Zhangjiajie Park is unique nature reserve. On its territory you can see a real miracle of nature - fantastic rocky landscapes, reminiscent of the soaring mountains from the Avatar movie. It is said that it was the Zhangjiajie rocks that inspired the filmmakers to depict the mountains of Pandora. Zhangjiajie Park, part of the wider Wulingyuan Conservation Area, is China's first listed park. cultural heritage UNESCO.
In the park, visitors can see thousands of stunning peaks and cliffs of bizarre shapes, dense vegetation, gorges, rivers and waterfalls. This place has become a kind of symbol of Chinese nature, and its unearthly beauty definitely deserves to be paid attention to.
In order to avoid long queues, it is recommended to see the sights of the park in the opposite direction, that is, not on the way with tourist groups.
- Route 1: Wulingyuan Entrance - Take the Hundred Dragon Elevator to the top of Avatar Mountain - Avatar Yuanjiajie Mountain - Tianzi Mountain - Go down the cable car - exit the park
- Route 2: Entrance to the park - Huangshizhai Mountain (1-3 hours, it is better to go up and down by funicular) - Golden Whip Stream (1-4 hours) - exit
To start the route, you should choose a bus that goes to the Tianzishan area. A cable car leads to Mount Tiangzishan (also called the Mountain of the Son of Heaven and the Mountain of the Emperor). Such names are not given by chance - from a height of 1182 meters a gorgeous view of the famous, seemingly floating in the clouds, mountains opens up. The peaks of these mountains form the so-called stone forest. The central observation decks are always crowded, but if you go down a little further from the main tourist routes, you can find a place to stay alone and do nice photo. In the same places, there is also a beautiful pagoda - the Emperor's Palace, which also offers beautiful views.
Those wishing to grab a bite to eat will find various eateries with Chinese street food along this stretch of the road, as well as McDonald's. For a walk in this part of the park, you should lay about an hour and a half.
Next, you should take a bus to Yangjiajie. There are practically no people here, however, natural species are also breathtaking. It is worth noting that this area is for true lovers to explore nature. After all, you will have to walk not along the paved paths, but along the paths, which in places can even be slippery and dangerous. Hiking trails, in turn, are marked with signs, and the paths are carefully laid. Also in this area is an ethnic village called Wu Long, where the locals live according to ancient traditions.
If it will be difficult to climb the mountains, it is possible to use the services of local Chinese, who will take you to the heights in a special chair made of bamboo. You can spend 2-3 hours in this area.
From the Yangjiajie area, from the upper cable car station, you need to take a bus to tourist center Yuanjiajie park. The landscapes of this park are most often compared with the mountains from the famous movie. In this place is the most famous 1080-meter Mount Avatar Hallelujah, which is also called the "Lonely Standing Stone Pillar Supporting the Sky" or "Pillar in the Southern Sky". The name associated with the avatar, the mountain received after the release of the cult film. Here you can also see the highest Natural Bridge in the world (Bridge over Sky) - a unique natural creation that connects the peaks of two rocks. Its length is 50 meters. The bridge is easily recognizable by the red ribbons with wishes and locks of lovers. 1.5-2 hours will be enough for these edges.
From Yuanjiajie there is a descent to the Golden Stream. The journey will take an hour and a half, and the road is not too difficult. It is also possible to take a bus to the popular Baylon Tourist Elevator. The queue for the elevator is always huge, it is easy to spend several hours in it, and the descent itself will take no more than one minute.
This route is suitable for those who came to the park for one day.
When is the best time to go
The best time to visit the park is September and October. In these autumn months, the weather is still quite warm, however, it is approaching low season, and the queues become noticeably shorter.
The high season is from May to September.
April to July is also a good time to visit. The only negative is the high humidity and the likelihood of rain (often small) and fog.
It is not worth planning a visit during the Chinese holidays, as well as for the winter, as it can be very cold at this time.
How many days do you need to visit Avatar Mountains
It is recommended to set aside two to five days to visit the park. Most of it is worth devoting to the Wulingyuan Nature Reserve, where you can leisurely explore hiking trails. If you have more days, you can add a visit to the Ten Mile Gallery in Tianzishan to the itinerary indicated above, visit the Yellow Rocks Region, where the famous Five Finger Peak is located, part of Huangshizhai, the "wild" Larwuchang, attractive for photographers, and also take a walk along the most popular tourist route along the stream "Golden Whip".
Where are the flying mountains in China
The Avatar Mountains are not fictional at all, but really exist. The Flying Mountains are located in China's Zhangjiajie National Park, which is part of the vast Wulingyuan Nature Reserve. The park, now known as "Avatar Park", is located in the northwest of the Chinese province of Hunan.
The nearest city is Zhangjiajie, although it is 50 kilometers away. Nearby there is also the town of Wulingyuan with all the necessary infrastructure for tourists.
How to get to Zhangjiajie
Getting to the park and the famous Avatar Mountains is quite easy.
To do this, you need to fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport, which receives flights from many major cities China.
The train journey from Beijing or Shanghai will take more than 20 hours, so this option is considered not the most convenient.
Park opening hours
In summer, the park is open from 6.30 to 18.30, and in winter from 7.30 to 17.30.
Cost of visiting
The cost of a ticket to Zhangjiajie Park is 245 yuan - for 4 days. All tickets are registered, and upon purchase, you will need to show your passport and be fingerprinted. This price includes all areas of the park, visits to observation decks, as well as travel by bus.
A separate fee is charged for trips on trams, funiculars and elevators. For example, for a ride on the Bailong elevator, you will have to pay 72 yuan, and for the Tfnzishang funicular - 134 yuan (round trip ticket).
Wulingyuan Nature Reserve includes four parts: national park Zhangjiajie, Tiangzishan Mountain, Yangjiajie Region and Suoxi Valley. By purchasing a ticket to Zhangjiajie Park, a tourist gets the right to visit all four areas.
Official site
You can always find more information on the park's official website - www.zhangjiajienationalforestpark.com. Information is in English only.
- It is better to come to the park early, as most tourists arrive after 10.00.
- The itinerary should include more walking and less transport, as the queues are usually huge.
- For long walks, you will need comfortable shoes that do not slip.
- All park buses and cable cars stop running one hour before closing.
- There are a lot of monkeys in some parts of the park, which you have to be careful with: animals can snatch food, as well as bags and phones.
- It is recommended to have cash with you, as cards may not be accepted everywhere.
- It is better to have water, food, a raincoat and sunscreen with you.
Zhangjiajie National Park Map
Photo
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Wulingyuan Mountains. In 1982, the mountainous region was recognized as the National Park of China, and 10 years later it was included in the UNESCO list. Pillars of sandstone and quartz reach 1080 meters in height, this is the highest part of Wulingyuan. The area of the park is 479.15 km².
