Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is the core area of the Zhangjiajie World Natural Heritage Site, covering an area of about 1,200 hectares, with an average elevation of 1,074 meters. It is famous for its bizarre peaks and rocks and its sea of clouds, and enjoys the reputation of being "an enlarged potted landscape and a miniature fairyland." It is a densely wooded mountain plateau where misty fog and layered peaks are often seen. It is also a filming location for the movie Avatar.
History and Culture
The origin of the name Yuanjiajie has a historical story. It is said that during the Later Tang Dynasty, after the Huang Chao Uprising failed, the imperial court searched everywhere to arrest the rebels. A soldier surnamed Yuan under Huang Chao came to this remote Qingyan Mountain (the area where Yuanjiajie is now located) to live in seclusion in order to avoid capture. He built a hut here, reclaimed wasteland and planted grain, and named the place after his own surname, and from then on it was called "Yuanjiajie."
Main Attractions
No. 1 Bridge under Heaven
As one of Zhangjiajie's "Ten Great Wonders" and the landmark attraction of Yuanjiajie, it is a natural stone bridge spanning between two mountains. Originally the two mountains were one body, and the bridge body was the key part connecting the two mountains. Because the stone in the middle was relatively weak, it underwent weathering, collapse, and the effects of sun, rain, water erosion, and mountain torrents, eventually forming this unique wonder as it is today. The No. 1 Bridge under Heaven has a bridge surface width of 2 meters, a thickness of 5 meters, a span of 25 meters, and a vertical height difference of 357 meters. It is the natural self-formed stone slab bridge with the greatest vertical height difference discovered in the world so far. Standing on the bridge, looking down, one can see white clouds drifting and strange peaks standing in profusion; looking around, layers upon layers of independent stone peaks come into full view.
Mihun Platform
This is an excellent natural viewing platform in Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Standing on the platform, one's soul seems to be enchanted by the beautiful scenery before one's eyes, hence the name. Here, more than a hundred stone peaks stand quietly in the canyon, piercing straight into the blue sky, with a myriad of postures and extraordinary momentum. Scenic sights such as "Dog Looking at the Moon," "Sea Snail Emerging from Water," "General Reviewing Troops," and "A Pillar Propping Up the Sky" are neatly separated by mountain hollows and barriers, making the stone peaks appear row upon row and magnificent. Standing on Mihun Platform and looking down at the peaks can make one deeply intoxicated.
Qiankun Pillar (Hallelujah Mountain)
It is the filming location of the floating mountain "Hallelujah Mountain" in the movie Avatar, with an altitude of 1,074 meters and a vertical height of about 150 meters. The top is lush with vegetation, and the peak body has a peculiar shape. The vertical joints are clearly cut, standing towering as if chopped by a knife and axe, with the momentum of standing firm between heaven and earth, hence it is also called Qiankun Pillar.
Back Garden
Located in the southern part of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, it is a landscape hidden from view. When winding downward through emerald bamboo groves among the cliffs, one will be blocked by a stone wall. Just when wondering whether there is no way ahead, a full-moon-shaped white stone opening appears at the bend of the precipice. Passing through the gate, a scene of dozens of strange peaks of varying heights standing in the dark green deep ravine comes into view. Stone peaks cluster together, stream water swirls, and ancient trees reach the sky. Looking down from a height, it is like a natural potted landscape, with stone peaks of varying heights enhancing each other's beauty.
Bailong Elevator
Invested in and constructed by Zhangjiajie Bailong Elevator Tourism Development Co., Ltd., construction began in September 1999, and it was completed and put into operation in April 2002, costing 180 million yuan. Its vertical height difference is 335 meters, and its operating height is 326 meters. It is composed of a 154-meter vertical shaft inside the mountain and a 172-meter steel structure derrick attached to the mountain, using three double-decker fully exposed sightseeing elevators operating side by side in separate units. Each trip carries 50 passengers, with an operating speed of 3 meters per second. When all three operate simultaneously, the hourly round-trip capacity reaches 4,000 passengers. Riding the Bailong Elevator, one can reach the top of the mountain in less than 2 minutes, not only experiencing the thrill of piercing the sky and entering the earth, but also overlooking the magnificent scenery of Yuanjiajie during the ascent.
