Was Avatar Filmed in Zhangjiajie?
The stunning scenery from Avatar can be found in a host of filming locations around the globe. These include China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the spectacular coastline of Hawaii's Big Island.
Avatar's Connection to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
While Avatar wasn't filmed in its entirety in Zhangjiajie, this extraordinary national park in Hunan Province, China, played a significant role in shaping the film's iconic floating mountains, Pandora.
Director James Cameron drew inspiration from the park's unique pillar-like rock formations, particularly the 1,080-meter-tall Southern Sky Column, which was officially renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" after the film's release.
How Zhangjiajie Influenced Pandora's Landscape
The production team visited Zhangjiajie to capture its ethereal beauty. They took thousands of photographs and used 3D imaging to recreate the towering sandstone pillars with their verdant foliage. These elements were then digitally enhanced and incorporated into Pandora's otherworldly landscape.
Avatar's Other Filming Locations
Besides Zhangjiajie, Avatar's production spanned various locations, showcasing diverse landscapes:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Hawaii (Big Island) | Volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and dramatic coastlines provided the backdrop for scenes on Pandora's surface. |
| California (Los Angeles) | Soundstages and backlots at studios like Lightstorm Entertainment housed elaborate sets for interior scenes and motion-capture performances. |
| New Zealand (Wellington) | Weta Digital, renowned for its visual effects work, contributed significantly to creating Pandora's creatures, plants, and overall environment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Avatar actually filmed in the sky?
No, the floating mountains and aerial scenes in Avatar were created using a combination of computer-generated imagery (CGI) and innovative filming techniques. While inspired by real locations like Zhangjiajie, Pandora is a fictional world.
What is the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain called in real life?
The "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" is officially called the Southern Sky Column and is located in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China.
Can you visit the Avatar mountains in China?
Yes! You can visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and see the breathtaking sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains of Pandora.