Zhangjiajie Scenery Area
Zhangjiajie is a renowned tourist city located in the northwest of Hunan Province, China, famous for its unique natural landscapes and abundant tourism resources. Here is an introduction to the main tourist attractions in Zhangjiajie:
Main History
Built as Dayong Guard in the Ming Hongwu era, renamed Yongding County under the Qing, and re-designated Zhangjiajie City in 1988 to promote tourism. The Wulingyuan Scenic Area was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site in 1992, turning the city into a world-class nature destination.
Latitude & Longitude
City centre: 29°08′ N, 110°29′ E.
Municipal range: 28°52′ N–29°35′ N, 109°40′ E–111°20′ E.
Total Area
9,533 km².
Permanent Resident Population
≈ 1.52 million (end-2023).
Airport
1 civil airport: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport (DYG).
Main Railway Stations
2 principal stations: Zhangjiajie Railway Station and Zhangjiajie West Railway Station.
Metro Opening & Network
As of 2025, no metro system; transport relies on eco-buses, cableways, taxis and public buses.
Geographic Position in China
North-western Hunan, heart of the Wuling Mountains, bordering Hunan, Hubei, Chongqing and Guizhou, about 320 km from Changsha.
Geographic Features
Typical quartz-sandstone peak-forest landform—more than 3,000 peaks and 800 streams. Highest point: Tianmen Mountain 1,518.6 m; lowest: Lishui River valley ~200 m.
Climate Characteristics
Mid-subtropical humid mountain climate: four distinct seasons, cool summers, concurrent rain and heat, frequent fog, marked vertical climate zones.
Months of the Four Seasons
Spring: March–May
Summer: June–August
Autumn: September–November
Winter: December–February
Annual Average Temperature
≈ 16.8 °C.
Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 1,400 mm, concentrated May–August.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (flowers), autumn (maple leaves) and summer (cool retreat); September–October has the most clear days.
Peak Tourist Seasons
April–May (Mountain Flower Festival), July–August (summer escape), and October Golden Week.
Major Tourist Attractions
Wulingyuan Scenic Area (including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain), Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, Yellow Dragon Cave, Baofeng Lake, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Charm of Xiangxi folk-show venue.
Main Shopping Streets
Xibu Old Street (Jundiping Sub-district, Wulingyuan District) and the commercial area at the lower station of the Tianmen Mountain Cableway (Guanliping, Yongding District).
Signature Specialties
San-xia-guo (three-pot hot dish), Tujia smoked bacon, kudzu-starch noodles, pickled radish, blood-sausage duck.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is China's first national forest park and also a World Natural Heritage site. The park features over three thousand uniquely shaped quartz sandstone peaks, earning it the reputation of having "thousands of strange peaks and hundreds of beautiful streams." Key attractions include:
- Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Village): As the largest hanging observation deck in Zhangjiajie, Huangshizhai is famous for its spectacular sandstone peak landscapes. From here, visitors can overlook the entire mountain range and experience the marvels of nature.
- Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream): This is the longest and most scenic canyon stream in Zhangjiajie, known as the "gallery of mountains and waters." The stream is crystal clear, with lush greenery on both banks and towering stone pillars, making it an ideal spot for hiking and enjoying natural beauty.
- Yuanjiajie: Characterized by its stone peaks, Yuanjiajie offers a variety of rock formations, cliffs, and deep valleys. It is also one of the filming locations for the movie "Avatar."
- Yangjiajie: Known for its rare and unique landscapes, Yangjiajie features a "natural Great Wall" of peak walls. From the viewing platform, visitors can look down upon the majestic and precipitous valleys.
Tianmen Mountain National Park
Tianmen Mountain is famous for its steep mountains and magical scenery. It is home to the world's longest cable car, offering breathtaking views of the entire scenic area. Key attractions include:
- Tianmen Cave: The iconic feature of Tianmen Mountain, the cave is 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide, with an imposing presence.
- Glass Skywalk: Suspended above the cliff face, the Glass Skywalk provides a thrilling experience while allowing visitors to appreciate the unique rock formations.
Huanglong Cave
Huanglong Cave is known as the "world's wonder of karst caves," with a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. The colorful lighting creates an enchanting underground palace.
Baofeng Lake
Baofeng Lake is a rare high-gorge lake with crystal-clear waters. Visitors can take a boat ride to enjoy the stunning lake views and beautiful scenery.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Located in Cili County, Zhangjiajie City, and adjacent to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the Grand Canyon features multiple attractions such as the Sky Ladder Plank Road, the Three-Fold Path, and the Tianxian Waterfall.
Shi Li Hualang (Ten Miles Gallery)
This area offers breathtaking natural landscapes, with beautiful scenery and historical sites such as residences and ancient fortresses from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Other Attractions
- Tujia Cultural Village: Visitors can experience the customs and traditions of the Tujia ethnic group.
- Xibustreet: A vibrant area for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Zhangjiajie attracts numerous tourists with its unique natural landscapes and rich tourism resources. Whether you choose to hike or take a cable car to enjoy the views, Zhangjiajie offers an unforgettable travel experience.
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