Travel to Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province

Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province – a world natural heritage site, home to core attractions such as Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Huangshizhai, and Golden Whip Stream. Famous for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform, experience the natural wonder of "3,000 fantastic peaks and 800 beautiful waters" in a 2-day tour.

397
Square Kilometers Area
60,000+
Permanent Population
8 Major Scenic Areas
Number of Core Attractions
3,000+
Number of Fantastic Peaks
Peak Forest Landscape at Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Wulingyuan World Natural Heritage
China's first national forest park and a world natural heritage site, renowned for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform. Known as "an enlarged bonsai and a miniature fairyland", it is the prototype of the filming location for the movie "Avatar".

2-Day In-depth Tour of World Natural Heritage in Wulingyuan District

Spectacular peak forests, deep canyons, natural wonders

Trip Duration
2 Days
Main Destinations
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, Huangshizhai, Golden Whip Stream
Suitable For
Natural scenery lovers, photography enthusiasts, hikers, geological wonder explorers, family travelers
Per Capita Budget
¥900-¥1800
Day 1
Tour of Spectacular Peak Forests in Core Scenic Areas
Zhangjiajie Forest Park · Yuanjiajie · Tianzi Mountain
Trip Highlights

Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the morning, take the Bailong Elevator directly to Yuanjiajie to see the prototype of the "Avatar" filming location; visit Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve in the afternoon to overlook the panoramic view of Xihai Peak Forest.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China's first national forest park, a world natural heritage site and a world geopark. Covering a total area of 4,810 hectares, it is famous for its unique quartz sandstone peak forest landform with a forest coverage rate of up to 98%, known as a "natural museum" and "natural oxygen bar".
Yuanjiajie
One of the core scenic areas in Zhangjiajie, famous for its magnificent and precipitous peak forest landform and as the prototype of the filming location for "Avatar". Major attractions include the First Bridge under Heaven, Misty Platform, Hallelujah Mountain (South Sky Pillar), etc., making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tianzi Mountain
One of the four major scenic areas in Wulingyuan, named after Xiang Dakun, a Tujia ethnic leader who proclaimed himself "Son of Heaven" in ancient times. The scenic area features concentrated and magnificent peak forests, known as the "King of Peak Forests". Major attractions include Imperial Writing Brush Peak, Fairy Offering Flowers, Xihai Stone Forest, etc., and you can take a cable car directly to the top of the mountain.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Enter the scenic area through Wulingyuan Logo Gate and take the eco-friendly bus to the lower station of Bailong Elevator
  • Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie: about 1 minute
  • Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain: about 30 minutes by eco-friendly bus
  • Take Tianzi Mountain Cableway down the mountain to return to Wulingyuan Town
Ticket Information
  • Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area Gate Ticket: ¥228 (valid for 4 days)
  • Bailong Elevator: ¥65 one-way
  • Tianzi Mountain Cableway: ¥72 one-way
  • Eco-friendly Bus: Included in the gate ticket
Food Recommendations
  • Wild Fungus Stewed Local Chicken
  • Tujia Bacon
  • Wild Vegetable Cakes
  • Kudzu Root Powder
  • Kiwi Juice
Day 2
Tour of Precipitous Peaks/Forts and Deep Canyons
Yangjiajie · Huangshizhai · Golden Whip Stream
Trip Highlights

Visit the precipitous peak walls of Yangjiajie and the circular landscape of Huangshizhai in the morning; stroll through the Golden Whip Stream Canyon in the afternoon to experience the charm of the "most beautiful canyon in the world" and end the Wulingyuan tour.

