Zhangjiajie Travel Guide: Your Complete Guide to the Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie: A City I Haven’t Visited Yet

Zhangjiajie is one of China’s well-known tourist attractions, yet it's one of the few cities I haven’t had the chance to visit — at least not in the way I would have liked. When I say “haven’t visited,” I don't mean that I’ve never been to Zhangjiajie in western Hunan, I just haven’t explored it fully as a tourist. However, I do know a fair bit about Zhangjiajie, and I’d like to share some of that knowledge.

If you’re interested in learning more about this city, feel free to email me or leave a message once the message board function is enabled.

Zhangjiajie: A Place of Mystery

Zhangjiajie is a place shrouded in mystery, with towering peaks, swirling clouds, and mist — it seems as enchanting as a fairy tale. While most outsiders know it as a tourist destination, Zhangjiajie is actually an independent prefecture-level city, established in May 1988 after approval from the State Council.

The city's economy heavily depends on tourism, which has shaped much of its identity.

Zhangjiajie's Tourism Resources

Zhangjiajie is rich in natural beauty and has earned several prestigious honors, including:

World Natural Heritage Site

World Geopark

National 5A-level Tourist Attraction

The Wulingyuan core scenic area is renowned for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform, featuring 3,000 odd-shaped peaks that rise abruptly from the earth, and 800 streams that weave through it. This area forms a magnificent landscape unlike anywhere else.

Another famous site is Tianmen Mountain, particularly Tianmen Cave, which is considered “the most wondrous sight under heaven.” Each year, countless tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts flock to this spot for its awe-inspiring views.

Additionally, the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge merges modern engineering with the surrounding natural scenery, creating an iconic landmark in the region.

The local Tujia and Miao ethnic minorities also contribute to Zhangjiajie’s charm, with their folk performances and distinctive cuisine, which further enrich the tourist experience.

Zhangjiajie continues to develop its service facilities and strives to enhance the quality of tourism, aiming to become an internationally recognized destination.

My Experience Visiting Zhangjiajie

The only time I’ve been to Zhangjiajie was when I visited my sister-in-law’s home in Guzhang County, Xiangxi, Hunan. Though her home isn’t in Zhangjiajie, it’s relatively close. Her sister lives in Yongshun County, which is famous as the filming location for the movie Hibiscus Town.

During the Chinese New Year, with no plans at home, we decided to take a trip to Zhangjiajie. However, when we arrived at the Zhangjiajie scenic area near New Year’s Eve, we discovered that all the tickets for the day had sold out.

The next morning, we set out early and drove for an hour and a half. But by the time we reached the entrance before 9:00 a.m., all tickets had already been sold. We were disappointed — I didn’t expect so many people to be traveling during the New Year.

Due to this experience, and because I’ve visited similar attractions later on, I never returned to Zhangjiajie for personal travel.

The Cable Car and Connection with Nature

What impressed me the most was the cable car in Zhangjiajie Scenic Area, which actually starts in the main urban area and crosses mountains and valleys to reach the scenic area directly. This creates an “aerial corridor” that seamlessly links the city with nature. It’s not just about transportation convenience; it’s a symbol of how people have managed to coexist with nature, blending modern development with the environment.

The Scenic Beauty of Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is located in the heart of the Wuling Mountains, an area known for its rolling hills, humid climate, and distinct seasons. In the early morning, a light mist often envelops the mountainsides, making the peaks appear and disappear like an unfolding ink painting. The streams are crystal-clear, winding through valleys and nourishing an abundance of flora and fauna.

The area’s unique geological structure has created a rare quartz sandstone peak forest, sculpted over millions of years of weathering and erosion. After a rainfall, when the sky clears, a sea of clouds surges, and the mountain peaks seem to float above the clouds — an awe-inspiring sight.

The Red Stone Forest

Xiangxi, the region where Zhangjiajie is located, offers even more natural wonders. Just 124 kilometers away is the Xiangxi World Geopark's Red Stone Forest, the only known red carbonate rock landform in the world, formed during the Cambrian period. Its unique scale and landscape are extremely rare.

The rocks here, rich in iron, oxidize to create vibrant reddish-brown hues, which shift with the weather and humidity. Sometimes the color is deep, other times bright, resembling a colorful mosaic inlaid upon the Earth. The stone forest’s formations are ever-changing, some resembling layered screens, others winding like animal spines. Walking among them feels like stepping into an ancient geological wonderland.

Together with the karst peaks of Zhangjiajie, the Red Stone Forest tells the story of the Wuling Mountains’ geologic history in a different language. It forms a natural heritage map of western Hunan that is irreplaceable.

I’ve visited the Red Stone Forest myself, and while I was impressed by it at the time, I didn’t fully understand its significance. Over time, and with a growing appreciation for geography, I realized just how rare and important the Red Stone Forest is. It’s a masterpiece of natural artistry and a silent testament to the Earth’s evolutionary history.

If you have extra time while in Zhangjiajie, don’t miss the chance to visit the Red Stone Forest. It’s sure to provide a unique and pleasant surprise.

Conclusion: A Must-See Destination

Finally, I wish everyone a wonderful trip to Zhangjiajie. It’s a city rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage, and though I haven’t explored it as deeply as I’d like, it’s definitely on my list for the future. Whether you’re exploring its peaks, valleys, or cultural wonders, Zhangjiajie promises to be a journey worth taking.