The mountains that inspired Avatar
Zhangjiajie is located in Hunan Province in south-central China, and is one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country. The region is famous for its thousands of stone pillars rising through mist and forests, forming a unique landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. This impressive environment is part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and attracts travellers from around the world seeking nature, adventure and unforgettable views.
What to see?
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The main attraction of the region and part of the Wulingyuan scenic area. Here you can find the famous rock pillars rising through the mist, creating one of China's most surprising natural landscapes.
Tianzi Mountain
One of the best viewpoints in the park, famous for its spectacular views of stone pillars that seem to rise from a sea of clouds.
Tianmen Mountain
Located near Zhangjiajie city, it is famous for its spectacular natural arch known as Heaven's Gate, reached by climbing an impressive winding road or taking one of the world's longest cable cars.
Recommended experiences
Walking among the stone pillars of the national park
Hiking the trails of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park lets you immerse yourself in one of China's most spectacular natural landscapes, surrounded by vertical mountains and forests.
Riding the Bailong Elevator
This impressive glass panoramic elevator ascends a cliff face and offers unique views of the park's famous rock pillars.
Crossing the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Walking across this transparent bridge suspended at great height is a thrilling experience offering impressive views of the canyon.
Culture & fun facts
A landscape unique in the world
Zhangjiajie is famous for its thousands of sandstone pillars rising vertically among forests and mist, creating one of the planet's most unique natural landscapes.
Inspiration for the film Avatar
The park's rock formations inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. One of them was even popularly renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain".
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Wulingyuan scenic area, where Zhangjiajie is located, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its extraordinary scenic value.
Local cuisine
Zhangjiajie's cuisine is part of Hunan Province's cooking, known for its intense, spicy and aromatic flavours. Dishes often use abundant chilli, garlic and spices, creating very characteristic flavours of central China. Among the most popular specialities are stir-fried pork with chillies, Hunan-style spicy fish and various smoked meat dishes, very traditional in the mountainous region.
Tips for travellers
Zhangjiajie has an airport and a train station, making it easy to reach from cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu. To explore the National Forest Park and other nearby areas like Tianmen Mountain at a relaxed pace, it is recommended to spend two to three days. The park is very extensive, so it is advisable to plan routes carefully and use the internal buses, cable cars and panoramic elevators available within the scenic area.
