Yuanjiajie Scenic Area（袁家界）Travel Guide
Nov 12, 2024
by orient china travel
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area (Zhangjiajie) Travel Guide for Foreigners
1. Introduction
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. It is a core part of Zhangjiajie's World Natural Heritage. With an average altitude of about 1074 meters, Yuanjiajie is a mountain platform that offers magnificent views. It is surrounded by dense forests and often has mist lingering, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere like the "Pandora World"24.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China. It is a core part of Zhangjiajie's World Natural Heritage. With an average altitude of about 1074 meters, Yuanjiajie is a mountain platform that offers magnificent views. It is surrounded by dense forests and often has mist lingering, creating a mysterious and enchanting atmosphere like the "Pandora World"24.
2. How to Get There
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- By Shuttle Bus: There are regular shuttle buses within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area that can take you to Yuanjiajie. You can get on the shuttle bus at the designated stops in the scenic area.
- By Cable Car (Bailong Elevator): One of the most convenient ways to reach Yuanjiajie is by taking the Bailong Elevator, also known as the "World's First Elevator". It takes only a short time to ascend to Yuanjiajie from the bottom of the mountain, allowing you to enjoy a thrilling experience while admiring the beautiful scenery along the way12.
3. Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: The tickets for Yuanjiajie are included within the general admission ticket for the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Foreigners can purchase the tickets at the ticket office with their valid passports2.
- Opening Hours: The scenic area is open from 07:00 to 17:30 every day (subject to possible adjustments in different seasons or special circumstances)2.
4. Main Attractions
- Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Column): This is the most famous attraction in Yuanjiajie. It was the filming location for the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar". The pillar-like rock stands tall and straight, surrounded by other unique rock formations, creating a spectacular sight that seems to come from another world24.
- Mihun Terrace: It is an excellent natural viewing platform in the scenic area. Standing on the terrace, you can see hundreds of stone peaks standing quietly in the valley, reaching straight into the blue sky. The sight is so captivating that it can easily make you lose yourself in the beauty of nature. The various shapes of the stone peaks are like a gathering of soldiers or sages, presenting a magnificent and extraordinary landscape1.
- The First Bridge Under Heaven: Spanning between two mountains, this is the largest natural self-supporting stone slab bridge with the greatest vertical height difference discovered so far in the world. The bridge is a wonder of nature, with a width of 2 meters, a thickness of 5 meters, a span of 25 meters, and a vertical height difference of 357 meters. Looking down from the bridge, you can see the white clouds drifting below and the numerous stone peaks standing like a forest, making it a thrilling and unforgettable sight1.
- Back Garden: Located in the south of Yuanjiajie, this is a hidden landscape. As you walk through the green bamboo forest and along the cliff, you will suddenly be blocked by a stone wall. But when you turn a corner, you will see a round white stone opening like a full moon. Passing through the opening, you will be greeted by dozens of strange peaks rising up from the dark green valley. From a high vantage point, it looks like a natural bonsai, with the stone peaks of various sizes standing tall or lying low, creating a beautiful contrast1.
5. Travel Tips
- Clothing and Footwear: As there is a fair amount of walking in the scenic area, it is advisable to wear comfortable hiking shoes or sports shoes. Also, bring appropriate clothing according to the season, as the temperature in the mountains may be lower than in the urban areas.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before your visit. In case of bad weather such as heavy rain or fog, the visibility may be affected, but it can also create a unique and mysterious atmosphere in the scenic area.
- Photography: The scenery in Yuanjiajie is extremely beautiful and offers great opportunities for photography. Don't forget to bring your camera or mobile phone to capture the amazing moments, but also pay attention to protecting your equipment from moisture and damage.
- Safety: Follow the safety instructions and signs in the scenic area. Do not venture off the designated paths, especially in areas with steep slopes or cliffs, to ensure your personal safety.