The best time to visit the park is September-October. During this period, the weather is comfortable for long walks. From April to June, there is a large amount of rainfall, and the paths in the park are slippery, so walking is not safe. It can snow from December to February average temperature around zero degrees. At this time, it is cold in the mountains, there may be ice on the roads and forest paths, so access to Zhangjiajie is limited. In general, in the winter season, the park is beautiful in its own way, and prices are lower. The peak tourist season is April-October.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has three main entrances where tickets for four days can be purchased. The ticket includes sightseeing in the park and use of buses.
Entrance #1- the southwestern gate at the Golden Whip stream (the road from Zhangjiajie to Suosiyu). If you are coming from Zhangjiajie Station, then most likely you will be brought to this entrance.
Entrance #2- Wulingyuan gate, entrance to Bailong elevator and Tianji funicular. It is convenient to get here if you are staying at one of the hotels in Wulingyuan.
Entrance #3- Mount Tianji, north gate. Rarely used by travelers, as from here it will take a long walk to the funiculars or climb to the top on foot.
To make it easier to navigate in Zhangjiajie Park, you need to get a route map. It is better for bus drivers to show the map on Chinese so that they drop you off at the right stop. You can also use maps.me maps, which show the main viewing platforms and sights, paths and rocks, which were filmed in the Avatar movie.
On the first day of your visit to Zhangjiajie National Park, it is best to pay attention to the Huangshizhai area and the Golden Whip. On the second day, visit Yuanjiajie and Mount Tianji. On the third day, you can go to the Yellow Dragon Cave, ride on Baofeng Lake or climb the Yangjiajie.
What to see in the park
Huangshizhai Mountains and stone village. There are several observation platforms here, from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the mountainous area. In this part of Zhangjiajie, you can travel along a large circular route with a length of 4.5 km and a small one - 1 km. The recommended time to visit is 2.5 hours.
Golden Whip Creek. The trail along the Golden Whip stream runs along the bottom of the gorge without steep ascents and descents. It is calm and quiet here, you can enjoy the solitude and beauty of nature, the singing of birds. The entire route is 7.5 km and takes about 3 hours. During the walk, you can meet rickshaws that will take you to the end of the stream (or the beginning, depending on where you started your journey) for about 300 yuan.
Yuanjiajie park. It can be reached by an elevator for 72 yuan or by walking up the 3,000 stairs located in the middle of the Golden Whip route. On the territory of Yuanjiajie is the famous Mount Avatar Hallelujah, filmed in the movie "Avatar".
Yangjiajie. It is located in the northwest of Wulingyuan. The walk takes place among rocks, waterfalls, streams and ravines. You can meet monkeys, macaques and white cranes. You can get here for 10 miying by free bus after visiting Yuanjiajie or by cable car for 79 yuan.
Cave of the Yellow Dragon. It is easy to get there by city bus from Zhangjiajie village or by taxi. This cave is one of the largest in China. karst caves.
Mount Tianmen. Its height is 1519 meters. If there is no fog and the weather is sunny, then 2000 mountain peaks can be seen from here. The longest cable car in the world leads up the mountain. The site for ordering tickets is tianmenshan.com.cn.
glass bridge The Glass Sky Walk is located on Tianmen Mountain and stretches 60 meters across the abyss.
Lake Baofeng. A ticket to the lake includes a half-hour trip on a sightseeing boat.
Gallery 10 miles. The mini-train will take you through a picturesque area with a length of 5 km. During the trip, views of the Three Peaks of Lady, Old Man's Peak, Monkey's Slope, etc. open up.
Ticket prices in 2020
- March 1-November 30: Entrance to the park - 248 yuan, Tianmen Mountain - 258 yuan.
- December 1-end of February: entrance to the park - 139 yuan, Tianmen Mountain - 225 yuan.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon - 119 yuan
- Glass bridge - 138 yuan.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge - 219 yuan.
- Yellow Dragon Cave - 100 yuan.
- Lake Baofeng - 96 yuan.
- Tujia Ethnic Folk Garden - 120 yuan.
- The ancient city of Furong - 100 yuan.
Opening hours of park attractions in 2020
- National Park - from 7:00 to 18:00.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge - April-November 7:30-17:30, December-March 8:00-16:00.
- Cave of the Yellow Dragon - from 8:00 to 16:00.
- Baofeng Lake - 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Tujia Ethnic Folk Garden - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Furong Ancient City - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Getting around in the national park
You can travel along the lower and upper parts of the park on special buses, which are included in the price of the entrance ticket. Between the upper and lower parks there are three funiculars, a glass elevator "Bailong" and a mini-train. Traveling by transport, you save 1.5-3 hours. Hikers can, of course, climb upper park walking along a forest path, but the ascent is quite difficult and requires considerable physical effort. At the beginning of the walking path there is an inscription: "Whoever has not been to Huangshizhai, has not seen Zhangjiajie."
Prices for funiculars and mini trains in 2020
Funicular Yellow Stone Village(Yellow stone) - one trip will cost 65 yuan, round trip - 118 yuan.
Funicular Tianzi(Tianzi) - 67 yuan one way and 104 round trip.
Elevator Bailong- 72 yuan for one trip, 112 yuan for two.
Funicular Yangjiajie(Yangjiajie) - 79 yuan.
mini train Ten Li Gallery- 38 yuan for one trip, 52 yuan for a round trip.
It is worth talking about the queue. Waiting for the elevator ride can last 1-2 or 4 hours. There is no less queue for the cable car. Sometimes you have to defend 1-1.5 hours. Although you can avoid the tiring wait by climbing 9,000 steps. To avoid huge queues, you should take the funicular up at about 7:00, and go down until 16:00.
Where to stay
Find a hotel in Zhangjiajie city or in the village of the same name, which is located near the entrance to the park.
Guesthouse on site national park. Accommodation prices here are lower than in the city or the countryside, but the conditions are a little worse. But there are pluses - restrictions on the park's operating hours do not apply to you. This is a great opportunity to walk around the brand without tourists.
How to get there
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located 30 kilometers from the city. The best way to get here is by taxi (about 200 yuan) or city bus that leaves from Zhangjiajie bus station. Buses from Zhangjiajie to Wulingyuan run frequently as they fill up with passengers. You do not need to buy tickets at the box office, the fare is paid on the bus itself. The ticket costs 20 yuan. The road from the city will take about an hour.
If you are getting from the airport, then first you need to take bus number 4, which will take you to the Zhangjiajie bus station, and then transfer to the right bus to the park.
From railway station walk to the bus 150 meters.
