Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, in northwestern Hunan Province, is home to the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" of the film Avatar. Thousands of quartzite peaks rise straight out of the subtropical forest, often wrapped in mist — a landscape unlike anywhere else in China. For international travelers it is one of the country's most rewarding nature destinations, easily combined with a city trip to Changsha.

What to see

The area splits into two main draws. Wulingyuan Scenic Area (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) contains Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie, where you find the iconic pillar forests and the Avatar "Hallelujah Mountain." Tianmen Mountain, right beside Zhangjiajie city, offers the world's longest passenger cableway, the cliff-hugging glass walkway, and the natural arch of Heaven's Gate reached by 999 steps.

Don't miss the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, one of the highest and longest glass bridges in the world, suspended some 300 metres above the canyon floor.

Best time to visit

April–May and September–October offer mild weather and clear views. Summer is lush and green but hot, humid and crowded; misty mornings after rain create the most dramatic "floating peaks" effect. Winter is quiet and occasionally snow-dusted, though some high trails may close.

Getting there & around

Fly or take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (the airport and the new high-speed rail station both connect to Changsha in about 1.5 hours by train). Inside Wulingyuan, free park shuttle buses, the Bailong Glass Elevator and cable cars link the main viewpoints — distances are large, so allow two full days for the park alone.

Practical tips

A park ticket is valid for several days, so keep it and your fingerprint registration. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and a light rain layer, and start early to beat tour groups at the most famous viewpoints.