Travel Guide to Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie
Located on the north slope of Shadao Groove, Yuanjiajie boasts representative and world-class karst landforms of Zhangjiajie, renowned for its sandstone peaks and forests. Yuanjiajie flawlessly showcases the captivating mountains and waters of Zhangjiajie, standing as a core attraction within the national forest park. The area takes pride in its well-preserved ecological environment, lush vegetation, fresh air, and pristine natural beauty.
Opening Hours and Tickets
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, including holidays.
The entrance ticket to Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which encompasses Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, grants access to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. This ticket remains valid for four consecutive days.
Bailong Elevator
☝ The Bailong Elevator situated within Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Main Attractions
Yuanjiajie captivates tourists from around the globe daily. Countless scenic wonders reside among its perilous peaks. Upon ascending the mountain and heading east for 800 meters, you'll arrive at the most stunning natural observation deck in Yuanjiajie—the Enchanting Platform.
The Enchanting Platform (迷魂台)
Perched on the precipice of a cliff, the Enchanting Platform offers unparalleled views. From here, numerous uniquely shaped peaks and stone pillars, as if sculpted by divine forces, soar into the clouds. Amidst the deep canyons and valleys, these formations resemble unsheathed swords piercing the heavens, leaving spectators in awe. Following a light rain, ethereal mist rises from the mountains, shrouding the peaks like celestial palaces appearing and disappearing at will. This surreal beauty overwhelms visitors, often leaving them spellbound—hence the name "Enchanting Platform."
☝ A scene viewed from the Enchanting Platform observation deck
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (阿凡达山)
Yuanjiajie is recognized as the filming location for the iconic floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in James Cameron's blockbuster sci-fi film "Avatar." Originally known as Qiankun Pillar or Southern Sky Column, this 150-meter-tall monolith commands attention with its imposing presence. Its distinctive form, wider at the top and bottom and narrower in the middle, creates a mesmerizing illusion when enveloped in mist. The obscured lower portion makes the entire peak appear as if suspended in mid-air. This captivating sight caught the eye of director James Cameron, who immortalized it as the floating mountains of Pandora in "Avatar," transforming Yuanjiajie into a globally recognized tourist destination.
☝ Avatar Mountain: The towering, solitary peak in the foreground
The First Bridge Under Heaven (天下第一桥)
Spanning two towering stone pillars, the "First Bridge Under Heaven" stretches 2 meters wide and over 20 meters long, with a breathtaking vertical drop of nearly 357 meters. Its grandeur is undeniable, marking it as the highest natural stone arch bridge discovered to date. Standing on the bridge, one is treated to a mesmerizing view of drifting clouds and a sea of densely packed, individual stone peaks that stretch as far as the eye can see. Across from the First Bridge Under Heaven lies Lock Mountain, where countless love locks adorn the railings with red ropes and colorful threads, making it a popular destination for young couples.
☝ The First Bridge Under Heaven
Yuanjiajie offers a wealth of sights and activities. Its mountaintop pathway, spanning approximately 1,500 meters, is relatively flat with few steps, allowing most visitors to explore nearly all attractions within 2-3 hours, while photography enthusiasts may prefer 3-4 hours.
Recommended Itinerary
Route 1:
- Ascend using the Bailong Elevator.
- Visit the Back Garden.
- Proceed to the Enchanting Platform.
- Marvel at Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar).
- Experience the First Bridge Under Heaven.
Tourist shuttles are available along this route. Upon completing the tour, descend via the Luancuanpo Trail entrance, reaching the "Thousand Li Meeting" point in the lower section of the Golden Whip Stream in under an hour.
Route 2:
- Take a tourist shuttle from Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, passing through Yangjiajie, to reach Yuanjiajie.
- Visit the First Bridge Under Heaven.
- Experience Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar).
- Continue to the Enchanting Platform.
- Conclude at the Back Garden parking lot.
☝ Yuanjiajie Scenery
Transportation
Getting There:
Two primary methods exist for reaching Yuanjiajie from the base of the mountain:
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Hiking: Trek to the "Thousand Li Meeting" junction midway along the Golden Whip Stream and ascend via the "Luancuanpo" trail. This route takes approximately 2 hours, leading you through the Back Garden to Yuanjiajie. However, you'll miss the attractions in the lower half of the Golden Whip Stream.
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Bailong Elevator: Opt for a swift 2-minute ascent aboard the Bailong Elevator from the Water Encircling Four Gates. From there, a free scenic area shuttle bus will whisk you to the Yuanjiajie parking lot near the Enchanting Platform within minutes. A one-way ticket on the Bailong Elevator costs 72 yuan. Expect queues during peak tourist seasons, potentially involving waits of up to an hour. The elevator is highly recommended, offering both time and energy savings while treating you to breathtaking scenery. As you ascend, be captivated by the sight of countless stone pillars standing in formation within the canyon, resembling an army awaiting inspection. This spectacle is known as "Soldier Gathering," or "Forty-Eight Generals Rock," ranking among the top ten scenic wonders of Zhangjiajie.
Getting Around:
- Environmentally friendly shuttle buses are available from Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, offering direct access to the "First Bridge Under Heaven" station in Yuanjiajie.
- Following your visit, utilize the free scenic area shuttle buses for the approximately one-hour journey to Tianzi Mountain or the park's main gate. Alternatively, consider lodging nearby to continue exploring the following day.
☝ Free shuttle buses operating within the scenic area
Best Time to Visit and Ideal Weather
Every step in Yuanjiajie reveals a different vista. The scenery transforms dramatically across seasons and weather conditions. Whether it's windy, rainy, or sunny, Yuanjiajie always exudes its unique charm. However, bear in mind the mountain's unpredictable weather. Overcast or foggy days, while lending an ethereal ambiance, often result in low visibility, potentially impacting your viewing experience.
Tips
- Yuanjiajie's unparalleled beauty attracts large crowds, especially during holidays. Consider visiting during off-peak periods for a more enjoyable experience.
- Summers in Yuanjiajie can be scorching with minimal wind. Pack ample water and sun protection to prevent heatstroke.
- Be mindful of potential ice on the trails during winter and take precautions to avoid slipping.
- Yuanjiajie offers various accommodation options, including homestays, family-run inns, and even a KFC. Local snacks like barbecue, egg pancakes, stinky tofu, and tofu pudding are readily available and said to be delicious, although prices tend to be higher than usual.
- Navigating the vast Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with its numerous trails and complex transportation system, can be challenging without a guide. Consider joining a guided tour for a smoother experience.
- Exercise caution around the monkeys near the First Bridge Under Heaven. While adorable, they are wild animals. Avoid provoking them to prevent any harm.
- Photography enthusiasts should note that shooting in the morning may result in backlight. Afternoon visits offer more favorable lighting conditions.
- Take advantage of the four-day validity of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park entrance ticket and explore the area at your own pace.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to reach Yuanjiajie from Zhangjiajie City?
You can take a taxi or bus to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area entrance and then choose from various transportation options within the park, including the Bailong Elevator, shuttle buses, and cable cars.
2. How long does it take to explore Yuanjiajie?
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring the main attractions in Yuanjiajie. However, you can easily spend a full day here if you plan to hike all the trails and soak in the scenery.
3. What should I wear when visiting Yuanjiajie?
Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking. Dress in layers as the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat.