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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park wilderness guide
National Forest · Hunan Province, China

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and was the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar.

National ForestEnglobed within a wider area of 11,900 square miles (30,728 square km)3+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

Englobed within a wider area of 11,900 square miles (30,728 square km)

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and was the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, is located in Hunan Province and covers a landscape dotted with thousands of quartz-sandstone pillars. These natural formations are the result of millions of years of weathering and resemble a surrealist painting brought to life. The park's diverse ecosystem is home to rare plant and animal species, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors flock to experience the panoramic views from numerous scenic vistas and explore the park's dense forest trails. The park's history dates back to prehistoric times with evidence of ancient human activity. It offers a range of recreational activities from hiking trails to cable car rides, along with landmarks like the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, which offers sweeping views of the unique landscape.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park★ 9.4⌖ 1 miSightseeing
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan, featuring towering sandstone pillars and breathtaking vistas. Ideal for adventurers and photographers, the park is a highlight of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Best explored in spring and fall, with its stunning natural formations offering a truly unique hiking experience.

SightseeingView Details→
Misty Pillars of Wulingyuan★ 9.5⌖ 4 miHiking
Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Misty Pillars of Wulingyuan

Explore the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, famous for its towering sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie. Suitable for adventure seekers, the area's trails and viewpoints offer stunning views. Best visited in spring or fall via cable car. Popular with high photography ratings, it's a must-see natural wonder.

Majestic Views of Zhangjiajie Mountains★ 8.9⌖ 7 miHiking
Xiangyuan Inn

Majestic Views of Zhangjiajie Mountains

Explore Zhangjiajie's stunning landscapes and cultural sites in this scenic area located near Zhangjiajie, Hunan. Ideal for hiking and photography, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars. Best visited in spring and fall.

Discover the Beauty of Huanglongdong Scenic Area★ 8.5⌖ 12 miCave Exploration
Huanglongdong Scenic Area

Discover the Beauty of Huanglongdong Scenic Area

Explore the stunning Huanglongdong Scenic Area near Zhangjiajie, Hunan. This site features a magnificent cave system with boat rides on an underground river. Moderate hiking around lush karst landscapes. Best visited in spring and fall.

Cave ExplorationView Details→
Majestic Pinnacles of Zhangjiajie★ 9.2⌖ 13 miSightseeing
Zhangjiajie

Majestic Pinnacles of Zhangjiajie

Explore the stunning rock formations of Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hunan, China. Famous for its dramatic sandstone pillars and rich biodiversity, this iconic destination offers breathtaking views, hiking, and cable car adventures.

SightseeingView Details→
National Forest Park of Tianmen Mountain★ 8.9⌖ 17 miSightseeing
National Forest Pk of Tianmen Mountain

National Forest Park of Tianmen Mountain

Explore the stunning Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie, featuring the famed Tianmen Cave. Accessible via an 7.5 km cable car, this adventure offers thrilling views and stunning scenery. Ideal for adventure seekers year-round, though prepare for crowds.

SightseeingView Details→

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Bailong Elevator, a glass elevator built onto the side of a cliff.✦ Tianzi Mountain, featuring an array of tall, thin sandstone pillars.✦ Golden Whip Stream, offering scenic walking paths alongside its clear waters.✦ Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, known for the pillar-like rock formations.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Cable Car Rides

Available in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee is required; additional fees may apply for the elevator and cable car rides.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Zhangjiajie
⌖ 12.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zhangjiajie, Hunan

A striking landscape filled with towering sandstone peaks and lush forests, offering thrilling outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Zhangjiajie
⌖ 12.44 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province

A mystical landscape of towering sandstone pillars and lush forests offering immersive hiking, climbing, and nature exploration in a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Xianfeng
⌖ 82.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Xianfeng, Hubei Province

A mountainous, lush region with abundant rivers and forests offering rugged outdoor challenges combined with serene natural beauty.

Spring to Early AutumnExplore Town
Jishou
⌖ 84.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jishou, Hunan Province

A culturally rich and scenic town nestled in the Wuling Mountains, offering diverse outdoor adventures blended with Miao and Tujia ethnic heritage.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Jishou
⌖ 84.13 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jishou, Hunan

A culturally rich gateway to the scenic Wuling Mountains offering diverse outdoor experiences across karst landscapes, rivers, and traditional villages.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Enshi
⌖ 90.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Enshi, Hubei Province

A rugged, scenic mountain region known for its karst landscapes, deep gorges, and rich ethnic culture, offering diverse outdoor adventures amid pristine nature.

Spring and AutumnExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

2-Day Private Zhangjiajie Tour from Shanghai: Hike Tianzi Mountain & Walk the Glass BridgeZhangjiajie, Hunan · 3.86 mi away
All Adventures· Amazing Shanghai Trip

2-Day Private Zhangjiajie Tour from Shanghai: Hike Tianzi Mountain & Walk the Glass Bridge

A brisk, private two-day run from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie that bundles Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie’s pillar panoramas, and the Glass Bridge into a high-impact introduction to the UNESCO-listed sandstone forests. Perfect for travelers short on time who still want major views.

2 days (one full day of park exploration)

Check dates & book

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.