Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

China's Real-Life Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was China's first national forest park (1982) and forms the core of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. It is famous worldwide as the inspiration for the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in the film Avatar — and seeing more than 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars rising out of the morning mist, you understand why. For international travellers, this is the single must-do landmark of any trip to Zhangjiajie.

What to See

The park is huge, so most visitors focus on a few iconic clusters. Yuanjiajie holds the most photographed peak — the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (renamed after the film) — reached by the Bailong Elevator, a 326-metre glass lift bolted to a cliff and billed as the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Golden Whip Stream is a flat, shaded 7.5-km walk along a clear creek between the pillars, often with wild macaques. The Tianzi and Yangjiajie areas add more panoramic platforms reached by cable car.

Opening Hours

Open daily, roughly 07:00–18:00 (last entry mid-afternoon). Since June 2025 visits must be reserved in advance, so book your dated ticket online before arriving.

Tickets

The standard entrance ticket is a multi-day pass (about ¥240, valid 4 days, March–November; around ¥115 in winter) and includes the free internal shuttle buses. The Bailong Elevator and the various cable cars are paid separately (roughly ¥65–72 one way each).

Getting There

Zhangjiajie city is connected by high-speed rail and Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport. From the city or Wulingyuan town, public buses and taxis reach the park's main gates (Forest Park Gate and the Wulingyuan Gate) in 40–60 minutes.

Best Time to Visit

April–June and September–October offer the clearest, mildest weather. Mist after rain creates the classic floating-peak effect but can hide the views entirely — allow a flexible day. Summer is green but crowded; winter is quiet with occasional snow on the pillars.

Practical Tips

Wear proper walking shoes — even with lifts and cable cars you will walk for hours. Start early to beat tour groups at the Bailong Elevator, where queues can exceed an hour at midday. Keep your multi-day ticket and a passport handy for re-entry on the second day.