Yangjiajie (杨家界), located in the northwest of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, features three main scenic areas: Xiangzhi Stream, Longquan Gorge, and Hundred Monkey Valley.
Xiangzhi Stream, situated in the eastern part of Yangjiajie, is characterized by a meandering stream bordered by towering peaks. Longquan Gorge is known for its dense stone peak forests, crystal-clear streams, and enchanting waterfalls cascading into serene pools. Hundred Monkey Valley serves as a habitat for macaques and egrets, where playful groups of macaques roam between the cliffs, while egrets nest among the lush branches.
The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, boasting over 200 notable sights, including “One Step to Heaven,” the Sky Walkway, Longquan Waterfall, the Cliff Vine King, and the Gathering of White Cranes. Yangjiajie features a unique geological landscape of sandstone peak forest and canyon topography, with the highest peak, “One Step to Heaven,” reaching an elevation of 1,130 meters. The region is crisscrossed by deep gorges and clear streams, with dense vegetation covering 95% of the area, creating a lush and vibrant ecosystem.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yangjiajie Scenic Area
- Vlog about Yangjiajie
- Other Attractions in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Zhangjiajie Naitonal Forest Park |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 16.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0744-5517777 |
Location and Transportation
Yangjiajie Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Zhangjiajie, adjacent to Tianzi Mountain and spanning the western end of the Wulingyuan District in Zhonghu Township.
To visit Yangjiajie, first take the park’s environmentally friendly shuttle bus (included in the forest park entrance fee) to the Longfeng’an Lower Station. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the Longfeng’an Upper Station, where you can catch another shuttle bus to the lower station of the Yangjiajie Cable Car. The cable car will take you to the mountaintop of Yangjiajie. After exploring the scenic spots, you can catch a shuttle bus at the Yangjiajie intersection to reach the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Highlights of Yangjiajie Scenic Area
One Step to Heaven
One Step to Heaven is a breathtaking viewpoint accessible from the Wulang Worship Buddha site, situated at the mountain’s crest. After a 500-meter eastward trek through the forest, visitors reach a towering peak with an elevation of 1,130 meters. To reach the summit, there are 32 iron steps leading up to a flat area measuring 5 meters long and 4 meters wide, enclosed by iron railings for safety. The peak features over 20 gnarled pines, some standing proudly at the top while others hang dramatically from the cliffs.
From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a stunning panorama. To the east, seven distinct peaks rise in clear layers. Southeast views include Huangshizhai and Longfengya, while the southwest reveals lush neighboring peaks. Looking west toward the center lake, the landscape is richly layered, with the first layer consisting of two diamond-shaped stone pillars. The second layer has three stone peaks, one resembling a person cradling a child, another depicting a couple embracing, and the last resembling a large barrier. To the south, a distinctive stone peak appears larger at the top, resembling a hammer.
Sky Walkway
The Sky Walkway begins near the “Feast of the Immortals” viewpoint and winds down a rocky path for about 200 meters. Here, a massive peak splits at its midpoint, creating a pathway that is 300 meters long and varies in width from 0.1 to 1 meter. The southern side features sheer cliffs that plunge into darkness, while the northern wall rises 50 meters high, making it impossible to see the top.
Walking along the Sky Walkway gives visitors the sensation of being suspended in mid-air. Gnarled pines cling to the cliffside, and the mountain winds whistle through the passage. Surrounding the walkway, peaks rise like a dense forest, some resembling city walls and others fortified structures, all showcasing the unique beauty of the landscape.
Longquan Waterfall
Longquan Waterfall marks the end of Longquan Stream, where water cascades dramatically from a cliff that rises over 80 meters high. The waterfall itself is impressive, measuring 80 meters tall, with a width of 5 meters at the top and expanding to 15 meters at the base. To the left, a 55-meter high cliff features three unusual rock formations that jut out from the stone wall, allowing the water to crash down upon them and create a misty spray that envelops the area.
This magnificent waterfall is renowned for being taller and more beautiful than others in the region, such as the Baipoxia Waterfall in Suoxi Valley, the Mandarin Duck Waterfall on Tianzi Mountain, and the Monkey Cave Waterfall in Zhangjiajie. The combination of the height and the misty ambiance makes Longquan Waterfall a breathtaking sight.
Wulong Village
Wulong Village, situated at an elevation of 1,122 meters, was a notorious stronghold for bandits during the late Qing Dynasty and the early Republic of China era. The village is accessible by a steep path featuring 27 stone steps and includes remnants of old structures, such as a solitary hanging ladder and the bandits’ hideouts.
Wulong Village is considered one of the most perilous locations in the Yangjiajie scenic area, representing a former bandit stronghold. Visitors must navigate through four “Ghost Gates” to enter the village, which requires either crawling through caves, traversing cliff seams, or carefully walking along sheer rock paths. The village is perched over 300 meters high, surrounded by steep rock walls, with only a single 1,000-meter-long path leading to the village’s summit. This narrow path includes several natural barriers, with one section being less than 1 meter wide, allowing passage for only one person at a time. After crossing a horizontal path, visitors must squeeze through a rocky cave that measures 30 meters long, with parts being just half a meter wide, making it a challenging route to the top of Wulong Village.
White Crane Terrace
White Crane Terrace is a must-visit spot when exploring Yangjiajie. To reach Baiheping, visitors can pass through Zongbaowan, continue past Sister Pond, and exit the valley. The area is named after the many white cranes that can often be seen perched on the mountain peaks and branches. Known as “Xianhe” or “immortal cranes,” these birds are considered symbols of good fortune and happiness. According to local residents, the presence of white cranes indicates prosperity and abundance in the region. It is believed that if the cranes were to leave, it could lead to natural disasters and plagues, which is why the villagers are dedicated to protecting them and refrain from harming them.
The best times to observe the white cranes at Baiheping are early morning and dusk. In the morning, as the mist begins to lift and the sky brightens, the cranes start to call to each other in preparation for their morning flight. They gather in pairs and take to the skies in impressive formations. In the evening, as night falls and the landscape fades into twilight, the cranes return to roost, creating a serene and picturesque scene.
