Yangjiajie scenic area, with Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in northwest and Tianzi Mountain in north, covers an area of 34 square kilometers. From fantastic rock peaks to primitive forests, Yangjiajie boasts some of the most beautiful mountains in China, and beyond.
There are three tourist areas in Yangjiajie: Xiangzhi Stream, Qingfeng Gorge and Hundred monkey valley. The most famous landscapes are One Step to Heaven, Longquan waterfall, the kings of vines, Oolong Village, and Tianbo Mansion. The highest peak “One Step to Heaven” is 1130 meters high.
Fast Facts of Yangjiajie Scenic Area
- In Chinese: 杨家界
- Location: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City，Hunan Province, China
- Size: 3,400 hectares
- Recommended visit time: half day
What to Do and See in Yangjiajie Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie
Explore Yangjiajie by Hiking and Cable Car
Well-known for the primitive and beautiful scenery and steep mountains, Yangjiajie scenic area is one of the top things to do in Zhangjiajie for backpackers, hikers, and adventurous visitors. Compared with Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie and other places, it is more quiet and mysterious.
The scenic area is not fully open and developed yet, so some sections of the road have no cement pavement or stone steps. But there are sand-gravel roads that can pass through.
It takes about 5 hours to visit the scenic spot on foot, which is an activity physical fitness demand definitely. So, it is advisable to travel with a companion, bring some water and food, or choose a combination of trekking and taking the Yangjiajie cable car to the summit.
Oolong Village
The three most famous scenic spots in the Yangjiajie scenic area are: Oolong Village, Tianbo Mansion and One Step to Heaven.
With a height of 1,122 meters, Oolong village is the most dangerous place in Zhangjiajie, where bandits of Qing Dynasty used to live. A 27-stone-stairway and 1000-meter-long dangerous paths lead to a isolated cliff-side village on the mountain top. There are several natural barriers along the trail. At one section it is less than 1 metre and only passes one person.
Tianbo Mansion
Hiking through the Oolong village is Tianbo Mansion. There are more than 10 natural stone walls with different height looking like an ancient ruin of a general’s mansion and showing a spectacular scene for visitors.
One Step to Heaven
There is a 32-iron-ladder at One Step to Heaven to help travelers to reach the summit of Yangjiajie, which is flat, 5 meters long and 4 meters wide. There are more than 20 gnarled pines, either standing on the top of the platform or hanging upside down from the cliffs. Here you can enjoy a stunning view of Yangjiajie mountains.
Suggested Yangjiajie Travel Route
Oolong village and Tianbo Mansion is in the north of Yangjiajie Scenic Area, and the One Step to Heaven is in the south.
It is suggested that travelers touring Zhangjiajie visit northern part first, then south. After visiting Yangjiajie, visitors can take a Zhangjiajie National Forest Park shuttle bus at Yangjiajie Lukou to Yuanjiajie scenic area.
How to Buy Entrance Tickets
Prices of Yangjiajie Scenic Area tickets:
| Combo ticket | CNY 225 |
Notes: The combo ticket includes four core scenic spots (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley, Yangjiajie Scenic Area, Tianzi Mountain) of Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The ticket is valid for 4 days with many scenic spots in the scenic area, so, it is necessary for visitors to plan the tour route before travelling.
Opening time: 07:00-18:30
Prices of Transportation:
| Cable Car | Single Trip CNY 76; Round Trip CNY 152 |
Opening time:
| Peak Season | 07:30-17:00 |
| Low Season | 08:00-17:00 |
When is the best time to visit Yangjiajie?
The best time to visit Yangjiajie in Zhangjiajie is April to October. During these months, the natural scenery is charming and the weather is pleasant, and it is cool during the Summer.
The rainy season in Zhangjiajie is June, July and August, so remember to bring rain gear if travelling at this time.
Days to avoid traveling to Zhangjiajie:
For international travelers, you are suggested to avoid the official holiday in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions, including Yangjiajie Scenic Area are overcrowded and traffic jams are common.
How to get to the Yangjiajie Scenic Area?
By bus: Visitors can take the bus at the Zhangjiajie Bus Station to Tianzishan Town, and get off at the Zhonghu Station.
Recommended Zhangjaijie Tours with Yangjiajie:
