At 7:00 to 8:00 this morning, our guide will punctually show up at your hotel lobby according to the agreed time and warmly greet you to set off on the journey to
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. We offer pick-up service from hotels near the East Gate of the Park in Wulingyuan District and also in downtown Zhangjiajie. However, you are advised to book your hotel near the East Gate for your convenient access to the park. Rest assured that the area is well developed, with a wide variety of safe and hygienic hotels and restaurants for you to choose from. Of course, we will be happy to provide you with some dining and accommodation recommendations if you need them.
The beauty of Zhangjiajie Forest Park can not only bring you a visual feast, but also a shock to the soul. Every tree, stone, and mountain here bears the extraordinary workmanship and endless charm of nature. In particular, there are more than 3,000 sandstone peaks of various shapes rising from the ground, some like swords straight into the sky, some like giant bamboo shoots breaking out of the soil, and some like fairies dancing, which will certainly amaze you. It also boasts dense subtropical forests, clear streams and deep valleys, making it an ideal habitat for a wealth of rare plants and animal species. It is right the breathtaking landscapes that make the park a must-visit destination for every travel connoisseur.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Since the sights we will visit today are all up the mountains, we will first take you to ride the
Bailong Elevator, which can save your time and energy. As the world’s highest, fastest, and largest sightseeing elevator hanging on the edge of a cliff, it takes only 88 seconds to transport us to the
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area at the top, while also offering stunning views of Sky Garden and Divine Soldiers Party across the valley. Before the elevator was built, it was not an easy thing to witness the primitive natural beauty of Zhangjiajie. To get to the summit, it used to require either a three-hour trek along treacherous trails or a five-hour drive on rugged winding mountain roads. So its appearance is nothing short of a miracle. Follow our guide out of the carriage, and you will see an otherworldly stone peak rise from the unfathomable gully, with its upper and lower parts being almost equally thick, like a loyal guardian protecting this land. It is the
Hallelujah Mountain, the representative karst peak of Zhangjiajie Forest Park, also known as the “floating mountain” which gives the fantastic visual effect of the movie ‘Avatar’. Also you will be led to discover other breathtaking sights, such as No. 1 Bridge under Heaven and Enchanting Platform.
For lunch, we will serve you local specialties at a restaurant on the mountain. Then, continue our way to
Yangjiajie Scenic Area by eco-bus. Before 2008, Yangjiajie was still a neglected corner for visitors. But as soon as it was introduced, it was highly sought after by people all over the world. Once a director of the photography department of the magazine China Today and his several American friends visited here, and they were so fascinated by the beautiful scenery that they stayed in a cave for a few days. What will attract you most would be the
Natural Great Wall, a rare geomorphic peak wall landscape in the world, with extremely high ecological and aesthetic value. Simon Winchester, an international geologist, exclaimed that it was as grand as the Chinese Great Wall.
After that, let’s ride the bus again and head to
Tianzi Mountain. We arranged the route this way because this would be the best time for a stunning sunset, something that great photographers dream of. And with the commentary of our guide, you will definitely tell which one is the
Imperial Brush Peak. It is said that the cylindrical peak in front of it is turned from an imperial table, on which is engraved with a pair of couplets left by Xiang Da Kun, a Tujia king. But no one has yet made it to its top to find out if this is the case. Finally, take the
cable car down the mountain and get back to the hotel.
Meals: Lunch