Natural site · HUNAN · UNESCO
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie)
武陵源风景名胜区 · Wǔlíngyuán Fēngjǐng Míngshèngqū
About
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in northwest Hunan — over 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars rising from subtropical forest, forming one of China's most photographed landscapes and the visual inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
Wulingyuan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 for its outstanding natural scenery — more than 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars and peaks rising vertically from dense subtropical forest in northwest Hunan. The formations, carved by millions of years of erosion through fractured rock layers, vary from slender needles to broad table-topped columns, many over 200 m tall and festooned with clinging trees. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, established in 1982 as China's first national forest park, sits within the larger Wulingyuan protected area.
The site gained global attention when the film Avatar (2009) acknowledged that the fictional Hallelujah Mountains were visually inspired by a specific pillar formation in Wulingyuan, subsequently renamed 'Avatar Hallelujah Mountain' (南天一柱). The Tianmen Mountain cable car — the world's longest passenger cable car at 7.5 km — connects Zhangjiajie city to a glass-floored walkway clinging to a cliff face above a natural arch (Tianmen Cave), and has become one of China's most photographed experiences.
The Bailong (Hundred Dragons) Elevator rises 330 m up a sandstone cliff face in a glass-sided car and is the world's tallest outdoor lift. Glass-floored suspension bridges span between peaks throughout the area. Despite this substantial infrastructure, the forest between the pillars remains genuinely wild, with populations of macaque monkeys, pangolins and the endangered Chinese giant salamander recorded in the waterways.
The area is large (264 km²) and spread across three main scenic zones: Zhangjiajie, Suoxiyu and Tianzi Mountain, connected by cable cars, lifts and walking trails.
How to get there
Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and many other cities. From Zhangjiajie city, buses run to the scenic area entrance (about 40 min). High-speed rail connects Zhangjiajie to Changsha (2 hours).
When to visit
April–May and September–November. The forest is green and atmospheric in spring; autumn brings clear skies. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season and very crowded.
Crowds: Wulingyuan is one of China's most visited scenic areas. Book accommodation well in advance for peak season. Entering the park at opening time and heading for the Tianzi Mountain zone (accessible via the Yangjiajie cable car) provides a quieter experience than the main Bailong Elevator corridor.
UNESCO inscription
“A spectacular area stretching over more than 26,000 ha in China's Hunan Province, the site is dominated by more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 m high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, some 40 caves, and two large natural bridges. In addition to the striking beauty of the landscape, the region is also noted for the fact that it is home to a number of endangered plant and animal species.”
Other natural sites in China
- Badain Jaran Desert — Lakes and Dunes巴丹吉林沙漠—沙山湖泊群
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Inner Mongolia — the third largest desert in China, featuring some of the world's tallest stationary dunes and a unique network of freshwater and saline lakes sustained by a still-unexplained subterranean water system.
- China Danxia中国丹霞
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site — a serial property of six Danxia landscapes across six provinces, representing China's defining red-cliff-and-pillar sandstone landform type, including Danxia Mountain, Zhangye, Taining and Langshan.
- Crescent Lake & Mingsha Mountain月牙泉与鸣沙山
Spring-fed crescent-shaped lake at the foot of 250m sand dunes, 5 km south of Dunhuang. Camel rides, sand-sledding, sunset viewing.
- Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve稻城亚丁
A remote highland sanctuary in south-western Sichuan centred on three sacred snow peaks venerated by Tibetan Buddhism, often called the 'last Shangri-La'.
- Dianchi Lake Kunming滇池
The largest freshwater lake in Yunnan at 300 km², historically the scenic centrepiece of the Kunming basin and now being restored after decades of water-quality degradation.
- Erhai Lake洱海
250 km² freshwater lake east of Dali Old Town. 130 km cycling loop; Bai-minority lakeside villages on the eastern shore.
- Fanjingshan梵净山
UNESCO · UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Guizhou — an isolated mountain island rising from subtropical forest, home to two critically endangered endemic species: the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey and the Fanjingshan fir.
- Hailuogou Glacier National Park海螺沟冰川
The lowest-altitude glacier accessible in Asia, flowing from the slopes of Mount Gongga down through a bamboo and subtropical forest valley to just 2,980 m above sea level.
Other UNESCO World Heritage sites in China
- Ancient Villages of Southern Anhui — Xidi and Hongcun皖南古村落—西递、宏村
UNESCO-listed pair of Ming-Qing Huizhou merchant villages in southern Anhui, renowned for whitewashed walls, inky horsehead gables and moon-shaped ponds.
- Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City良渚古城遗址
UNESCO-listed archaeological site in Hangzhou preserving the remains of a 5,000-year-old city with a sophisticated water-management system, jade ritual culture and social hierarchy — regarded as one of the earliest state-level societies in East Asia.
- Badain Jaran Desert — Lakes and Dunes巴丹吉林沙漠—沙山湖泊群
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site in Inner Mongolia — the third largest desert in China, featuring some of the world's tallest stationary dunes and a unique network of freshwater and saline lakes sustained by a still-unexplained subterranean water system.
- Capital Cities and Tombs of the Ancient Koguryo Kingdom高句丽王城、王陵及贵族墓葬
UNESCO-listed capital cities and royal tombs of the Koguryo Kingdom in Jian, Jilin — the Chinese portion of a transnational heritage property shared with North Korea, representing one of the most powerful states of ancient East Asia.
- China Danxia中国丹霞
UNESCO Natural World Heritage site — a serial property of six Danxia landscapes across six provinces, representing China's defining red-cliff-and-pillar sandstone landform type, including Danxia Mountain, Zhangye, Taining and Langshan.
- Classical Gardens of Suzhou (UNESCO)苏州古典园林
UNESCO-listed collection of private gardens in Suzhou — four inscribed in 1997 and five more added in 2000 — representing the pinnacle of Chinese garden design through the refined integration of architecture, water, rock and plant.
- Couple's Retreat Garden耦园
UNESCO-listed Suzhou garden organised symmetrically around a central residence. Less crowded than the four most-visited gardens.
- Drepung Monastery哲蚌寺
Once the largest monastery in the world (10,000+ monks). 8 km west of Lhasa. Active Gelugpa monastery; debating courtyard sessions in the afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie) cost to visit?
- Adult entry to Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie) is ¥248, ¥null for children. Two-day ticket 248 CNY; four-day ticket 298 CNY. Cable cars and the Bailong Elevator charged separately (approximately 72–98 CNY each way). Tianmen Mountain scenic area is separately ticketed (258 CNY including cable car).
- When is Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie) open?
- Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie) opening hours: 07:00–18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer). Cable car and lift hours vary.
- How long do you need at Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie)?
- Allow 6–48 hours for Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie). Add buffer time if you plan to visit at peak season or include nearby sights in the same trip.
- When is the best time to visit Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie)?
- April–May and September–November. The forest is green and atmospheric in spring; autumn brings clear skies. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season and very crowded.
- How do you get to Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie)?
- Fly to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and many other cities. From Zhangjiajie city, buses run to the scenic area entrance (about 40 min). High-speed rail connects Zhangjiajie to Changsha (2 hours).
- How do you avoid the crowds at Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (Zhangjiajie)?
- Wulingyuan is one of China's most visited scenic areas. Book accommodation well in advance for peak season. Entering the park at opening time and heading for the Tianzi Mountain zone (accessible via the Yangjiajie cable car) provides a quieter experience than the main Bailong Elevator corridor.
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