Wulingyuan Scenic Area

​Wulingyuan Scenic Area is located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, covering four core areas of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, and Yangjiajie, with a total area of 397 square kilometers. As a world natural heritage and a world geological park, it is famous all over the world for the quartz sandstone peak forest landform of ‘three thousand strange peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters’. ‘Earth Memorial’ has become a world-class tourist destination because of the filming of the movie ‘Avatar’. zitain

The core landscape: the magic of nature

(1) Quartz sandstone peak forest: the rare geological miracle in the world​

The soul of Wulingyuan is its unique quartz sandstone peak forest. There are more than 3,000 peak columns here, ranging from tens of meters to more than 400 meters. ‘Qiankun Pillar’), some are like the old man’s contemplation on a stick (such as ‘the old man collecting medicine’), and some are like a couple hugging each other (such as ‘Husband and Wife Rock’). These peak forests are formed by flowing water erosion, gravity collapse, and weathering of quartz sandstone about 380 million years ago. The clear texture in the rock formations records the changes of the earth. zitain

(2) Suoxiyu: ‘Wonderland among the peaks and forests’

Suoxiyu is characterized by ‘beautiful, secluded, strange and dangerous’, and the core scenic spot ‘Shili Gallery’ is a must. In this 5-kilometer-long canyon, the peaks and forests on both sides are like a picture scroll. In addition, the ‘Huanglong Cave’ in Suoxiyu is ‘Chinese Magic Cave’, with a total area of 100,000 square meters, with stalagmites, stone pillars and stone mantle in the cave, ‘Dinghaishenzhen’ (high 19.2 meters, diameter 10). Centimeters) have been formed after 200,000 years, and the whole body is crystal clear, which can be called a cave wonder. zitain

(3) Tianzi Mountain: ‘Observation Deck on the Top of the Peak Forest’​

Tianzi Mountain is 1262.5 meters above sea level, and it is named after the ancient Tujia leader Xiang Dakun called himself ‘Tianzi’. This is the best place to overlook the panoramic view of Wulingyuan Fenglin. ‘Yubi Peak’ is composed of 3 thin and high stone peaks, which is shaped like an emperor’s royal pen, and the tip of the pen points directly to the blue sky; ‘The first wonder in the world’, at sunrise in the morning, the sun is dyed in the sea of clouds, which is even more beautiful. zitain

(4) Yangjiajie: ‘The Secret Realm in the Dangerous and Quiet’​

Yangjiajie is known for its ‘dangerous’, and is the ‘rising star’ of Wulingyuan. The core attraction ‘Tianbo Mansion’ is composed of more than 10 stone walls, the wall is about 100 meters high and only 1-2 meters wide. The general peaks and forests are magnificent; the ‘air corridor’ is a plank road built on the edge of the cliff, walking on it, with a 100-meter deep valley beneath it, and the strange peaks are listed next to it, which is thrilling and exciting. In addition, the ‘Wulong Village’ in Yangjiajie was once a place where ancient bandits were entrenched, retaining the original copycat ruins, full of legendary colors. zitain

The ecology and humanities: the fusion of nature and culture

(1) Rich ecological resources

The original secondary forest coverage rate of Wulingyuan is more than 95%, which are ‘natural oxygen bar’ and ‘biological gene bank’. There are more than 3,000 species of higher plants, including dove tree, yew and other national first-class protected plants. Dove tree blooms like a white dove spreading its wings, known as a ‘living fossil of plants’; animal species reaches 110 Remaining species, such as macaques, giant salamander (molby), and red-bellied pheasant pheasant perched here. zitain

(2) Strong Tujia style

Wulingyuan is a settlement of the Tujia people, and the surrounding area and villages of the scenic spot retain a strong Tujia culture. The Tujia stilted building is built on the mountain, with a wooden structure, flying eaves and corners, which complement the natural landscape; It is a sacrificial dance of the Tujia people, and the rhythm is cheerful, and tourists can participate in it and feel the enthusiasm of the nation; Unique flavor, it is a taste experience that cannot be missed after playing. zitain

3. Practical tour guide

(1) Tickets and transportation

1. Tickets: The scenic spot implements the ‘one-ticket system’, and the ticket is valid for 4 days (including environmentally friendly cars in the scenic spot). zitain

2. Traffic: You can take a plane to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, or take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie West Station, and transfer to a tourist bus (about 1 Housing) to the scenic spot; the scenic spot uses environmentally friendly cars as the main mode of transportation, connecting major scenic spots, which is convenient and fast. zitain

(2) Core line recommendation​​​​​​​​​​

1. Classic 3-Day Tour:

• Day 1: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park→Jinbianxi (Hiking Essence Section, View ‘Golden Whick Rock’ and ‘Condhawg Guard Whip’) → Take the Bailong Sky Ladder to Yuanjiajie

• Day 2: Tianzi Mountain (watching ‘Yubi Peak’ and ‘Fairy Scattering Flowers’) → Yangjiajie (Challenge ‘Tianbo House’ and ‘Air Corridor’) → Live around Tianzi Mountain;

• Day 3: Suoxiyu (visiting ‘Shili Gallery’ and ‘Huanglong Cave’) → return. zitain

2. Easy two-day tour:

• Day 1: Take the ropeway to Tianzi Mountain (Guanyunhai, Fenglin) → Yuanjiajie (tour core scenic spots) → live in scenic spots;​

• Day 2: Golden Whip Creek (Hiking) → Shili Gallery (take a small train) → return. zitain

(3) Notes

1. Clothes preparation: There is a large temperature difference in the scenic area (the temperature difference between the top of the mountain and the bottom of the valley can reach 10 ℃), and you need to bring a light jacket; there are many hiking roads, it is recommended to wear non-slip sneakers. zitain

2. Weather and Safety: Wulingyuan is rainy and foggy, and the road is slippery in rainy days, so you need to pay attention to safety; in summer, the ultraviolet rays are strong, and sun protection needs to be done; zitain

3. Food & Accommodation: There are more homestays and restaurants in the scenic area and surrounding areas. It is recommended to choose a regular business; you can bring your own small amount of snacks and drinking water, which is convenient for replenishing energy when walking. zitain

Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a ‘peak and forest fairyland’ gifted by nature. Every peak and column, every stream, and every forest is full of vitality. Whether it is pursuing geological wonders, indulging in natural beauty, or experiencing the Tujia customs, here can allow you to slow down, feel the beauty of harmony between man and nature, and leave an unforgettable ‘Wonderland Journey’.