There are some places on earth that are a living fantasy. What you see in fantasy movies and imagine in fantasy books can be found right here on Earth. One of those places is the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan, China.

Often described as otherworldly, Zhangjiajie is extraordinary in every sense of the word. As China’s first national forest park, established in 1982, it paved the way for modern conservation efforts in the country.

Today, it forms part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area along with the nearby Tianmen mountain, recognized in 1992 for its breathtaking natural beauty and geological importance.

Spanning approximately 11,900 acres (48 square kilometres), the park contains over 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars, some soaring more than 200 metres into the sky. These natural skyscrapers, carved over millions of years by erosion, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. For travellers, they offer an experience that feels both ancient and surreal—an unforgettable journey into one of Earth’s most extraordinary landscapes.

This is your definitive guide to the must-see attractions within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: The Iconic Heart of Zhangjiajie

If Zhangjiajie has a signature view, it belongs to Yuanjiajie. Perched atop a plateau, this area opens onto a world that is like pandora itself with visitors often describing Yuanjiajie as “another world.”

The region gained global fame after inspiring the floating islands in James Cameron’s Avatar. Yet long before Hollywood discovered it, Yuanjiajie captivated poets, painters, and explorers with its ethereal beauty.

Here are the things to explore in the Yuanjiajie side of Zhangjiajie.

Avatar Mountains

Formerly known as the Southern Sky Column, this soaring sandstone pillar was officially renamed after Avatar premiered in 2009 to Avatar Mountains. Standing at over 1,080 metres above sea level, it appears to hover when enveloped by clouds giving an illusion of floating mountains.

Getting to the Avatar Mountains can be a bit tricky when navigating by yourself as you would have to navigate the routes by yourself. The easiest and most fulfilling way to see these glorious “floating mountains” is via a private tour that takes you to this place as well as other must-see spots in Zhangjiajie.

To make it even more special, you can also opt for a helicopter ride between these mountains to really feel the Avatar rush.

First Bridge Of the World

The world’s first natural bridge formed over millions of years ago by nature’s hand, formations and sandstone shifts. It stands at a height of approx 357 meters with the bridge spanning 20 meters. You can cross this bridge to walk over stones that shifted millions of years ago and became the first bridge in the world to exist on its own.

Thi bide can be crsed over as ihda pfortrvelers and vios t walk across. This bridge can be crossed over as it holds a platform for travelers and visitors to walk across.

Lost Souls Platform (Mihun Tai)

One of the best viewpoints in Zhangjiajie, this platform offers sweeping panoramas of jagged pillars stretching endlessly into the horizon. On misty days, the scene transforms into a mystical “stone forest in the clouds.”

It gives you a 360-degree view of the Avatar Mountains and the rest of Yuanjiajie’s scenic beauty, with mist-covered clouds drifting among the peaks.

Tianzi Mountain: The Monarch of Peaks

Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,262 metres, Tianzi Mountain delivers some of the most expansive views in the park. Its name translates to “Son of Heaven,” a reference to Xiang Dakun, a Tujia ethnic leader who led a successful rebellion during the Ming Dynasty and declared himself emperor.

Steeped in legend and history, the mountain is revered for its four natural spectacles:

• Seas of clouds (when the peak of the mountain gets covered in a sea of clouds akin to iconic Chinese paintings)
  
• Radiance of the Moonlight (a stunning phenomenon when the mountain peaks get bathed in an ethereal moonlight glow)
  
• Winter snowfalls (Tianzi in winter can fit right into the scenes of the movie Huntsman: Winter War with its crystal ice clinging to mountain peaks and transforming the whole place into a white world).
  
• Sunbeams piercing through mist (like a scene from Kung Fu Panda, the sandstone pillars of Tianzi mountain gets covered in golden light as the first rays of the sun hits the mountain)
• Seas of clouds (when the peak of the mountain gets covered in a sea of clouds akin to iconic Chinese paintings)
  
• Radiance of the Moonlight (a stunning phenomenon when the mountain peaks get bathed in an ethereal moonlight glow)
  
• Winter snowfalls (Tianzi in winter can fit right into the scenes of the movie Huntsman: Winter War with its crystal ice clinging to mountain peaks and transforming the whole place into a white world).
  