Google Panorama of Zhangjiajie National Park
Zhangjiajie National Park on video
10 - 18 September 2021
(Stay in China 7 nights, September 11 - 18
)
They are three meters tall, have blue skin, and have cat-like faces. Their planet Pandora
located a few light years from Earth. Much of it is covered in jungle
mountains hang in the air, plants glow in the dark...
To get acquainted with Pandora, you need to go to the film Avatar by James Cameron, which was inspired by the mountains of Wulingyuan.
To see the "flying" mountains in reality, escape from everyday life and feel like the heroes of "Avatar" - you need to fly to China.
In the program: panoramic trails - serpentines, various cable cars (among which the longest in the world). The rocks are girded with route tapes of stones and even glass, connected by giant bridges. Built, elevating to the top, the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Landscapes of unreal beauty, as if descended from the canvases of Chinese painters, became available thanks to the miracle of human genius and diligence.
China. Land of the Four Wonders
China. Sichuan. funny panda
China. Day in Urumqi
China. Two capitals. Excursions in Beijing and Xi'an
Taiwan . Tiger living on its own
Day 1. September 10
Departure from Russia. 21.10 - 11.10 - Moscow (Sheremetyevo) - Guangzhou
Day 2. September 11
23.00 - Departure from Guangzhou. 00.40 - Arrival in Zhangjiadze late at night. Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Zhangtsadze (night from 11 to 12 September).
Zhangjiajie National Park in the southeastern province of Hunan, 32 km from the city of Zhangjiajie - the first state-level national forest park of China, was opened in 1982. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most
famous and visited nature reserve in China. And all in the list world heritage UNESCO included 52 sites of China.
On 4940 hectares of the park rise 243 mountains and 3000 peaks and cliffs of amazing shape, as if floating in the air as a result of the weathering of sandstones and limestones. The tops of the rocks are covered with dense caps of conifers with an average height of 800 meters, there are also three-kilometer giants. 88% is occupied by dense mountain forests. The most popular observation deck, Huangshi, rises 1300 meters above sea level, exactly 3800 steps lead to it. 19.4 meters - the height of the largest stalagmite in the Huanglong cave. There are more than 40 caves and two huge natural stone bridges in this picturesque area. About 150 animals live, including 28 listed in the Red Book of the country, for example, the golden pheasant and the rhesus monkey.
When fog comes to the mountains and clouds melt underfoot, the atmosphere in the park becomes especially magical, surreal. Many, having seen "Avatar" by James Cameron, appreciated the unreality of the landscapes of the planet Pandora, the landscape of which was based on Mount Jiankunzhu and the Huangshan mountain range. Released in 2009, Avatar broke all box office records and became the highest-grossing film of all time on the planet. In 2010, Chinese craftsmen began to create unique giant "gadgets" in the park so that everyone could see the "Flying Mountains of Avatar".
At the end of 2018, the park has 5 cable cars, including the longest in the world - 7.5 km (about 30 minutes on the way), the fastest panoramic elevator in the world, three unique glass bridges.
Zhangjiajie Park is unusual at any time of the year. In winter, snowfall turns the park into a fairy tale Snow Queen. In spring, nature blooms and flowers are fragrant. In autumn, all the luxury of colors sparkles on the trees. And dense fogs and mountain coolness of height create a special atmosphere in summer.
Day 3. September 12
Excursion to Mount Tanmen, translated from Chinese - the mountains "Heaven's Gate".
The feeling of flying will accompany you all day. Spectacular climb on the longest mountain cable car in the world (7.5 km, travel time 28 minutes). Walking tour along the suspended glass road "Heavenly Way", the total length of which is 1600 meters at an altitude of 1400 meters. On Mount Tanmen is the glass Bridge of the Brave, on which the most desperate travelers can pass. There is also a “Wriggling Dragon” glass bridge on Mount Tanmen with special effects: as soon as a person steps on the glass, cracks immediately diverge along it.
Visit the Buddhist center on the mountain with the help of an open cable car (800 meters). Panoramic crossing along the mountain serpentine road (99 turns).
Ascent to the Tanmen cave (height 132 meters, width 57 meters).
Travelers who don't want to climb the 999 steps to the cave can stay at the tea house at the foot of the cave and taste the famous Yin Zhen imperial yellow tea, which is produced only in this region.Dinner. Excursion to the Tujia National Park, where you will get acquainted with the folk customs and traditions of one of the small peoples of China. You will see the tallest, multi-storey wooden building in China, which was created on the basis of an ancient fortress of the Xiangxi people. Your attention will be presented theatrical mini performances in national costumes, based on episodes of the true life of Tujia. You will hear Xiangxi folk songs. The crafts and dances of the Tujia people are inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Optionally, visit the evening show Tianmen Fox Fairy Show. Overnight at the hotel in Zhangtszadze.
In Tianmen Fox Fairy Show more than 500 people take part, modern lighting technologies are used, the scenery is built into the natural mountain landscape. This is one of the most expensive theatrical projects in the world, with 177 million dollars spent on its creation! The show runs from 20.00 - 22.30. The average ticket price is 60 USD.
Mount Tanmen famous for a giant "window" in the rock called "Heaven's Gate". This is the highest mountain cave in the world, which was formed in 263 as a result of an earthquake. The height of the cave is 131.5 meters, the width is 57 m, the depth is 60 m. A staircase of 999 steps and a mountain serpentine of 99 turns lead to the “Heavenly Gates”: in Buddhism, the number “9” means the highest spiritual power and heavenly number. There has been a Buddhist temple on the mountain since the Tang Dynasty.
An interesting fact is that in the 20th century, Tanmen suddenly collapsed from the top 4 times, and a 1500-meter waterfall disappeared in a quarter of an hour: in 1949 (the formation of the PRC), in 1976 (the death of Mao Zedong), in 1989 (the suppression of student protests in Beijing) and in 1998 (flood). At the top of the mountain, right along the edge, there is a glass path, which very often turns out to be above the clouds ... Descent from the mountain along the serpentine of the "heavenly highway" 11 km long is another adventure. The longest and highest cable car in the world (7455 meters) with spans up to 500 meters leads to the mountain! Sometimes the road rises at an angle of 70, crashing directly into the clouds. 
It was built over a precipice at a height of 180 meters above the ground. The structure is 299 meters long and made of 24 mm thick glass and can accommodate 800 people. Initially, the bridge was wooden, but in 2015 it received a new glass life. It is considered one of the longest glass bridges in the world and is very popular with park guests.
Bridge "Wriggling Dragon" has a length glass path
- 100 meters, and a width of just over one and a half meters. The bridge leads straight along the gentle slope of the cliff, 1430 meters high; underfoot only 6.5 cm of transparent glass and an abyss. A low glass ledge separates you from the abyss. Daredevils who decide to cross the bridge are asked to wear special boot covers on their feet so as not to scratch the glass. 
