Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Visiting Information

Overview

Wulingyuan Scenic Area, located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Covering an area of 369 square kilometers, it features thousands of sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 meters high, along with ravines, gorges, streams, waterfalls, and caves. The area is comprised of three main parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. Wulingyuan is famous for its unique landscape, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar,” making it a popular destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers from around the world.

Historical Background

The history of Wulingyuan as a scenic area dates back to 1979 when the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was established, becoming China’s first national forest park. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, with evidence of human activity dating back to the Neolithic period. The Tujia people, one of China’s ethnic minorities, have lived in this region for centuries, developing a unique culture closely tied to the natural landscape. In 1982, the State Council approved the establishment of the Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and in 1985, the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve was created. These three areas were combined to form the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, acknowledging its outstanding natural beauty and geological significance. The area gained international fame in the 21st century, particularly after inspiring the landscape in the 2009 film “Avatar,” which led to a significant increase in tourism.

Natural Features

• Sandstone Pillars: The most iconic feature of Wulingyuan is its forest of sandstone pillars. These towering formations, some reaching heights of over 200 meters, were created through millions of years of physical erosion and chemical weathering. The pillars come in various shapes and sizes, often shrouded in mist, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape that has captivated visitors and artists alike.
• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: This area is home to the famous “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain,” a freestanding pillar that served as inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.” The area also features the world’s highest outdoor elevator, the Bailong Elevator, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• Golden Whip Stream: This crystal-clear stream flows through a deep gorge, flanked by towering cliffs and lush vegetation. The 5.7-kilometer-long trail along the stream is one of the most popular hiking routes in Wulingyuan, offering visitors a chance to experience the area’s natural beauty up close.
• Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve: This area is known for its sea of clouds, where visitors can often witness the peaks emerging from a blanket of mist. The reserve is home to unique rock formations with evocative names like “Imperial Writing Brush” and “Fairy Maiden Scattering Flowers.”

Cultural Importance

Wulingyuan Scenic Area holds significant cultural importance, particularly for the Tujia people who have inhabited the region for centuries. The landscape has deeply influenced local folklore, art, and spiritual practices. Many of the rock formations and peaks have been given names based on their shapes, often tied to legends and myths. The area has also been a source of inspiration for Chinese landscape painting and poetry. In recent years, Wulingyuan has become a symbol of China’s natural beauty on the world stage, featured in numerous documentaries, films, and travel publications. The recognition of Wulingyuan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has further elevated its cultural significance, highlighting the importance of preserving such unique natural landscapes for future generations.

Surrounding Attractions

• Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Located in the Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie, about 30 kilometers from Wulingyuan, this is the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Spanning 430 meters across two cliffs, it offers thrilling views of the canyon below and has become a popular attraction for adventure seekers.
• Tianmen Mountain: Often referred to as “Heaven’s Gate Mountain,” this attraction is about 40 kilometers from Wulingyuan. It features the world’s longest cable car ride, a cliff-hanging walkway, and the famous “Heaven’s Door” – a natural arch in the mountain that can be reached by climbing 999 steps.
• Baofeng Lake: Located just outside Wulingyuan Scenic Area, this pristine lake is surrounded by mountains and offers boat tours. The area is known for its clear waters, waterfalls, and unique karst landscape, providing a tranquil contrast to the more crowded parts of Wulingyuan.
• Huanglong Cave: Also known as “Yellow Dragon Cave,” this extensive karst cave system is about 20 kilometers from Wulingyuan. It features underground rivers, waterfalls, and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, offering visitors a glimpse into the subterranean wonders of the region.

