Yuanjiajie is a core scenic area within the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses China’s first national forest park. The area is defined by its dense formations of quartz-sandstone pillars. One of these pillars, the “Southern Sky Pillar,” is recognized as the visual prototype for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar. Visitors can experience this unique landscape, discovering a world of towering stone pillars and shifting cloud masses.
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Facts
- Chinese name: 袁家界 (Yuan Jia Jie)
- Type: World Heritage Site, National Forest Park, Mountain, Sightseeing Place
- Location: the northern part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province
- Area: 12 square kilometers
- Average Altitude: 1074 meters
- Recommended Visiting Time: 2-4 hours
- Opening Hours: 07:00~17:00
- Ticket Price: Included in the ticket of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with CNY 227. Trip.com Discount
The Origin of the Name Yuanjiajie
The name “Yuanjiajie” (袁家界) originates from a historical figure from the Later Tang Dynasty. Following the suppression of the Huang Chao Rebellion, the imperial court actively pursued the remaining rebels. A soldier surnamed Yuan, who had served under Huang Chao, evaded capture by retreating into the seclusion of the Qingyan Mountains. He settled there, farming the land, and named the area after his own family: Yuan’s Family Boundary.
Top Attractions in Yuanjiajie
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
The Avatar Hallelujah Mountain is the undisputed landmark of Yuanjiajie. This towering quartz-sandstone pillar, formerly known as the “South Sky Pillar” (南天一柱) or “Pillar Between Heaven and Earth” (乾坤柱), rises 150 meters vertically from the valley floor with a summit altitude of 1,074 meters above sea level.
Its claim to global fame came in 2008 when Hollywood director James Cameron, during his location scouting, was inspired by its extraordinary form. The pillar’s distinct shape—with a thicker midsection that often becomes obscured by clouds and mist—creates a stunning illusion of a mountain floating in mid-air. This directly inspired the fictional “Hallelujah Mountains” of the planet Pandora in the blockbuster film Avatar. In recognition of this connection, it was officially renamed “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” in January 2010.
The First Bridge Under Heaven
The First Bridge Under Heaven is a monumental natural stone arch and one of the top ten stunning sights in Zhangjiajie. This geological wonder was formed purely through millennia of natural erosion—by wind, rain, and frost—which gradually wore away the softer rock between two peaks, leaving behind a solid stone bridge connecting them.
The bridge spans about 20 meters in length, is approximately 3 meters wide, and has a formidable thickness of 5 meters. Its most awe-inspiring characteristic is its vertical height, soaring nearly 400 meters above the deep valley floor. This immense scale and its flawless natural formation are what earned it the title “The No.1 Bridge Under Heaven.”
Enchanting Terrace (Mí Hún Tái 迷魂台)
The Enchanting Terrace is the premier viewing platform in Yuanjiajie, offering what many consider the most breathtaking and representative panorama of the entire scenic area. Its Chinese name, “Mí Hún Tái,” translates to “the platform that enchants your soul”—a title that perfectly captures the feeling of awe one experiences when standing there.
From this vantage point on the edge of a cliff, you are treated to an unobstructed view of a vast, deep valley densely packed with hundreds of towering quartz-sandstone pillars. These stone columns, resembling a forest of stone bamboo shoots, pagodas, and swords, rise majestically from the abyss. The magic is amplified after a rain, when soft, floating clouds and mist envelop the mid-sections of the peaks, making them appear and disappear like a mirage or a traditional Chinese ink painting come to life.
Back Garden
Tucked away in a quiet corner of Yuanjiajie, the Back Garden offers a more intimate and concentrated view of the area’s iconic pillar landscape. Its name evokes the image of a secluded, private garden, and the scenery here lives up to that expectation, presenting itself like a vast, natural bonsai arrangement or a miniature celestial realm.
Unlike the grand, sweeping vistas from the Enchanting Terrace, the Back Garden feels like a curated collection of exquisite stone pillars clustered closely together in a deep valley. The peaks here are lush with ancient trees and verdant foliage. When the ethereal mountain mists roll in, the entire scene is bathed in a tranquil, emerald-green light, creating an atmosphere of profound peace and seclusion. It’s a place that feels both majestic and strangely personal.
Bailong Elevator
The Bailong Elevator is a feat of modern engineering seamlessly integrated into Yuanjiajie’s ancient landscape. Officially recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, it provides the most direct access to the mountaintop scenery.
The elevator stands at a total height of 326 meters. It is a double-decker glass elevator built directly onto the face of a colossal quartz-sandstone cliff. Its impressive maximum speed of 5 meters per second carries visitors from the base to the summit in just 1 minute and 28 seconds.
As the elevator rapidly climbs the cliff face, passengers are treated through the glass walls to a dramatic, unfolding panorama of the “Spirit Soldiers Gathering” – a majestic array of 48 stone pillars standing in formation.
Note: During peak season, visitors may have to wait in line for up to an hour to ride the Bailong Elevator.
Recommended Routes to Visit Yuanjiajie
To help you make the most of your visit, we outline two popular routes: a time-efficient classic route and a more immersive hiking option.
Option 1: The Classic Route (1.5 – 2 hours)
This route is the most efficient way to see the highlights of Yuanjiajie, utilizing the Bailong Elevator for a direct ascent.