Before the views of tourists opens a truly dizzying view of the valley on the other side mountain range. The bridge hangs at a height of 1500 meters above the ground and is the third such bridge on Mount Tianmen. More recently, it was an ordinary wooden path. Only the most courageous and courageous tourists pass along the cliff to the slope of the mountain cut by caves. Walking along such a glass road in the sky gives a huge adrenaline rush, as well as the opportunity to observe incredible beauty Avatar mountains landscapes.
Day 4. September 13
We continue to travel around the Zhangjiajie National Park.Excursion to the "Yellow Fortress" Huangshizhai: You will see the Big Rock, Six Wonders Pavilion, Star Harvest, Echo Corridor, Golden Turtle, Five Finger Peak, Sky Bridge - best places with traditional Chinese poetic names. The journey includes a cable car to Huangshizhai and takes about 3 hours. Dinner. Walk along one of the longest canyons in the world "Golden Whip" (about 3 hours). Arrival in the city of Wulingyuan. Accommodation at the hotel for two nights.
Golden Whip Canyon, framed by sheer cliffs, has a stream at the bottom of the gorge that sparkles with gold on a sunny day, hence the poetic name. It is written on a historical stone in the canyon that the famous Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang (who united the kingdoms into the Great State and connected the separate parts into the Great Wall of China), was so fascinated by the mountains and the gorge that he dreamed of moving the mountains to the sea and admiring them from the water . During a walk along the 6 km canyon, you will pass through suspension bridge, see the 380-meter Golden Whip Peak, Crimson Grass Pond, and drink from the Fountain of Long Life. The Golden Whip Canyon is considered by the Chinese to be the most beautiful in the world.
Day 5. September 14
Excursion to Avatar Mountains. A "large-format" ascent on a glass elevator Bailun (translated as "100 dragons") to the top of a mountain 326 meters high in 2 minutes. A third of the elevator goes inside the mountain, the remaining two-thirds go out to open mountain landscapes. This is the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. engineering marvel Sveta. Exit to the panoramic platform Yuanjiajie Senic Spot, from where unforgettable views of the Avatar Mountains open. View of the main mountain Jiankunzhu (translated as "southern pillar of heaven") in honor of the film, which became a masterpiece of world cinema, today renamed "Hallelujah, Avatar". The highest peak is called the "Rabbit Looking at the Moon". The stone peak of Heitsunnao is famous for centuries-old pine trees.
Visiting the world's largest natural bridge between the rocks, which is called "No. 1 in the world" - "Number one in the world." Dinner. Inspection of the picturesque mountain Tianzu with the peak of Kunlun - "The Abode of the Gods". Return by cable car with a length of 2084 meters, a height of 692 meters.
In the evening, optional visit to the show "The Charm of Western Hunan". The show introduces the mysterious ethnic culture of the Hunan province - the peoples of Tujia, Miao and Bai. Overnight in Wulingyuan.
Bailong elevator("The Hundred Dragons Elevator") is the tallest external elevator in the world. It is built directly into the cliff and takes tourists to the observation deck on top of the mountain to a height of 330 meters.
The elevator itself consists of three two-story cabins, each of which can accommodate 50 passengers. The elevator is also equipped with seismic sensors, when triggered, the elevators must short time evacuate all people down. The "Hundred Dragons Elevator" entered the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in terms of carrying capacity, the fastest passenger elevator, the tallest modern elevator, the highest open exposition elevator.
Performance "The Charm of Western Hunan" reveals the traditional culture of these places to the music of ethnic groups in combination with sound, light and electrical technologies of the modern stage. The program features typical local folk customs such as "wedding weeping", "funeral ceremonies", witchcraft, mountain climbing, as well as modern songs and acrobatics interpreting the way of life and original culture of the ethnic minorities of Western Hunan.
Day 6. September 15
Excursion to the stalactite cave "Huanglong" ("Yellow or Golden Dragon"), which is one of the most beautiful caves world and is under the protection of UNESCO. The tour lasts 3 hours and includes a boat trip through the labyrinths underground river. Dinner. Excursion to the mountain lake Baofeng, surrounded by picturesque mountains.
Boat trip to Suoxiyu Panoramic View of the waterfall. There is an ascent to the lake with overcoming 333 steps.Visiting a place of unique beauty - Zhangtszadze Grand Canyon, where you can walk on a glass bridge between two mountains at an altitude of 380 meters. It is one of the longest and highest in the world. pedestrian bridges with a glass bottom, 430 meters long and 6 meters wide. Overnight at the hotel.
Yellow Dragon Cave in the Avatar Mountains- one of the most beautiful "magic karst caves" in the world. Water plays an important role in the formation of the cave. This four-level cave has one lake, two rivers, three waterfalls, 98 pedestrian galleries and 13 large halls, one of which reaches a height of 140 meters. Travelers are surrounded by hundreds of thousands of natural stalactites and stalagmites, striking the imagination with intricate shapes. You will see the Palace of the Dragon and the Dragon King, the Ballroom with draped stone curtains, the Immortal Falls, the Gate of Longevity, the Gate of Happiness and much more.
Lake Baofeng located at the top of Baofeng Mountain (Jewel Peak). It has a length of 2.5 km, a width of up to 500 meters, and a depth of 72 meters. During the cruise on the lake, guests can see houseboats, Baofeng waterfall, Hawk's Nest mountain peak, an ancient temple and the Narrow Gorge. Sometimes the melodic singing of a young couple of the local Tujia people is heard. Transparent air, fragrant nature and complete unity with nature. 
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon famous for its huge glass bridge over the abyss, the construction of which cost $3.4 million. Designed by Israeli architect Chaim Dotan in 2016, the bridge has already set 10 world records in architecture and design; it is made entirely of glass and has no steel structure at its base. A bridge of 99 three-layer transparent glass panels connected the two rocks. The design can withstand 800 people at the same time and has additional tests for resistance to changes in ambient temperature and buildup in the wind.
Additional attraction: the bridge has the highest in the world, a special platform for bungee jumping, located under the central span of the bridge at a height of almost 270 meters above the ground. And at the beginning of the bridge, where its width reaches 12 meters, theatrical performances are held and there are stands for 3,000 seats.
Day 7. September 16
Moving to the southwest (4 hours) and on the way visiting the Red Stone Geopark. Inspection of a section of the South Great Wall of China in the vicinity of Fenghuan. Overnight at the hotel.
National Park "Red Stone Forest"(Red Rocks National Geopark) was first opened to the public in 2005. In sunny weather, rocks that look like forest trees glow red.
clear color.
