Zhangjiajie National Park张家界国家森林公园

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, established in 1982 as China's first national park, is a geological wonderland that seems to defy gravity. Located in northwestern Hunan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its towering quartzite sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the forest floor, creating an otherworldly landscape that inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron's Avatar.

The park covers 4,810 hectares and contains over 3,000 sandstone pillars, some reaching heights of over 200 meters. These unique formations were created over 380 million years through water erosion and weathering, resulting in the spectacular landscape we see today. The area is also home to rare plants and wildlife, including the endangered Chinese giant salamander.

Avatar Connection

The park gained international fame when director James Cameron used its landscapes as inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. In 2010, one of the park's most famous pillars was officially renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" to honor this connection, making it a pilgrimage site for movie fans from around the world.

Must-See Attractions

• Avatar Hallelujah Mountain - The famous pillar from the movie
• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge - World's longest glass-bottom bridge
• Tianmen Mountain - "Heaven's Gate" natural arch
• Golden Whip Stream - Scenic valley hiking trail
• Bailong Elevator - World's tallest outdoor elevator
• Tianzi Mountain - Panoramic viewing platform