Attraction Arrangement
Yangjiajie
A scenic area famous for its precipitous terrain, particularly known for its spectacular peak wall landscape called the "Natural Great Wall". Major attractions include Wulong Village, Tianbo Mansion, One Step to the Sky, etc. The mountain roads in the scenic area are steep with magnificent scenery, making it the first choice for tourists who love challenges.
Huangshizhai
"If you haven't been to Huangshizhai, you haven't been to Zhangjiajie". It is the largest and most concentrated viewing platform in Zhangjiajie Forest Park. The top of the stockade covers an area of 16.5 hectares with a circular tour path of about 3 kilometers, where you can enjoy more than 20 attractions including Heavenly Book Treasure Box, Sea-Calming Divine Needle, South Sky Pillar, etc.
Golden Whip Stream
Known as the "most beautiful canyon in the world", it stretches 7.5 kilometers and is named after flowing through Golden Whip Rock. With clear stream water, spectacular peaks on both banks and dense vegetation, it is known as a "landscape gallery". Major attractions include Golden Whip Rock, Meeting Across a Thousand Miles, Purple Grass Pool, etc.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the eco-friendly bus from Wulingyuan Logo Gate to the lower station of Yangjiajie Cableway
  • Yangjiajie to Huangshizhai: about 20 minutes by eco-friendly bus
  • Take Huangshizhai Cableway up and down for sightseeing
  • Hiking the entire Golden Whip Stream: about 2.5 hours
Ticket Information
  • Yangjiajie Cableway: ¥76 one-way
  • Huangshizhai Cableway: ¥65 one-way
  • All attractions are included in the scenic area gate ticket
  • Tour Guide Service: ¥150-200 per day
Travel Tips
  • The mountain roads in Yangjiajie are steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes
  • The hiking distance of Golden Whip Stream is long, prepare enough drinking water
  • There are many monkeys in the scenic area, do not feed or tease them arbitrarily
  • The weather in mountainous areas is changeable, it is recommended to bring rain gear

Must-Try Foods in Wulingyuan District

Wild Fungus Stewed Local Chicken

A specialty food of Wulingyuan, made by stewing locally unique wild fungus (growing on steep cliffs with high nutritional value) with free-range local chicken. The soup is delicious and nutritious, making it an excellent tonic for health preservation.

Tujia Bacon

A traditional food of the Tujia ethnic group, made from local pork through salting, smoking and other processes. With golden color and rich fragrance, bacon can be steamed, stir-fried, stewed and other cooking methods. It is a necessary New Year food and a delicacy for receiving guests in every household in Wulingyuan area.

Wild Vegetable Cakes

A specialty snack in the mountainous area of Wulingyuan, made from fresh local wild vegetables and glutinous rice flour. With soft outer skin and fragrant filling, there are various flavors such as Artemisia argyi cakes and Bracken cakes, which are healthy and delicious green food.

Kudzu Root Powder

A specialty of Wulingyuan, made by grinding wild kudzu roots. When brewed, it is transparent and jelly-like with a smooth taste, having the effects of clearing heat, reducing fire, relieving alcoholism and protecting the liver. It can be seasoned with honey or white sugar, making it an excellent summer refreshment.

Travel Tips for Wulingyuan District
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Blooming flowers and swirling clouds/fog
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear sky and optimal visibility
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Lush green trees, ideal summer resort
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Charming snow scenery with fewer tourists
Must-Experience Activities
  • Visit the "Avatar" filming location at Misty Platform, Yuanjiajie
  • Experience the world's highest outdoor elevator - Bailong Elevator
  • Take classic photos of peak forests at Imperial Writing Brush Peak, Tianzi Mountain
  • Hike through Golden Whip Stream to experience the "landscape gallery"
  • Take a circular tour of Huangshizhai to enjoy panoramic scenery
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Transportation: ¥500-800 (including cableways and elevators)
  • Catering: ¥300-500 (including special local food)
  • Accommodation: ¥400-800 (hotels and homestays in Wulingyuan Town)
  • Tour Guide & Miscellaneous Fees: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥900-1800
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long is the Wulingyuan ticket valid? → 4 days, multiple entries and exits allowed
  • Do I need to queue for Bailong Elevator? → 1-2 hours queue in peak season, it is recommended to go early
  • Are there restaurants in the scenic area? → Yes, but prices are relatively high, it is recommended to bring your own snacks
  • Is it suitable for the elderly and children? → Cableways and elevators are convenient, but some attractions require hiking

Explore Travel in Districts/Counties of Zhangjiajie City