South China Wall It was built at the beginning of the 17th century during the Ming Dynasty with the participation of 5000 soldiers to protect the southern borders of the country. The ensemble once included more than 800 terraces, bunkers and outposts. The total length is 190 km, the height of the wall is about 3 meters, the width at the base is about two, it runs along the mountains and is washed by rivers. Most of the South great wall was built on sheer cliffs.
Fenghuan ancient town is located in the southwest of Hunan province, at the foot of a mountain on the banks of the Totjiang River.
Translated means "Chinese Phoenix" - a miracle bird that embodies in the mythology of China feminine(yin) and the symbol of the south of the country; while the Dragon is masculine. The earliest references to Fenghuang are found on Yin divination inscriptions around the 15th century BC. One of the most beautiful ancient cities in China, located at the foot of the mountains near the water, and built in accordance with the artistic and philosophical traditions of ancient China. Authentic Fenghuan has preserved to this day the layout and original appearance during the Ming Empire of the 14th century and the Qing Empire of the 17th century, sending inquisitive travelers on a time machine deep into the eras. The city is surrounded by fortress walls, gates with towers, behind which there are 20 streets and more than 200 civil residences and ancestral temples, ancient wells and rainbow bridges. Fenghuang is a candidate for inclusion in the UNESCO list.
Fenghuan is spread over the lands where representatives of three small original peoples of China live: Miao, Bai and Tujia. Each original people has its own language, customs, clothing and lifestyle.
Day 8. September 17
Free morning in the authentic city of Fenghuan. Hiking through the authentic city of Fenghuang, including a boat cruise on the river. A 5-kilometer pavement passes through the city, turned into pedestrian street. Walk along the street of crafts, famous for wax paintings and batik. Departure to Zhangzadze. Accommodation and overnight at the hotel in Zhangzadze (September 21 - 22).
For those who take the program "Land of Four Wonders" , second night in Feihuang
Day 9. September 18
Breakfast and transfer to Zhangjiadze airport.
Flight and arrival in Russia.
The fabulous world of Avatar is waiting for you!
Combines well with tours:
China. Land of the Four Wonders
China. Sichuan. funny panda
China. Day in Urumqi
China. Two capitals. Excursions in Beijing and Xi'an
Taiwan . Tiger living on its own
tour cost"China. Flying Avatar Mountains»
per person in double occupancy:
350 USD / 370 USD supplement for single room 3* / 4*
The tour is considered prepaid upon deposit of 500 USD for the cost of the tour.
Until February 1, there is a discount of 120 USD for accommodation in 4 * hotels, subject to prepayment - 500 USD
Description of hotels under the China. Flying Avatar Mountains»
Flights according to the program:
from 32 000 rub. Moscow - Guangzhou - Zhangjiadse (Dayong)- Guangzhou- Moscow
Air tickets are booked and issued individually for each tourist. Airfare depends on:
- availability of tariffs on the day of booking;
- the rate of the airline on the day of issuing the ticket.
Included in the price:
- Russian-speaking escort throughout the route;
- Meeting at the airport and transfers (from / to the airport) - in case of arrival of the whole group on one flight;
- Accommodation on the basis of double occupancy in selected hotels;
- Excursion service according to the program;
- Transport-bus and driver services;
- Entrance tickets to all observation platforms according to the program;
- Meals according to the program: breakfasts, lunches (except the eighth day);
- State taxes.
The price does not include:
- Visa processing services;
- International and domestic flights;
- Meals and drinks not specified in the program;
- Tips for guides, attendants, drivers, etc.;
- Personal expenses;
- Shows indicated in the program as optional.
Attention! To participate in the tour, the passport must be valid for a period of at least 6 months after the end of the trip.
To apply for a visa, you need:
1. Passport
2. A photocopy of the passport of the Russian Federation (1 page and page with registration)
3. 1 color photo 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm, on a light background
4. Questionnaire
Visa processing time - from 5 working days
Note:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (translated as "White Clouds") is 30 km away. From the city and connected to it by metro (20 min.)
1. You can spend a day in the city
The unusually beautiful flying mountains located on the planet Pandora in the Avatar movie are not an invention of the directors. located soaring mountains in China, being part of the Zhangjiajie National Park, and are called Wulingyuan. The rocks fascinate and amaze at first sight, therefore, going to the Middle Kingdom, it is worth going to Hunan province for a few days, where the park is located. For visitors, there are excellent conditions for accommodation, food and pastime. In addition to the mountains, there is an opportunity to see many other natural attractions.
National Treasure of China
Zhangjiajie Park is a kind of visiting card of the country, where a huge number of tourists come every year, the number of which increased after the release of the film "Avatar". Touch the unique nature, fauna, listen to many mysterious, mystical stories and legends - that's what I offer flying mountains in china to all visitors. Some objects on the territory of this protected area are protected by UNESCO, and the park itself is recognized national treasure Celestial. Its inhabitants are proud unusual beauties, from which the spirit is breathtaking, and they say that numerous secrets and riddles are associated with mountains and rocks. Incredible landscapes, lush greenery, picturesque rocks, which cause a soaring effect, contribute to their emergence and spread. This unique phenomenon is due to the fact that Mountain peaks go into the sky, lost there between the clouds. The rocks are covered with greenery, which adds to the feeling of weightlessness.
A bit of history
The area on which the park is located is also known under another name - Yangjiajie, i.e. the land of Yang. According to ancient legends, there was once a war between clans near the mountains. The representative of the Yang Dynasty set up his military camp right at the base of Mount Tianzi. The confrontation lasted for several decades, and never ended. Therefore, the descendants of the clan began to gradually develop this territory, moving further and further away from the location of the military camp. Archaeologists and scientists have confirmed this legend, finding all the time the graves and burial places of members of the Yang clan.
Creation of the park
There is a park where the film "Avatar" was filmed in the northwestern part of the country, not far from the city of the same name. The area is full of wonders and natural attractions. The neighborhood of Zhangjiajie Park is made up of the equally famous geological parks of Yangjiajie, Tanzishan and Xiuxiyu.
Zhangjiajie is the oldest park in China, created in 1982. Its territory is huge and is almost 13 thousand square kilometers, on which mountains, forests, other vegetation are located, and a huge number of animals are found. In 1992, it was taken under the protection of UNESCO as part of Wulingyuan. Nine years later, the park received the status of the National Sandstone Peaks Forest Geopark (by decision of the relevant Chinese ministry). It is also included in the Global Network of Geological Parks protected by UNESCO.
Natural and animal world
decoration Zhangjiajie Park, China, the place where the films were filmed " Avatar and "Monster Hunt" are mountains. In fact, these are rocky peaks-pillars, created from quartz and sandstone, and turned into a real miracle of nature under the influence of erosion processes and weathering. The total number of unusual rocks is more than 3 thousand, and about one thousand have a height of 200 meters. The highest peak is Mount Dupeng, which reaches 1,890 meters into the sky.
