Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China.
Status and Honors: In 1982, it was recognized as China's first national forest park. In 1992, as part of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In 2001, it was approved as Zhangjiajie Sandstone Peak Forest National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources, and in 2004, it was listed as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Geographical Location and Area: Its geographical coordinates are 29°9′39″ N and 110°24′58″ E, covering an area of 4,810 hectares.
Geology and Geomorphology: The rocks in the park are mainly quartz sandstone. After long-term physical erosion, a unique columnar rock landform has been formed. These towering stone pillars have different shapes and are the main landscapes that make the park famous around the world.
Climate Characteristics: It belongs to the mid-subtropical climate zone with distinct four seasons and a pleasant climate. The average annual temperature is 13°C, the average minimum temperature in winter is 10°C, and the average maximum temperature in summer is 17°C. The warm winter and cool summer make it suitable for tourism throughout the year.
Huangshizhai: Also known as Huangshi Village or Huangshi Stockade, it is the largest viewing platform in the forest park, with an altitude of more than 1,200 meters and an area of 41 acres. The main scenic spots include the Quiet Fir Forest, Imperial Edict and Treasure Box, Needle Peak, South Heaven Gate, Five-Finger Peak, etc.
Jinbian Stream: It gets its name because it flows past the Jinbian Rock. With a total length of 5.7 kilometers, the stream is crystal clear, and the scenery along the way is picturesque. The main scenic spots include the Welcome Rock, Jinbian Rock, Reunion Rock, Zicao Pool, etc.
Yuanjiajie: Located in the north of the park, it is a natural viewing platform facing the huge rocks rising from the deep valley and surrounded by high mountains. The scenery is spectacular. The main scenic spots include the Back Garden, Soul-Dazzling Platform, the First Bridge Under Heaven, and Hallelujah Mountain in Avatar (formerly known as Nantian Yizhu).
Tianzi Mountain: It is famous for its spectacular sea of clouds, strange peaks and rocks, and beautiful natural scenery. It is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Here, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of sunrise, sunset, and clouds.
Ten-Mile Gallery: Along the two sides of the ten-mile-long valley, there are rich natural landscapes, such as the Old Man Gathering Herbs, King Xiang Reading a Book, Conch Peak, etc., just like a natural landscape painting.
Transportation: The external transportation is convenient. It is 32 kilometers away from Zhangjiajie urban area. Tourists can take a flight to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport and then take an airport bus, taxi, etc. to reach the park. They can also take a train to Zhangjiajie Railway Station or Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, and there are direct buses to the scenic area nearby. Inside the park, there are free sightseeing buses shuttling between various scenic spots, which is convenient for tourists to travel.
Accommodation: There are various grades of hotels and inns around the scenic area for tourists to choose from, ranging from budget hotels to luxury ones, which can meet the needs of different tourists.
Catering: It offers local special cuisine, such as Tujia Three-Pot Dish, Western Hunan Bacon, Kudzu Root Powder, etc., allowing tourists to taste the authentic Hunan flavor.
Entertainment: There are several viewing platforms and rest areas. Tourists can also experience outdoor activities such as high-altitude ziplining and rock climbing.
