Huangshizhai – The Best Sunrise Viewing Platform in Zhangjiajie

As you ascend Huangshizhai from the south, after about 100 meters, you’ll come across a cluster of stone peaks nestled within a pine forest. These peaks are draped with lush green vines, resembling hanging curtains. Among them is a particularly striking peak topped with overlapping sandstone, standing against the backdrop of the sky. This peak is shaped like a Luohan, a Buddhist enlightened being, seated cross-legged with a bald head, round face, and a slight smile. His plump belly and hands clasped in greeting make it seem as though he is bowing to welcome guests to this sacred site.

On a western-facing rock platform, a remarkable formation stands out. To the right of this platform is a 20-meter-tall cylindrical stone pillar, surrounded by steep cliffs. Atop this pillar is a small platform where five pine trees encircle a rectangular stone block, about 3 meters long, 1.5 meters wide, and 80 centimeters thick. This block is topped by another stone slab, resembling the lid of an ancient book chest. The slab is partially covering the block, with one half suspended in mid-air, creating a striking resemblance to an open treasure box of ancient scrolls.

Just 120 meters past the Nantian Gate, nestled in the peak forest of a secluded southeast valley, stands a towering solitary peak over 200 meters tall. This majestic pillar, covered with shrubs at the top, is bare in the middle, and shrouded with trees at its base. It rises from the valley like a jade column supporting the heavens. The peak’s round and imposing form earned it the name “Southern Sky Column.” Nearby, another straight and imposing stone column rises more than 100 meters tall, its top touching the clouds and its base anchored deep into the earth.

At the eastern end of Huangshizhai’s summit, a narrow ridge stretches out about 100 meters, ending in a breathtaking viewing platform formed by two stacked sandstone slabs. The base slab covers an area of around 20 square meters and rises 5 meters high, while the top slab is 10 meters tall, forming a platform about 5 meters in diameter, surrounded by iron railings. A lone pine tree stands atop this platform, resembling an umbrella. Standing on this terrace, visitors are greeted with clouds floating above and deep valleys stretching below. On rainy days, the area is enveloped in a sea of clouds, with the surrounding peaks transforming into a mystical, ever-changing landscape. When the moon is full, standing on the platform feels like the stars are within reach, hence the name “Star-Plucking Terrace.” Named by State Councilor Zhang Jingfu in November 1993, the terrace juts out over a sheer drop, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks, forests, and rivers, encapsulating the essence of standing atop the world.

Venturing 500 meters north from Huangshizhai’s eastern edge, you’ll catch sight of a vast rocky plateau across a deep ravine. This plateau, covering several dozen acres, is perched on a cliff that rises steeply from the valley below. The top of the plateau is covered with a dense, ancient forest, and tall, dark green trees dominate the landscape, creating an area that appears almost untouched by human hands. This primeval forest, shrouded in mystery, has remained largely inaccessible and unexplored for centuries.

At the very top of Huangshizhai stands Liuqi Pavilion, a three-story structure completed in October 1991. Named after the six marvels of Zhangjiajie – its stunning mountains, waters, clouds, rocks, plants, and rare birds and animals—this pavilion offers some of the best views in Huangshizhai. From here, visitors can fully appreciate the extraordinary natural beauty and wonder that Zhangjiajie has to offer.