Peaks of rocks are lost high in the clouds, and then abruptly give way to very dense forests. This is the habitat of a huge number of animals, birds, reptiles, insects. You can also see quite rare relic plants, which include mahogany and gingko.
The climate in the park is humid and warm, although this does not create suffocating heat. People who do not tolerate cold or very hot weather can feel comfortable here. In the warm season, the average air temperature is +27 degrees Celsius, and in winter it drops to +4-5.
The entire territory of the park is divided into 6 natural areas, the largest of which are tianji mountains, attracting tourists to China. This area is famous for very thick clouds, constant fogs and a mysterious atmosphere.
sights
You can walk around the park tirelessly, because you never know what is waiting around every turn. The spirit captures not only from the mountains, but also the wealth of the animal world, as well as a large number of monuments.
The Yellow Dragon Cave was created from karst formations, have a height of 140 meters, and therefore is considered one of the largest in the world. It is distinguished by the most beautiful interior decoration of a natural character. There are many unique natural attractions in the cave - waterfalls, rivers, pools. All this creates the feeling that you find yourself in the hall of a fabulous Dragon.
The Heavenly Gate Buddhist temple has been known since the Ming Dynasty, which contributed to the transformation of this place into a center of pilgrimage. The temple occupies a huge area, which is equal to 10 thousand square meters. The temple is located in a cave that arose in 263 AD. as a result of a breakaway from the Tianmen (Tianmenshan) rock of a huge stone. The cave-temple is 60 meters long, 57 meters wide, and 131.5 meters high. The Chinese call the temple the Magical Cave of Western Hunan, because the place is saturated with a mysterious and mysterious atmosphere. This is due to the fact that the cave, located at a great height above the ground, seems to be shrouded in clouds, which are very thick above the mountain. Therefore, tourists, getting into the cave, feel that they are in heaven, or are somewhere nearby.
The temple arose in this place not by chance. According to ancient chronicles, the mountain is connected with the sky, therefore it has great strength and energy. In addition, it affects people, their destinies, lives, and is able to do miracles. In historical documents, you can find many facts that various mysterious events and phenomena took place in the cave.
The height of Mount Tianmenshan is 1518 m, and is considered the central attraction of the park. All tourists who are not afraid to overcome the path on the longest cable car in the world strive to climb to the top. Its length is almost 7.5 kilometers, and it passes through so picturesque panoramas mountains, mountains, forests, which is breathtaking. And the closer the cabin drives up to the top, the more it seems that you are in the arms of clouds. The mountain is shrouded all the time in mist and mist, which very rarely dissipates. Local residents from generation to generation pass on legends that before very important events, water begins to pour from the top.
Next to Zhajiajie Park is an equally stunning park called Yangqiajie. There are a huge number of amazing and picturesque places, including the Baikhur, Longquan, and Xiangzhi mountains.
History of the Tianji Mountains
It is worth talking about these rocks separately. According to historical records in chronicles and other documents, at the foot of tianji mountains, china, farmers rebelled in the Middle Ages. They were led by a leader, whose name was Xiang Dakun, who called himself the son of heaven. Such an unusual nickname was associated with the ambitions of the peasant, as well as the features of the area where the mountains are located. There are more than two thousand stone pillars here, which, like rods, connect heaven and earth. Average Height The rock is from 1 thousand meters to 1250 meters. Formed over three thousand years ago. One part of the mountains is represented by quartz rocks, and the second by limestone. In spite of ancient history, the area is not studied and practically unexplored. Once upon a time there were tropical forests, about which small plots and trees remained. Between the mountains there are very ancient caves, rocky arches, impenetrable forests in which a person has never been.
Tourist services
You can walk in the park for several days, especially since the entrance ticket is valid for two days. You can buy it for 245 yuan, right at the main entrance to Zhangjiajie National Park in China. To save a little, you can buy a weekly pass, and such a ticket is not very expensive - about 300 Chinese yuan. For students, if they present a student card, there are significant discounts. The best conditions for visitors are created here. In particular, they have a wonderful opportunity to see the mountains from a bird's eye view, and then walk around them on the ground. An elevator goes to one of the peaks, so you can climb the mountain right on it.
The park has several tourist routes allowing you to see all the sights. But it is difficult to do it in 2 days, so the guides recommend using the cable car to see all the flying mountains. It is imperative to walk along natural bridges that go through the mountains, as well as go down to the valleys of rivers, waterfalls, visit caves. Tourists do not have to worry about their own safety: fences are installed everywhere, there are safe stairs for movement, special paths and signs to help you find your way in the park.
The cost of the entrance pass includes bus transportation along the routes. Separately, you need to pay for the lift, the use of the escalator, tourist train. Drive between sights free buses that reach a certain stop. Here you can transfer to another bus and continue the trip. You can also travel by other modes of transport - cable cars (two closed and one open), funicular.
For those who want to see pristine nature, you will have to delve into remote areas of the park. The main attractions are nearby. It will not take long to get to them - everything is within reach, you just have to buy a ticket and enter the park. In other cases, you need to overcome rather big distances, so you need to choose comfortable shoes, clothes, things to put in backpacks for travel. In addition, you need to go to the deep regions of the park either with a guide or along a pre-compiled route so as not to get lost.
Separately, it is worth considering the organizational aspects of a trip to the soaring rocks:
- Book accommodation in advance, taking into account the many national holidays that exist in China;
- Prepare for the fact that a huge number of Chinese come to the Wulingyuan rocks, so it is always crowded, and in some places there is a significant crowd of people;
- Buy or download a map of the park and its surroundings, purchase a compass, raincoats and raincoats;
- It is better to start walking in the morning in order to see as many interesting things as possible. And in the morning there are fewer people than in the afternoon and in the evening. After seven in the evening it is dangerous to wander, because. The park area is not illuminated.
- Think about how you can get to the city of Zhangjiajie from the Chinese capital.
You can get to the park from the city of the same name by taxi or bus, which travel here regularly. You can enter the territory of the protected area through two entrances - the northeastern one, where the Wulingyuan Mountains are located, and through the southern one - Zhangjiajie. You need to start the journey from the first entrance, because there is a glass elevator that takes you up to the tops of the rocks and observation platforms.
Housing and food
Experienced tourists are advised to stay in two villages - Zhangjiajie or Wulingyuan (everything is very original with the names here, so it should be borne in mind that the park, city and village are called the same). Renting comfortable accommodation here is not a problem, the only negative and quite significant is that in the morning there is a queue at the entrance. And you have to stand in it before you get into the park.
You can also live in Zhangjiajie, where there are several types of housing:
- Guesthouse;
- Hostel;
- Hotel.
