Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan Scenic Area)

Yuanjiajie is a stunning area located on the northern slopes of Sandao Valley. This mountainous region, primarily composed of quartz sandstone, is one of the most concentrated scenic spots in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It gained international fame as the filming location for the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. Visitors can reach Yuanjiajie by entering Sandao Valley from Zicao Pond at Golden Whip Stream. From there, you can follow a small path along the edge of the Yuanjiajie plateau, eventually descending to the “Meeting of a Thousand Miles” spot at Golden Whip Stream, or continue on to explore Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie. One of the most notable attractions in Yuanjiajie is the “First Bridge Under Heaven,” a natural stone bridge that spans 50 meters with a width of only 3 meters and a thickness of 5 meters. The bridge stands nearly 400 meters above the valley, making it a breathtaking sight. Together with Husband and Wife Rock, this bridge is celebrated as one of the “Two Wonders of Zhangjiajie.”

Tianzi Mountain, named after the Tujia ethnic group’s peasant uprising leader Xiang Dakun who called himself “Xiang King Tianzi” (Son of Heaven), is one of the four main scenic areas of Wulingyuan. Situated at the eastern edge of Suoxiyu Valley, it connects to Zhangjiajie in the south and borders Sangzhi County in the north. It stands as the highest point in the “Golden Triangle” area, with its highest peak, Kunlun Peak, reaching 1,262.5 meters above sea level, and its lowest point, Shilan Valley, at 534 meters. After a rain shower, the area is often shrouded in mist, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. In winter, the mountain transforms into a winter wonderland, with snow-covered landscapes that are truly enchanting.

Golden Whip Stream is one of the most iconic attractions within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, named after the Golden Whip Rock through which it flows. The stream stretches 5,710 meters and is considered the most beautiful part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The entrance to Golden Whip Stream is about 300 meters from the park’s main gate. The stream’s path is lined with remarkable sights, including Drunken Arhat, Eagle Protecting the Whip, Golden Whip Rock, Flower and Fruit Mountain, Water Curtain Cave, The Split Mountain to Save Mother, Meeting of a Thousand Miles, Nanmu Grove, and Four Gates Surrounded by Water. This area was also one of the earliest developed in the park and served as a filming location for the classic TV series Journey to the West. Fans of the series can see iconic settings like Water Curtain Cave and The Split Mountain to Save Mother.

Yangjiajie Scenic Area is situated in the northwest part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, adjoining Zhangjiajie to the east and neighboring Tianzi Mountain to the north. Covering a total area of 3,400 hectares, Yangjiajie is divided into three main zones: Xiangzhi Stream, Longquan Gorge, and Hundred Monkey Valley, with over 200 scenic spots scattered throughout. The administrative center of the area is located in Zhonghu Village, approximately 43 kilometers from Zhangjiajie City, accessible by road. The landscape is characterized by quartz sandstone peaks and deep valleys, with the highest peak, Yibubutian, standing at 1,130 meters above sea level. The area is heavily forested, with a 95% forest coverage rate. Two of its smaller sub-areas, Xiangzhi Stream and Longquan Gorge, have been developed with a 2.5-kilometer scenic drive. Among the over 200 attractions, the most famous is the Longquan Waterfall, known as the “First Wonder Waterfall Under Heaven.” According to legend, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the Yang family army camped in Tianzi Mountain while suppressing the rebel Xiang King Tianzi. As the campaign dragged on, they eventually settled in this area, leading to the name “Yangjiajie.”

Yangjiajie is celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, featuring high mountains and narrow paths, known for their treacherous terrain. This rugged landscape makes it a favorite among backpackers and adventurers. One of the most fascinating spots in the area is Wulong Village, a mysterious place once inhabited by bandits from western Hunan. The village was later renamed after the popular TV series The Bandit Suppression of Wulong Mountain. The village is built on a mountainside, with an elevation of over 300 meters. Surrounded by stone cliffs, the only access is a 1,000-meter-long narrow path leading to the top. Along the way, there are several natural barriers, with some sections less than a meter wide, requiring climbers to use both hands and feet to reach the summit.

Yaozi Village, also known as Jiegong Mountain, covers an area of 12 square kilometers and serves as a creative base for the Hunan Photographers Association and a national outdoor sports camp for young people. It is a popular route for European and American tour groups and independent travelers. Located in the southeastern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, about 5 kilometers from Laomowan, Yaozi Village is named after its resemblance to an eagle (in Chinese, “yaozi” refers to eagle). The village sits at an altitude of 1,050 meters, with a narrow ridge at the top that stretches over 1,400 meters in length and about 100 meters in width. The ridge is a flat viewing platform surrounded by sheer cliffs on the west, north, and east sides, plunging over 300 meters deep, making it a place of extraordinary natural beauty and danger. Notable sights in Yaozi Village include the Heavenly Bridge and Layered Rock Pagoda.