your Wulingyuan National Park entrance ticket. During peak season, there may be a wait of about half an hour for the bus.
Bailong Elevator (百龙天梯):
- Tickets: RMB 65 (USD 9)
- Opening Time: 08:00-18:00
- Ascend: 326 meters
- Duration: 66 seconds
- Carriage Capacity: 50 People Most
The Bailong Elevator, or the Hundred Dragons Elevator, stands as an exceptional engineering marvel scaling the cliffs of Yuanjiajie, taking you from the bottom of Yuanjiajie Mountains to the picturesque Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. This elevator secures the Guinness World Record for being the tallest, fastest, and heaviest outdoor sightseeing elevator. Ascending 326 meters in a mere 66 seconds from the valley floor to the pillar's peak, it offers an exhilarating journey and sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscapes. This rapid yet scenic ascent makes it an essential experience for visitors craving a distinctive viewpoint of the park.
Please Note: The elevator fare is not included in your Wulingyuan entrance ticket. During Peak Seasons, there may be a wait of about 2 hours for the elevator both up and down.
Tianzishan Cable Car (天子山索道)
- Tickets: RMB 72 (USD 10)
- Opening Time: 08:00-18:00
- Length: 2090 meters
- Ascend: 692 meters
- Duration: 6 minutes
- Carriage Capacity: 6 People Most
The Tianzishan Cable Car offers a scenic journey to the Tianzi Mountains, allowing passengers to enjoy sweeping views of the mist-covered peaks and lush valleys below. This cable car ride provides a bird's eye perspective of the park's dramatic landscapes, offering a memorable way to appreciate the natural beauty of Wulingyuan.
Huangshizhai Cable Car (黄石寨索道):
- Tickets: RMB 65 (USD 9)
- Opening Time: 08:00-18:00
- Length: 973 meters
- Ascend: 430 meters
- Duration: 4 minutes
- Carriage Capacity: 5 People Most
The Huangshizhai Cable Car provides access to the Huangshizhai area of the park, known for its rugged trails and panoramic viewpoints. This cable car ride offers a convenient way to reach the mountaintop, where visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of the surrounding rock formations and forests.
Yangjiajie Cable Car (杨家界索道):
- Tickets: RMB 76 (USD 11)
- Opening Time: 08:00-18:00
- Length: 1876 meters
- Ascend: 517 meters
- Duration: 5 minutes
- Carriage Capacity: 6 People Most
The Yangjiajie Cable Car transports visitors to the scenic Yangjiajie area of Wulingyuan National Park, renowned for its unique rock formations and hiking trails. This cable car ride offers a comfortable and efficient means of reaching the attractions in Yangjiajie, allowing visitors to explore the area with ease.
Best Time to Vist Wulingyuan National Park
The best time to visit Wulingyuan National Park is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, the scenery is beautiful, and the crowds are relatively smaller.
In spring (March to May), the park bursts with blooming flowers and lush greenery, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape for visitors to enjoy. The mild weather during this time is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. Autumn (September to November) offers pleasant temperatures and clear skies, with the foliage transforming into a picturesque array of reds, oranges, and yellows, providing a stunning backdrop for exploration.
Though hot and humid, Summer (June to August) in Wulingyuan is the peak season for domestic tourists. Winter, though cold, brings a serene and quieter experience with occasional snow adding to the park's charm.
Regardless of the season, early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for exploring the park to avoid both the heat and the crowds, with sunrise and sunset views offering breathtaking moments of natural beauty.
It's advisable to avoid peak tourist seasons during Chinese national holidays like Golden Week, Chinese New Year and Labor Day Holiday to steer clear of the crowds.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area Nearby Attractions in Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain
- Location: Tianmen Mountain is located about 8 kilometers south of Zhangjiajie City center.
- Highlights:
- Tianmen Mountain Cableway: Experience the world's longest cableway ride that takes you to the mountaintop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate): Walk through the natural arch in the mountain known as Heaven's Gate, which is considered a symbol of Zhangjiajie.
- Glass Skywalk: Test your courage on the glass walkway that hangs off the cliff, providing thrilling views of the scenery below.
- Tianmen Temple: Visit the ancient Buddhist temple located on the mountaintop and learn about its history and significance.
- Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, photography, cultural exploration, and adventure activities like the glass walkway and cliff-hanging walk.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
- Location: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is located in Sanguansi Town, about 15 kilometers from Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
- Highlights:
- Glass Bridge: Walk across the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge, offering breathtaking views of the canyon below.
- Waterfalls: Explore various waterfalls within the canyon, including the majestic Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Waterfall.
- Hiking Trails: Enjoy hiking trails that lead you through the beautiful landscapes of the canyon, allowing you to connect with nature.
- Ziplining: Soar through the canyon on a zipline, enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
- Activities: Scenic walks, photography, boat rides, exploring waterfalls, and experiencing the thrill of walking on the glass bridge.
Where to Stay in Wulingyuan National Park
When visiting Wulingyuan National Park, there are various accommodation options available to suit different preferences and budgets. Here are some suggestions on where to stay in and around Wulingyuan National Park:
1. Wulingyuan Town:
Location: Wulingyuan Town is the closest town to the East entrance of Wulingyuan National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.
Accommodation: There are numerous hotels, guesthouses, and hostels in Wulingyuan Town catering to different budgets.
Advantages: Staying in Wulingyuan Town provides easy access to the park's entrance, restaurants, shops, and local amenities.
2. Zhangjiajie City:
Location: Zhangjiajie City is a larger city located about 40 minutes to an hour away from Wulingyuan National Park by car or bus.
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie City offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses to suit different preferences and budgets.
Advantages: You may find more upscale accommodation options, dining choices, and entertainment in Zhangjiajie City compared to Wulingyuan Town.
Useful Travel Tips When Visiting Wulingyuan Scenic Area
- Depart early to avoid queues for cable cars or elevators; queues are unavoidable during peak season.
- Use your imagination when viewing the peaks; different angles offer different landscapes.
- Drones are permitted in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, providing unique viewing perspectives.
- To avoid large crowds, consider visiting less crowded areas like Huangshizhai and Yangjiajie.
- When hiking in Jinbianxi Stream, beware of wild monkeys that may appear suddenly. They might target your food and attempt to snatch it. Keep all personal items, including phones and cameras, in a large bag.
Travel to Zhangjiajie with Asia Odyssey Travel
Zhangjiajie is one of the most worthwhile destinations to visit in China. With over ten years of experience in creating personalized travel experiences, Asia Odyssey Travel will be your trusted partner for your Zhangjiajie tour. Whether traveling with parents or children, our professional local guide team in Zhangjiajie will ensure you and your family have unforgettable memories of your trip.
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