The quality of the rooms is somewhat lower than in the villages, and walking is allowed only when the buses start running.
The budget accommodation option is accommodation at local residents, ready for 40 yuan per day to provide a bed in a room for several people. You can choose the option of single accommodation, but the cost will increase accordingly.
You can eat at restaurants, local cafes, McDonald's. It should be borne in mind that the cuisine of this province is quite peculiar - it is based on mushrooms with medicinal properties, and in large numbers hot spices. In addition to traditional Hunan cuisine, you can try dishes from other regions of the country.
There are no restaurants and cafes on the territory of the park, but cakes, fried potatoes, fish, chestnuts are sold everywhere. Everything is fresh and prepared in the presence of tourists.
It is better to buy water in the city or in the villages, because here it costs an order of magnitude cheaper than in the park.
Zhangjiajie National Park in China is considered one of the most beautiful places in China. The well-known film Avatar originates from here, and the landscapes of Zhangjiajie Park became the prototype of the soaring mountains in the film. I would like to add that this is not just a publicized place. Zhangjiajie Park is truly beautiful and worth visiting for inspiration and photography.
Today in the article we will analyze in detail the routes around the park, understand how to get to it and how much it will cost in total. Since I had already been to Zhangjiajie Park several years ago in winter time year, today there will be a mix of "summer" and winter photos. This is due to the fact that, being in Zhangjiajie in October 2017, I got into a typhoon and visibility was almost zero. Accordingly, only a few photographs were taken. Therefore, do not be surprised by snow-covered photographs and their almost complete absence. More practical information today
How to get to Zhangjiajie
There are several ways to get to Zhangjiajie Park. You can fly by plane, take a bus or train. We will consider the option with the train, I see it as the most budgetary and convenient. After a while I will write a separate article on how to book trains online in China, it's quite simple. In a nutshell, just install the ctrip application on your phone, which has, among other things, a Russian interface. Choose the name of the city from where you are leaving (the name of the cities can be written in Russian) and the city of arrival - the city of Zhangjiajie. Book, pay, at the railway ticket office on your passport you get a ticket in your hands and calmly get on the train. Just in case, here is the name of the city of Zhangjiajie in Chinese (pinyin in brackets) - 张家界（Zhāngjiājiè）
So, we need to get to the Zhangjiajie National Park in China. To do this, first we reach the city of the same name Zhangjiajie. Next, we have two options. Stop for a few days in the city of Zhangjiajie or get a little closer to the park by taking a bus to the town of Wulingyuan. I highly recommend the second option, since Wulingyuan is located in close proximity to the entrance to Zhangjiajie Park.
In order to get to Wulingyuan, you need to take a mini bus that departs from the bus station in Zhangjiajie. The bus station is a five minute walk from the train station. Enter the building of the bus station, bypassing the ticket office, go straight to the waiting room. Exit number 1 will be on your left. Feel free to go to this exit, exit to the parking lot and then you need to take a bus to Wulingyuan. All foreigners go in this direction and the Chinese know very well where you need to go, so you are unlikely to get on the wrong bus. Just in case, here is the name of the bus station in the town of Wulingyuan - 武陵源(Wǔlíngyuán).
From Zhangjiajie to Wulingyuan, the bus journey takes about an hour and a half, the ticket price is 20 yuan per person.
Where to stay in Zhangjiajie
I can recommend the hostel where I myself spent a few days. The hostel is called Wulingyuantuniu Youth Hostel, is only five minutes from the entrance of Zhangjiajie National Park. Walking distance from Wulingyuan Bus Station takes about 15 minutes, no more.
Entrance gate to the park from Wulingyuan
We figured out how to get to the park and where to stay for the night. Let's talk about how much the entrance ticket to Zhangjiajie Park and transportation inside the park cost, and then we will move on to route options.
Prices in Zhangjiajie Park
Below you can see a photo with prices for the entrance to the park (photo from October 2017). Also, it will not be superfluous to indicate the prices for cable cars and an elevator inside the park. Prices are in RMB. The ticket is valid for 4 days. You can also buy a ticket that will be valid for a year (I don’t know if it is valid for 12 months after purchase or only until the end of the current year).
Entrance ticket to Zhangjiajie National Park during high season is 245 per adult, 160 discounted (most likely discounted for children, students and pensioners).
Low season entry ticket 136 per adult and 82 discounted.
Cable cars in the park from 65 to 72 yuan
Bailong elevator 71 yuan
Below are two parts of the same map. First image - East End park, from where we enter Zhangjiajie Park. The second image, the western part, where most of the interesting places are located. I numbered the areas and points of the park on the map to make it easier for you to navigate. Detailed description The trails follow immediately after the maps of Zhangjiajie Park.
Place with good hostels in Wulingyuan
Entrance to the park. Here they buy a ticket and board the buses
Lower cable car station
Upper cable car station
observation deck
The beginning of the walking path along the lower part of the park. From the entrance to the park by bus to this point you reach 20 minutes. Walking to the beginning of the ascent to Avatar (point 12) will take 30 minutes. It will take about 1 hour to walk to the other entrance to the park (point 10).
Bailong elevator
Walking ascent to the site with the Avatar (takes about an hour).
Turn onto a deserted path. It will take about one hour to walk the trail and return (the end of the trail on the map is marked with the number 11).
Beginning of the climb. The ascent and descent takes about 3 hours. Alternatively, you can go down on the cable car.
Trail end. The map shows that there is no passage. In fact, the road is divided into two more. One leads to the cable car (about 10 kilometers), the second to the ascent to the mountain with access to the road with buses (you can climb in 1 hour).
Observation deck with Avatar.
Lower cable station leading to Yangjiajie area.
Start of the route along Yangjiajie. The passage of the selected area takes about 3 hours.
Asphalt road, on which buses do not run. The road in both directions will take about 3 hours at a brisk pace.
*Pay attention to the map. There are numbers next to the bus icons. They indicate how many minutes the bus travels from one station to another.
Zhangjiajie itinerary for 1 day
It doesn't matter how many days you have to visit the park, my advice is to always come to the opening. The park opens at 7 am. Routes in the park can be made up to a dozen, and all of them have the right to life. It depends how much you want to rush to see everything, or if you need a leisurely pace, whether you will use the cable cars and the elevator, or if you prefer walking. I will offer one of the options, and you yourself will edit it to your taste.
For the first day, the Zhangjiajie route can be built as follows. We arrive at seven in the morning, when the park is just opening. There will already be many tourists, but still not crowds. We pass the turnstile, take the bus and get to the Bailong elevator (marked as number 7 on the map). We go up the elevator and go to the observation platform with the Avatar (12). Option with morning arrival and elevator, the only one when you can really be alone on this observation deck. During the whole day it is very crowded and noisy. If crowds of people do not bother you, you can take a bus from the entrance to the beginning of the hiking route (6), walk alone for half an hour before the start of the ascent to Avatar (8) and climb directly to the observation platform (12). On the way from the entrance to the Avatar, it will take you about two hours at an average pace.