• Sunbeams piercing through mist (like a scene from Kung Fu Panda, the sandstone pillars of Tianzi mountain gets covered in golden light as the first rays of the sun hits the mountain)

From its summits, visitors gaze across an ocean of stone spires emerging from valleys like waves frozen in time. The views change dramatically with the seasons, ensuring no two visits are alike.

Notable Viewpoints

Helong Park

Helong Park, located atop Tianzi Mountain, is named after Marshal He Long, one of China’s most respected military leaders. The park is best known for its towering bronze statue of He Long and its spectacular panoramic views of Zhangjiajie’s iconic sandstone peaks.

Combining history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, it serves as a popular stop for visitors exploring the Tianzi Mountain scenic area.

Imperial Brush Peaks

The Imperial Brush Peaks are named for their striking resemblance to giant calligraphy brushes standing upright against the sky. According to local folklore, the formation represents the discarded writing brushes of Xiang Dakun, the Tujia leader who defended the mountains alongside local farmers during a rebellion against the Ming Dynasty.

Beyond its cultural significance, the area is renowned for its tranquil natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy refreshing streams winding through lush valleys beneath towering sandstone cliffs, creating a peaceful contrast to the dramatic peaks above. Often veiled in mist, the Imperial Brush Peaks remain one of Zhangjiajie’s most iconic and photographed landmarks.

Golden Whip Stream

Golden Whip Stream is one of Zhangjiajie’s most scenic walking trails, winding for approximately 7.5 kilometres through a lush valley beneath the towering pillars. While the rest of the viewpoints in this article shows you Zhangjiajie’s “floating islands” from above, the Golden Whip Stream is where you see it from below.

Named after the nearby Golden Whip Rock, a striking peak said to resemble a golden whip pointing toward the sky, the stream is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity, and tranquil atmosphere.

As visitors stroll along the shaded path, they are treated to spectacular views of dramatic cliffs, dense forests, and iconic rock formations, making it one of the most peaceful and picturesque experiences in the national park.

What Makes It Special

• Accessible Terrain: One of the easiest and most scenic walks in the park.
• Towering Cliffs: Vertical peaks rise dramatically on both sides, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.
• Biodiversity: The area supports a rich ecosystem, including macaques, rare birds, and over 700 species of plants.
• Crystal-Clear Waters: The gentle stream reflects the surrounding cliffs like a mirror.

Huangshi Village

Despite its name, Huangshi Village is not a settlement but a high plateau encircled by dramatic cliffs. Perched at an elevation of around 1,080 metres, it offers one of the earliest developed viewpoints in Zhangjiajie and remains a favourite among photographers for its sweeping panoramas of the surrounding peaks.

A famous Chinese proverb states: “He who does not reach Huangshi Village has not truly visited Zhangjiajie.” While poetic, the saying reflects the area’s enduring significance and its status as one of the park’s most iconic scenic destinations.

• Accessible Terrain: One of the easiest and most scenic walks in the park.
• Towering Cliffs: Vertical peaks rise dramatically on both sides, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere.
• Biodiversity: The area supports a rich ecosystem, including macaques, rare birds, and over 700 species of plants.
• Crystal-Clear Waters: The gentle stream reflects the surrounding cliffs like a mirror.

Bailong Elevator

Facts and Figures

• Height: 326 metres
• Construction Period: 1999–2002
• Capacity: Up to 4,000 passengers per hour
• Travel Time: Approximately 90 seconds

Ecological Significance

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s iconic sandstone pillars are formed from quartz-rich rock dating back more than 300 million years. Over millions of years, continuous weathering and erosion caused by wind, water, and vegetation have sculpted the towering spires that define the park’s extraordinary landscape today.

This exceptional biodiversity contributes to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected natural treasure along with the nearby Tianmen mountain.

Notable Statistics

• Number of Sandstone Pillars: Over 3,000
• Highest Peaks: Exceed 200 metres in height
• Forest Coverage: Approximately 98%
• Plant Species: More than 700
• Wildlife: Includes macaques, civets, and rare bird species