Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie, located in the north of Zhangjiejie National Forest Park, is a mountain platform with an area of about 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) and an average altitude of 1,074 meters (1,174 yards). It has the prototype of the Hallelujah Mountain in the film Avatar and there are many peaks and valleys. So far, there are some Tujia people living in the Yuanjiajie, from whom one can experience the Tujia customs.
The First Bridge under the Sun, also known as Rocky Natural Bridge, is the iconic attraction of Yuanjiajie. The bridge is about 2 meters (2.2 yards) wide and 5 meters (5.5 yards) thick. It spans 25 meters (27 yards) between two mountains and has a vertical height of 400 meters (440 yards). It is a rocky natural bridge with the largest vertical height found in the world so far. However, visitors are not allowed to step onto it for safety’s sake and can only appreciate it at a distance.
It is known as the “Natural Bonsai”. The stone peaks in Back Garden are in various poses with a stream flowing around; the ancient trees in the mountains are towering. The whole landscape is very beautiful, just like the back garden of the ancient Chinese imperial palace.
Enchanting Stage, also known as Mihun Stage, is the best viewing stage in Yuanjiajie. When standing there, one can see that there are hundreds of peaks standing around and the scenery is extremely wonderful and spectacular. It is said that visitors can be enchanted by the beauty of the scenery, so this stage was named “Enchanting Stage”.
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, also known as Southern Sky Column, is the prototype of the Hallelujah Mountain in the famous American epic science fiction film “Avatar”. The mountain with peculiar shape has a vertical height of about 150 meters (165 yards) and has lush vegetation on the top.
It is the only well-preserved Tujia village of the 18 villages in the Zhangjiajie. One can experience the folk customs of the Tujia people and know about their living habits and culture.
Kind Reminders:
1. There are many cliffs and mountain roads in Yuanjiajie, so please pay attention to safety when playing.
2. There are monkeys in some areas of Yuanjiajie. Please do not provoke them to avoid being attacked.
Route 1: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Laomo Wan - “Getting Together From Farway” Rocks - Luancuan Slope - Yuanjiajie
It needs about 4-hour walking and enough physical strength.
Route 2: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Water Winding Four Gates - Bailong Elevator – Sightseeing Bus to Yuanjiajie
It takes relatively short time to reach Yuanjiajie with the help of Bailong Elevator and sightseeing bus. However, the queueing time for the elevator may take 2 hours during the peak season.
Top 9 Things to Do in Zhangjiajie
Recommended Attractions in Yuanjiajie
The First Bridge under the Sun
Back Garden
Enchanting Stage
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
Bailong Elevator in Yuanjiajie |
Yuanjia Village
Kind Reminders:
1. There are many cliffs and mountain roads in Yuanjiajie, so please pay attention to safety when playing.
2. There are monkeys in some areas of Yuanjiajie. Please do not provoke them to avoid being attacked.
3. There is Bailong Elevator taking visitors to top of Yuanjiajie directly, taking 1m58s. If hiking on foot, it takes 2-3 hours.
First, one needs to get to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. From Zhangjiajie Long-distane Bus Station in downtown, there are long-distance buses available. The duration is about 40 minutes and ticket fare is CNY20. After, there are two ways available to reach Yuanjiajie from the entrance of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.How to Get to Yuanjiajie
Route 1: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Laomo Wan - “Getting Together From Farway” Rocks - Luancuan Slope - Yuanjiajie
It needs about 4-hour walking and enough physical strength.
Route 2: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Water Winding Four Gates - Bailong Elevator – Sightseeing Bus to Yuanjiajie
It takes relatively short time to reach Yuanjiajie with the help of Bailong Elevator and sightseeing bus. However, the queueing time for the elevator may take 2 hours during the peak season.
Admission Fee | March to November: CNY 248 for adults; CNY 160 for children between 1.3 meters (1.4 yards) and 1.5 meters (1.6 yards). December to next February: CNY139 for adults; CNY 88 for children between 1.3 meters and 1.5 meters. Free for children below 1.3 meters; but CNY 68 is required as eco-car ride fee and insurance. Notes: 1. The admission fee includes visit to Yangjiajie Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and sightseeing bus ride inside these scenic areas. 2. The ticket has 3-day validity from March to November and 4-day validity from December to next February. |
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator | CNY 72 for an adult Free for children below 1.3 meters CNY 43 for children from 1.3 meters to 1.5 meters. |
Opening Hours | 07:00-18:00 |
- Last updated on Jan. 13, 2020 -
Questions & Answers on Yuanjiajie
Asked by Andy from SINGAPORE | Jan. 12, 2020 07:00Reply
How long is the walk from the entrance of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to Bailong elevator?
I plan to go by route 2 to Yuanjiajie (shown below).
How long is the walk from the entrance of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to Bailong elevator?
Is it possible to take a bus directly to an area nearer to Bailong elevator instead? How do I check the bus routes?
Route 2: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Water Winding Four Gates - Bailong Elevator – Sightseeing Bus to Yuanjiajie
How long is the walk from the entrance of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to Bailong elevator?
Is it possible to take a bus directly to an area nearer to Bailong elevator instead? How do I check the bus routes?
Route 2: The entrance - Golden Whip Stream - Water Winding Four Gates - Bailong Elevator – Sightseeing Bus to Yuanjiajie
Answers (1)
Answered by Fiona from USA | Jan. 13, 2020 18:09
00Reply
As I know, you can take direct bus from Wulingyuan Gate.
Asked by Yuro from CANADA | Nov. 03, 2019 19:25Reply
Where can I buy tickets to see the Avatar Mountain and the Bailong Elevator beforehand?
Thank you
Answers (3)
Answered by Oliver from GERMANY | Nov. 05, 2019 22:53
00Reply
You can book the tickets on the official website of the scenic area. It has English version. Hope helpful!
Answered by Yuro from CANADA | Nov. 06, 2019 07:04
00Reply
Oh great! Do you know the link ?I can’t find it on google anywhere thanks!
Answered by Liz from SINGAPORE | Nov. 06, 2019 18:06
00Reply
You can search zjjpark.com. Because the link is not allowed to put here.
Asked by Cal from USA | Apr. 26, 2019 15:57Reply
How can I book a hotel or hostel that is inside the Yuanjiajie park?
Answers (1)
Answered by Molly from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 27, 2019 23:28
00Reply
There are no hotels in Yuanjiajie and you can choose to stay in Wulingyuan.
Asked by stacey from USA | Nov. 20, 2018 04:22Reply
how long is the hike to see the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
From Tianzi, I plan to take the free shuttle bus to go to yuanjiajie to see the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. From the bus stop, how long is the hike to get to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain?
Answers (1)
Answered by Dana from JAPAN | Nov. 22, 2018 01:50
00Reply
As I know, it may take you about 3-4 hours.