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Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunnan Province, China
Scenes of Hallelujah Mountain from the film Avatar was filmed in Yangjiajie Scenic Area
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area belongs to a part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It situates in the code area of Wulingyuan Scenic Area as the main attraction in Zhangjiejie. Decorated by the world's most beautiful valley Golden Whip Valley, Yuanjiajie scenic area tells travelers what is a marvelous mountain in China.
Standing on the observation platform in Yuanjiajie, thousands of peaks can be caught at the same time. Peaks in various postures just look like countless brave men. Rock pillars with green trees just look like handsome generals. They describe a scene of army. Although these peaks are solid, they let people enter into a imaginary world and present a lively picture in the front of our eyes.
No. 1 Bridge under Heaven (天下第一桥)
This is one of the most iconic and thrilling natural wonders in Zhangjiajie. Formed by nature over millions of years, the bridge spans more than 20 meters between two towering peaks at a dizzying height of over 300 meters. It is only 2 meters wide and 4 meters thick, making it the highest natural stone bridge in the world. A scenic stone-paved trail, about 2,000 meters long, connects from “迷魂台” (Mihun Stage) to the bridge, winding like a white ribbon through the cliffs. Along the way, you’ll pass scenic points such as “仙人台” (Immortal Worship Terrace), “百丈绝壁” (Hundred-Zhang Cliff), “小洞天” (Mini Wonderland), and “情人谷” (Lovers’ Valley). This trail offers a peaceful, culturally rich hiking experience that’s rarely affected by the weather.
Hallelujah Mountain (哈利路亚山)
Formerly known as "Southern Sky Column (南天一柱)", this 150-meter-high rock pillar inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s film Avatar. After a Hollywood film crew photographed the region in 2008, it was officially renamed in 2010 as “Hallelujah Mountain” to honor its cinematic fame. The peak’s sheer verticality, lush vegetation, and surreal structure make it one of the most photographed sites in Zhangjiajie.
Mihun Stage (迷魂台)
Located about 800 meters east of Yuanjiajie, Mihun Stage is a natural viewing platform perched atop a cliff. From here, visitors are surrounded by a sea of stone pillars and misty mountains that shift and change with the clouds—creating a surreal, dreamlike landscape. The ever-changing scenery often leaves visitors in awe, hence the name “Soul-Losing Terrace.”
Back Garden (后花园)
Hidden between Yuanjiajie’s upper and lower levels, the “Back Garden” surprises visitors with its dramatic reveal. After walking through thick bamboo forest and passing a moon-shaped cave in a sheer cliff wall, travelers emerge into a secret world filled with dozens of stone peaks rising from deep green ravines. It feels like discovering a divine garden tucked away from the world.
Sandao Valley (沙刀沟)
This deep, quiet gorge lies between Huangshizhai and Yuanjiajie and features a small stream running directly beneath the No. 1 Bridge. The water trickles gently, adding a serene soundscape to the steep, forested valley—a perfect spot for a peaceful walk.
Sky-Hanging Waterfall (天悬白练)
Located at the end of Sandao Valley, this spectacular waterfall cascades over 200 meters down a cliff face like a white silk ribbon unfurling from the heavens. On rainy days, rainbows often form in the mist, and during flood season, the waterfall transforms into a roaring dragon-like torrent.
Double Turtles Climbing to Heaven (双龟登天)
Near the No. 1 Bridge lies a cliffside viewing platform where two turtle-shaped rocks appear to be slowly climbing up toward the sky, separated by towering stone pillars. On foggy days, it seems as if these turtles are floating skyward—a whimsical, poetic scene.
Immortal Palace on the Cliff (绝壁仙官)
About 400 meters east of the No. 1 Bridge, you’ll find a section of cliff face with layered textures that resemble an ancient courtyard mansion. The formation features a “main hall,” “side wings,” and “courtyard,” making it look like an ethereal celestial palace carved into the rock.
Wulong Spring (乌龙泉)
At the junction of Yuanjiajie’s middle and lower levels lies a karst cave with a stream flowing out. The cave stretches over 300 meters long and features fish-, turtle-, and dragon-shaped stalactites. Inside, you’ll find terraced stone pools and crystal-clear dripping springs, giving it a magical, underground charm.
Narrow Man-Catching Cave (夹人洞)
Roughly 1,500 meters east of Wulong Spring is a narrow rock corridor only 40 centimeters wide, requiring visitors to walk sideways through a tight slot canyon. At the end is a massive chamber filled with over 400 musical stalactites in various colors and shapes—a true geological concert hall.
Yang Zhai (羊寨)
Opposite the Back Garden viewing platform stands this towering stone peak named for the wild goats that roam it. Its summit stretches nearly 500 meters long and 20–30 meters wide, with ancient trees and three stone spurs that serve as breathtaking sky balconies. From here, you can look down upon Golden Whip Stream and Sandao Valley, as well as take in sweeping views of the surrounding army of stone pillars.
Only two ways lead to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. One is from the Golden Whip Stream via Luanchuanpo to the Back Garden; the other is the Bailong Elevator. By this super elevator, tourists can ascend on the top of a peak to get a commanding view of its famous scene - Shenbingjuhui (lit. God's Force Rally), the scene is also nicknamed the Fields and Gardens of the Heaven for its beautiful trees, ethnic houses and paddy fields on the high mountains.
Golden Whip Stream
To visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, travelers need to purchase a Wulingyuan Core Scenic Area Ticket, which includes entry to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yangjiajie, and Yuanjiajie itself. The ticket price is RMB 228 per person, valid for four consecutive days. Please note that the Bailong Elevator, the most convenient access to Yuanjiajie, requires a separate ticket of RMB 65 for a one-way ride. During peak seasons and holidays, it is recommended to book tickets in advance due to high visitor volume.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, located within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, enjoys a mid-subtropical mountain monsoon humid climate, characterized by abundant sunlight and rainfall, long frost-free periods, and short cold spells. The annual average temperature is around 16.6°C (62°F), with mild winters and summers that rarely feel scorching. With no extreme cold in winter and no intense heat in summer, Yuanjiajie is suitable for travel all year round.
That said, the best time to visit Yuanjiajie is from April to October, when the weather is generally clear and the lush vegetation is at its most vibrant. However, as with many mountain areas, weather in Yuanjiajie can be unpredictable. On foggy or rainy days, the visibility may drop significantly, and some of the iconic rock formations might be partially hidden in mist. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly for the best experience.
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