- Step 1: Enter from the East Gate and take the eco-friendly shuttle bus to Bailong Elevator. Take the Bailong Elevator up to the mountain top.
- Step 2: Upon exiting, follow the signs and take the free eco-friendly shuttle bus to the Enchanting Terrace (Mí Hún Tái) station.
- Step 3: From the Enchanting Terrace, a well-paved scenic walk leads you sequentially to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and onward to The First Bridge Under Heaven.
- Step 4: After visiting the bridge, you can take the free shuttle bus from the nearby parking lot to continue your journey to Tianzi Mountain.
Option 2: The Hiking Route (4+ hours)
This challenging but rewarding route allows you to ascend to Yuanjiajie on foot through the beautiful Golden Whip Stream, saving the cost of the elevator.
- Step 1: Enter from the East Gate and take the eco-friendly shuttle bus. Inform the driver that you wish to get off at the Jinbianxi (Golden Whip Stream)
- Step 2: Enter the Golden Whip Stream area and follow the relatively flat trail along the stream. Walk for about 2.5 kilometers (around 1 hour) until you reach a scenic spot named “Qianli Xianghui” (A Thousand Miles to Meet You).
- Step 3: At “Qianli Xianghui,” you will see a clear sign for “Luancuan Po”. This marks the start of a long, steep stone staircase that leads up the mountain.
- Step 4: Climb the Luancuan Po staircase. The ascent is strenuous and takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. At the top, you will emerge near the Back Garden of Yuanjiajie.
- Step 5: From the Back Garden, you can now follow the Classic Route to visit the Enchanting Terrace, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, and the First Bridge Under Heaven.
Note: This hiking route only covers the first half of the Golden Whip Stream. If you wish to see the entire stream, you would need to backtrack after visiting Yuanjiajie.
Best Time to Visit Yuanjiajie
The period from April to October is generally considered the ideal time to visit Yuanjiajie. During the summer months, particularly August, daytime temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). This season also brings more clouds and mist, often transforming the landscape into a surreal, dreamlike scene. However, it is also the peak tourist season, resulting in larger crowds. For a balance of good weather and slightly fewer visitors, consider the shoulder season from late August to early September.
As Yuanjiajie and the neighboring Tianzi Mountain form the core of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s most spectacular scenery, we recommend allocating a minimum of two full days for an in-depth exploration. This allows you to experience the highlights at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Travel Tips
- Crowds & Queues: Yuanjiajie is exceptionally popular and can be very crowded during holidays and peak seasons. Be prepared for long queues, especially for the Bailong Elevator, where wait times can exceed one hour during busy periods.
- Weather Preparedness: In summer, carry water and sun protection due to heat and limited breeze; in winter, wear anti-slip footwear as trails can be icy.
- Food & Drink: While you will find a variety of dining options at the mountaintop (including KFC, snack bars, and local eateries), prices are significantly higher than in the city. The food quality is generally good. It is highly recommended to bring your own snacks and water to save money and maintain energy for the extensive walking involved.
- Accommodation: For convenience, we recommend staying in Wulingyuan District near the East Gate of the park. This area offers a wide range of hotels and easy access to park transportation.
- Monkey Encounters: Monkeys inhabit parts of the scenic area. While they may appear cute, they can be aggressive if provoked or if they see food. Always maintain a safe distance, do not feed them, and secure your belongings, especially food items.
How to Get to Yuanjiajie
The journey to Yuanjiajie involves two main steps, first getting to the park’s main entrance, then transferring to the scenic area itself.
Step 1: Get to Wulingyuan (East Gate)
Your destination is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area Entrance (East Gate), the most common gateway to the park. The most convenient way is by bus:
- From Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (located beside the Zhangjiajie Railway Station).
- From the High-Speed Rail Bus Station (located beside the Zhangjiajie West Railway Station).
Both stations operate frequent buses to Wulingyuan. The journey takes approximately 40-60 minutes and costs around CNY 13.
Step 2: Enter the Park and Transfer to Yuanjiajie
After entering the park through the East Gate, proceed to the free eco-friendly shuttle bus station inside. Take the bus bound for “Bailong Elevator”. The ride to the elevator’s lower station takes about 30 minutes. The Bailong Elevator will then take you directly up to the Yuanjiajie viewing platform area to start your exploration.
Yuanjiajie Ticket Price & Opening Hours
Book Your Yuanjiajie Tickets Now| Ticket | Price |
| Entrance Ticket + Eco-Bus + Insurance | Adults: CNY 227 Minors aged 14-18 and seniors aged 60 – 65: CNY 116 Seniors over 65: CNY 33 Children under 14: CNY 3 |
| Bailong Sightseeing Elevator for single ride | CNY 65; Preferential ticket (aged 14-18 or aged over 60): CNY 33; Free for children under 14 |
Please note that there is no separate ticket for Yuanjiajie alone. Admission is included in the through ticket for the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which also covers the eco-friendly shuttle buses and insurance. The ticket is valid for 4 consecutive days.
Opening Hours:
| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | 07:00 – 17:00 daily |
| The opening hours of the park are subject to change due to special weather conditions; please check in advance. | |