Photography Opportunities

• Sunrise and Sunset Views: The viewing platforms on Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie offer spectacular opportunities to capture the sandstone pillars bathed in the golden light of sunrise or sunset. The sea of clouds that often forms around the peaks adds an ethereal quality to these shots.
• Mist-Shrouded Landscapes: The frequent mist and fog in Wulingyuan create atmospheric conditions perfect for capturing moody, mysterious images of the sandstone pillars emerging from the clouds. Early mornings and evenings after rain are particularly good times for these shots.
• Water Reflections: The clear waters of Golden Whip Stream and Baofeng Lake offer excellent opportunities for reflection photography, with the towering cliffs and lush vegetation mirrored in the calm surface of the water.
• Wildlife and Flora: Wulingyuan is home to diverse plant and animal species. Photographers can capture images of unique flora, including ancient trees and rare orchids, as well as wildlife such as the Rhesus macaque and various bird species.

Modern Importance

• Ecological Conservation: Wulingyuan plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, protecting numerous plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. The area serves as a living laboratory for scientists studying unique geological formations, ecosystems, and the effects of climate change on karst landscapes.
• Economic Impact: The scenic area has become a major driver of the local and regional economy, attracting millions of visitors annually. Tourism has created numerous jobs and business opportunities for local communities, contributing significantly to the economic development of Zhangjiajie and surrounding areas.
• Cultural Exchange: As an internationally recognized tourist destination, Wulingyuan serves as a platform for cultural exchange. It provides an opportunity for visitors from around the world to experience Chinese natural beauty and learn about local Tujia culture, fostering international understanding and appreciation for China’s heritage.
• Sustainable Tourism Model: Wulingyuan has become a testing ground for balancing tourism development with environmental protection. The management of the scenic area is continually developing and implementing strategies for sustainable tourism, serving as a model for other natural attractions in China and around the world.

FAQ

• What is Wulingyuan Scenic Area famous for?
  Wulingyuan Scenic Area is famous for its thousands of sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 meters high, along with its stunning natural beauty including ravines, gorges, streams, and waterfalls. It’s also known for inspiring the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar”.
• What’s inside Wulingyuan Scenic Area?
  Wulingyuan Scenic Area contains three main parts: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. It features sandstone pillars, hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, cable cars, the Bailong Elevator, and attractions like Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and Golden Whip Stream.
• Is Wulingyuan Scenic Area free?
  No, Wulingyuan Scenic Area is not free. The entrance fee is 248 CNY for adults (valid for 4 days) and 125 CNY for students and seniors.
• Is Wulingyuan Scenic Area worth visiting?
  Yes, Wulingyuan Scenic Area is definitely worth visiting. Its unique landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views, diverse natural beauty, and numerous outdoor activities, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
• What to do in Wulingyuan Scenic Area?
  In Wulingyuan Scenic Area, you can:
  1. Hike various trails, including the Golden Whip Stream path
  2. Take cable car rides for panoramic views
  3. Visit Yuanjiajie to see the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”
  4. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor lift
  5. Explore Tianzi Mountain for its sea of clouds and unique rock formations
  6. Photograph the stunning landscapes
  7. Learn about local Tujia culture
  8. Enjoy wildlife spotting and birdwatching
  9. Take boat rides on Baofeng Lake
  10. Visit nearby attractions like Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge or Tianmen Mountain
• How do I get to Wulingyuan Scenic Area in the local city?
  From Zhangjiajie city center, you can reach Wulingyuan Scenic Area by:
  1. Bus: Take bus 1, 2, 4, or 5 from the city center to Wulingyuan
  2. Taxi: It’s about a 40-minute drive from Zhangjiajie city center
  3. Organized tour: Many local travel agencies offer transportation as part of their tour packages
  Note that Zhangjiajie does not have a metro system.
• How to visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area?
  To visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area:
  1. Plan to spend at least 2-3 days to explore the main attractions
  2. Purchase tickets at the entrance or in advance online
  3. Consider hiring a guide for better understanding of the area
  4. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing
  5. Use the park’s shuttle buses to move between different scenic spots
  6. Take cable cars or the Bailong Elevator to save time and energy
  7. Start early in the day to avoid crowds, especially at popular viewpoints
  8. Bring water and snacks, as food options inside the park can be limited
  9. Check weather forecasts, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains
  10. Be prepared for some strenuous hiking if you plan to explore thoroughly
  11. Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid peak crowds