Exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – A Journey into the Real Pandora

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province, is world-famous for its dramatic sandstone pillars—many of which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. It’s a massive park with multiple scenic areas, and one of the best ways to explore it is by taking the Bailong Elevator up and the cableway down. Suggested Route: Start your adventure by taking the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, which whisks you up 326 meters along the side of a cliff to the top of the mountain. From there, you can explore the upper platform areas like Yuanjiajie (home of the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”) and Tianzi Mountain, with endless viewpoints and skywalks. To move between different scenic areas, the park has a well-organized eco-bus system that takes you around the mountain and even up to certain parts. You can also choose to only explore the lower area near the entrance if you prefer less walking or a shorter visit, though the upper levels offer the most famous views. After a full day of exploring the top areas, you can ride the Tianzi Mountain Cableway down—this peaceful descent gives sweeping views over the pillar forests and lush valleys. The Monkeys 🐒 Zhangjiajie is also home to wild macaques, especially around the Golden Whip Stream trail. They’re fun to watch, but don’t feed them or carry food openly, as they can get bold. Keep your bags zipped and your distance respectful. We saw the most when raining, as the came down the trees to drink water. Tips & Useful Info: Food: There are small restaurants and food stalls spread throughout the park—both on the mountaintop and at the base—so you won’t go hungry. Weather: It can be rainy or misty, especially in the mountains. Bring waterproof clothing and good walking shoes. Disposable raincoats and ponchos are also sold throughout the park. Crowds: Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds, especially at popular sites like Bailong Elevator and Tianzi Mountain. Navigation: The park is huge—use maps, follow signs, and ask staff if unsure. The eco-buses make it manageable. Amap is also useful within the park. Photography: Mist can make the mountains look magical, but for clear photos, go on a dry day if possible. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a surreal experience—like stepping into another world. Whether you’re a photographer, hiker, or nature lover, it’s one of China’s most unforgettable landscapes. #zhangjiajie #monkeys #zhangjiajietravel #zhangjiajienationalpark