Situated northwest of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yuanjiajie is a core area of Wulingyuan scenic spot and a must-visit attraction on your Zhangjiajie tours. It covers an area of 1,200 hectares with an average altitude of 1,074 above sea level. In this scenic area, you will see spectacular peaks, grand valleys, lush forests, and numerous stone pillars. Besides, the famous science fiction film “Avatar” was set there.
Fast Facts of Yuanjiajie
- Location: Northwest of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
- Opening time:8:00 – 18:00
- Time needed: About 2 hours
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn
- Ticket price: Covered in the ticket of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with CNY 248
- Suited to: Anyone who adores mountains and nature
What to Do and See in Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie
1. Marvel at the No.1 Bridge in the World
The No.1 Bridge in the World is one of the top 10 stunning sights of Zhangjiajie and also an iconic attraction of Yuanjiajie. The bridge is two meters wide and 25 meters long with a maximum vertical height of 375 meters, forming natural arches and connecting two peaks. Because its height and span are rare to see in the world, hence the name. Standing on the bridge, you can see unique stone pillars with different shapes and spectacular peaks rising one higher than another.
2. Embrace Avatar Hallelujah Mountains
Avarat Hallelujah Mountains, formerly named Southern Sky Column, is situated in the southern part of the Yuanjiajie. There is a story about its current name. In December 2008, Mr. James Cameron, the director of Avatar, was inspired by the mountain, and then he set there as the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film “Avatar.” The mountains are 150 meters high with an altitude of 1,074 on average, presenting peculiar shapes with dense vegetation on top of them.
√ Related reading: Zhangjiajie Facts
3. Take Bailong Lift
Bailong Lift or Bailong Elevatior in Yuanjiajie is the longest and fastest lift in the world with the largest load capacity. For this reason, it breaks the Guinness World Records. The lift takes you to the mountain top in two minutes, through which you will experience the incredible beauty of Yuanjiajie and the wisdom of human beings.
On the opposite side of Bailong Lift, there is another spectacular site to explore in Zhangjiajie, namely Spirit Soldiers Gathering (Shenbing Juhui). It is a part of Tianzi Mountain near Yuanjiajie, and there stand thirty peaks in a valley with tremendous momentum. Never miss this attraction on your tours of Zhangjiajie.
4. Explore the Back Garden
As a secret garden in this scenic area, the Back Garden is also a must-visit attraction if you prefer a more tranquil place to stay. This hidden spot is located at the junction of the middle and lower parts of Yuanjiajie, and it offers a stunning sight of plentiful peculiar peaks soaring up to the sky.
5. Embark on the Enchanting Platform
To the east of Yuanjiajie, there lies an Enchanting Platform, also called Mihun Platform. It is the best place for viewing the whole scenic area. From the Enchanting Platform of Yuanjiajie, you can see the peaks and stone pillars of different shapes, looking like buildings and pavilions with clouds hanging over them.
6. Visit the Tujia Ethnic Village
Yuanjiajie is not just a place with stunning natural landscapes but also a home to a Tujia ethnic village. On the mountaintop, there is a beautiful farmland where lives dozens of Tujia families. You can visit the village to taste the special local delicacies and get to know more about their customs.
Best Time to Visit Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie in Zhangjiajie City welcomes visitors throughout the year, but the best time to visit there is spring and autumn. During these seasons, the climate is pleasant, and the surroundings are great. By the way, visit there on sunny days when the landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Attractions nearby Yuanjiajie
Near Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, many fantastic tourist attractions await you to explore. Below are some of the must-visit attractions close to Yuanjiajie, and you can visit them on your Zhangjiajie tours.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its unique quartz-sandstone peak Except for Yuanjiajie, there are Yangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Huangshi Village, and Jinbian Stream for you to explore.
- Tianmen Mountain: Located near Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie, this attraction is famous for its spectacular peaks, clear rivers, and lush forests. Besides, it is home to diverse rare trees and wild animals.
- Yellow Dragon Cave: It is an attraction of karst landform with numerous stalagmites and stalactites in different sizes and shapes.
How to get to Yuanjiajie
As Yuanjiajie is a part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you need to travel to Zhangjiajie first. Then, head to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station or High-speed Rail Station and take a bus to Wulingyuan, which takes about one hour and costs CNY 13.
