Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a national forest park and the core part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hunan Province, China. It is known for its tall quartz-sandstone pillars, deep ravines and subtropical forest, and it is one of the main reasons travellers come to Zhangjiajie.

Where it is

The park sits in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, in the northwest of Hunan Province. The main gate most visitors use is the Forest Park entrance at Zhangjiajie Village, a short drive from the town of Wulingyuan. The park is about 40 km from Zhangjiajie city centre and roughly 35 km from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport.

How you get there:

  • By air: fly into Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, then take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer to the park gate (about 45–60 minutes).
  • By train: Zhangjiajie West Station is served by high-speed trains from Changsha and other cities; from there a taxi or bus takes you to Wulingyuan or the park entrance.
  • By bus: regular buses run from Zhangjiajie city bus station to Wulingyuan and to the Forest Park gate.
  • Inside the park: shuttle buses connect the main viewpoints and trailheads, and the Bailong Elevator and the Tianzi Mountain cableway are paid separately.

History

The area was long known to local Tujia, Miao and Bai communities, but it came to national attention in the late 1970s. In 1982 the State Council designated it as China's first national forest park. In 1992 Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu and Tianzi Mountain, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 2004 it was added to the UNESCO Global Geoparks network. The park is also part of the wider Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area protected for its geology, flora and fauna.

Main sights

The park is large, and the main sights are spread across several areas connected by shuttle bus and trails:

  • Yuanjiajie — the plateau of sandstone pillars that includes the famous Southern Sky Column (often called the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain). Trails here lead to viewing platforms over the pillar forest.
  • Tianzi Mountain — a high ridge with views over layers of peaks, reached by cableway or on foot; the Helong Park and Imperial Writing Brush Peaks are here.
  • Golden Whip Stream — a flat 7.5 km streamside trail through the valley, with monkeys, clear water and pillars rising on both sides.
  • Yellow Stone Village — a forested summit area with loop trails and outlooks over the western part of the park.
  • Bailong Elevator — a glass elevator built into the cliff face that lifts visitors from the valley floor to the Yuanjiajie plateau in under two minutes.
  • Yangjiajie — a quieter area of ridges and natural bridges, good for travellers with an extra day.

What to see and do

Walk the Yuanjiajie plateau. This is where the park's signature pillars stand closest together. The loop paths and platforms give you long views over the stone forest, and the Southern Sky Column is the one most people come to see.

Ride the Bailong Elevator. It is the quickest way up to Yuanjiajie and a sight in itself, built against the cliff. Go early or late to avoid the longest queues.

Follow Golden Whip Stream. The walk is easy and mostly level, making it a good choice for families or for a slower day. The stream, the shade and the monkeys along the path make it a contrast to the high viewpoints.

Climb or ride up to Tianzi Mountain. The ridge gives you wide views over the peaks, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the crowds thinner.

Allow 1–2 full days. Wear sturdy shoes and bring layers — the weather changes fast.

Opening hours and when to go

Peak season: 07:00–18:00. Off season: 08:00–17:00.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons, with milder temperatures and clearer views. Summer is hot and busy, and winter can bring snow and ice on the trails. Check the forecast before you go, as mist and rain can close views for hours.

Tickets

Park ticket: ¥165 per person (4-day pass, multiple entries). Combo with park shuttle bus: ¥224 per person (peak season). Children under 14 and seniors 65+ free; students and seniors aged 60–64 half price.