Tour Route：
Enter the scenic area from the Wulingyuan Sign Gate, take the scenic area shuttle bus to the lower station of the Bailong Elevator, and ride the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie. After arriving at Yuanjiajie, first go to Mihun Platform to enjoy the magnificent scenery of clustered peaks; then follow the tour path to the No. 1 Bridge under Heaven to feel the grandeur of this natural stone bridge; afterward, go to Qiankun Pillar to check in at the movie filming location; finally go to the Back Garden to appreciate the fairyland beauty hidden deep within. The entire tour is suggested to take 4 to 6 hours. If time is sufficient, one can stay overnight in Yuanjiajie to experience the charm of the scenic area at different times of day, and the next day go to other scenic areas such as Tianzi Mountain.
Travel Tips：
It is recommended to visit in spring and autumn, when the weather is more comfortable and the scenery is also very charming. In spring, all things revive, and the scenic area is full of greenery; in autumn, the layered forests are dyed, and the peaks and red leaves set each other off beautifully.
Pay attention to the weather forecast in advance and try to choose sunny days for visiting, so as to better enjoy the scenery. If it rains, the scenic area may be shrouded in clouds and mist. Although it has a different flavor, the visibility of some attractions may be affected.
Wear comfortable sports shoes, because a relatively long distance needs to be walked in the scenic area, and comfortable shoes can make the trip easier.
Carry an appropriate amount of drinking water and snacks. Although there are sales points in the scenic area, the prices may be relatively high, and it is important to replenish water and energy in time during the tour.
Protect the environment during the tour, do not litter, and jointly maintain the beauty of the scenic area.
Notes：
There are many tourists taking the Bailong Elevator, especially on holidays, and the queue time may be long. It is recommended to arrange time in advance and take it during off-peak hours.
Some sections in the scenic area are rather steep. Pay attention to safety when walking, especially when taking photos. Do not ignore your own safety in pursuit of unique angles.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area has a relatively high altitude and relatively low temperatures. You may bring a jacket in case you catch cold.
There are wild monkeys in the scenic area. Do not feed the monkeys at will to avoid being scratched by them.
Observe the regulations of the scenic area, do not climb or carve at will, and cherish every plant and tree in the scenic area.
Transportation：
Plane: You may first arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport. The airport is relatively close to the city area. You can take a special line bus to Wulingyuan at the airport, and after arriving at Wulingyuan, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie.
Train/High-speed rail: You can take a train or high-speed rail to Zhangjiajie West Station. Outside the west station there are buses to Wulingyuan. After arriving at Wulingyuan, transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus to enter Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.
Self-driving: Self-driving tourists can navigate to Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area. The scenic area has a parking lot. After arriving at the scenic area, you need to transfer to the shuttle bus within the scenic area to go to Yuanjiajie.
Transportation within the scenic area: After entering the scenic area, you can take the Bailong Elevator directly to Yuanjiajie; you can also choose to enter from Zicaotan at Jinyan Stream into Shandao Valley and hike up "Luanchuan Slope" to Yuanjiajie, but hiking takes a relatively long time, about 2 hours. Within Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, there are free environmentally friendly electric vehicles available, making it convenient for tourists to go to various attractions.
Opening Hours：
Open all year round, opening hours are 07:00 - 17:30 (last entry at 17:00). However, the opening hours of the scenic area may be adjusted due to factors such as seasons and maintenance needs. Tourists are advised to pay attention to official notices from the scenic area before traveling.
Tickets：
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is included in the ticket for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The ticket price is 227 yuan per person.