Bridge near the observation deck with the Avatar
One way or another, we are at the observation deck marked on the map at number 12. Then you can take a bus and get to the beginning of the western part of Zhangjiajie Park called Yuanjiajie. A tour of this area of the park takes 3 to 5 hours. Depends on your physical condition and availability of free time. It is better to look at the right side first (on the map, the end point of the right side of Yuanjiajie is marked as Tianbo Mansion), since there is a chance that it will not be as crowded as after lunch. Then the left part, which will take you more time. On the map of Zhangjiajie Park left side this area ends at a place called Corridor the Cliffs.
One of the typical views in Yuanjiajie area
Highly recommend Yuanjiajie. Especially, on the left side of Yuanjiajie you will hardly meet people, the views are sometimes very beautiful, and at the end of the path you will find a fenced cliff where you can enjoy plenty of what we came here for - views of the Zhangjiajie National Park with its hills and fogs.
After visiting Yuanjiajie, we take the bus and go to point 5, another observation deck. The views are beautiful, but be prepared that the tourists will be overcrowded. You can return to the entrance to the park either by going down the cable car or walking down the stairs. Alternatively, you can spend 3 hours exploring a completely deserted area (15). If in general Zhangjiajie is a lot of steps, then this area is an ordinary asphalt road with almost no cars. It's hard for me to judge how beautiful views. When I was there, everything was in a fog, like in milk. But if you have time, why not take a walk.
On this route for 1 day in Zhangjiajie Park is over. We return to the hostel, rest and gain strength for tomorrow.
Zhangjiajie itinerary for 2 days
If you want to build a route for 2 days in Zhangjiajie Park, on the second day you can also come to the opening, take a bus and get to the beginning of the hiking route along the lower path of the park (6). In this case, you have a great chance to walk under the bizarre hills almost alone, enjoying the nature of Zhangjiajie. The journey from the start of the hiking trail (6) to the turn to the right, onto a completely deserted trail (9), will take about 30 minutes. I highly recommend walking along the trail marked on the map at number 9. The way there and back will take about an hour. Along the way, you will be able to contemplate the nature of Zhangjiajie alone and most likely meet the local inhabitants - monkeys. In this park, the monkeys are not at all aggressive and you should not be afraid of them. Photos of our smaller brothers are below in the article.
After passing the secondary path and returning to the main one, you can continue along the lower part of the park, reaching the other gate of Zhangjiajie (10). Here you will have the opportunity to climb one of the observation platforms. At the top, a pretty temple awaits you. The walk up and down at a leisurely pace will take about three hours. Alternatively, you can go down the cable car.
Temple on top of the mountain
Panorama from the temple
If you only have two full days to explore Zhangjiajie Park, after lunch on the second day, you can go to a cave located near Wulingyuan. Or spend more time in the park itself. There are many options, all the information is in front of your eyes.
If planning Zhangjiajie National Park seems like a difficult task to you, you do not want to waste your time on it, and you also want to combine Zhangjiajie National Park with others, no less beautiful places China, in May 2018 my first China program will be organized. All the details in a separate article. In a nutshell, in 11 full days we will drive from Shanghai to Guilin and see a lot.
Pictures of monkeys in Zhangjiajie park
Since I happened to take as many photos of the park as I would like, below you can see photos of monkeys, which are very numerous in the park. After the photos, the article will tell you what you can see in the vicinity of Zhangjiajie.
Places around Zhangjiajie Park
In addition to the park, there are several places that you can visit. But you need to think a hundred times before going to them. Any entrances to the natural attractions of China are not cheap pleasure. Below I will talk about three popular places located in the vicinity of Zhangjiajie National Park.
glass bridge
A highly advertised place, located just under an hour by bus from Wulingyuan. In my opinion, a waste of time and money. It will take you about four hours to get to the bridge, check tickets, inspect the bridge and drive back. Moreover, it will take about an hour to stand in lines with hordes of Chinese. When you get to the bridge, respectively, those Chinese with whom you stood in line will be on the bridge with you. Pleasure is doubtful.
In addition, the bridge is not completely glass. In the pictures below, you can see that they just made rectangular transparent areas on the bridge, into which you can see the canyon below. The views from the bridge are the most common, especially after visiting the park itself, they are not impressive. You will walk across the bridge through hundreds of Chinese tourists jumping in place or lying with selfie sticks. I understand that everyone has their own tastes and preferences, but this place did not impress me at all.
If you still decide to go to the glass bridge, the entrance price is about 260 yuan. You need to book a ticket at least one day before arrival. You can do this at the hostel. By the way, in the hostel where I stayed ( Wulingyuantuniu Youth Hostel), they can help you buy a ticket at a discount of about 80 yuan. Name glass bridge in Chinese - 玻璃桥(Bōlí zhàndào/Bōlí qiáo). You can get from Wulingyuan bus station in 40-50 minutes. You can’t bring cameras with you, you will have to leave them in a storage room next to the first checkpoint upon arrival at the bridge. Your ticket will indicate that you need to arrive before 10 am. If you are late, you will have to pay extra 20 yuan on top. The bridge is open to the public from 7 am to 3.30 pm.
Unlike the glass bridge, I would recommend going into the cave. You can get from Wulingyuan in 20 minutes by taxi or bus, the entrance ticket costs 100 yuan. Plus, you can pay 15 yuan to enter a separate small area while already in the cave. Yes, you will not be alone in the cave, you will also have to make your way through the crowds of Chinese tourists, who will be led by guides with loudspeakers. However, the main feature of the cave is its river. To be more precise, the opportunity to ride a small boat through the water channel of the cave. This is truly worth the time.
In Chinese, the name of the cave would be 黄龙洞 (Huanglóng dòng). Opening hours of the cave from 7 to 15.30. It is better to allow about two hours for the visit.
boat trip through the cave
Mount Tianmen
To recommend this mountain or not, to tell the truth, I do not know. When I happened to be there, it was raining all day, a gale was blowing, and everything was in a fog. Judging by the photos from the Internet, the place is quite interesting. If you have seen pictures with a huge hole in the mountain and a staircase leading there, this is the place. The main thing to remember is that when you buy a ticket you have two options. Or first climb on the cable car and then, having done hiking route going downstairs, go back by bus. Or take the bus and return by the cable car. This is a prerequisite. It is not possible to go there and back only by bus or only by cable car. Heard a lot of recommendations that the best option is to take the cable car up and then return by bus.
(6 voters. Vote and you!!!)