Introduction-Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie is a growing tourist city and is famous for its unique natural scenery and abundant tourism resources. It is located in the northwest of Hunan Province, about 400 kilometers away from Changsha, covering a total area of 9,563 square kilometers with 76% mountainous area. Among the total population of 1.62 million, almost 72% of the people belong to ethic minorities, including Tujia, Bai and Miao nationalities.

Zhangjiajie consists of Yongding and Wulingyuan Districts, Cili and Sangzhi Counties. Wulingyuan District, also called Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, was listed among the World Natural Heritage Catalogue by UNESCO in 1992, as it boasts the most beautiful natural scenery in China. What is more, Zhangjiajie was awarded the title of "World Geological Park" in 2004 and was honored as "Number-One Miraculous Mountain in the World" and "The Original Manuscript of Chinese Landscape Painting".

The splendid landscape of Zhangjiajie features Quartz Sandstone Peak Forest and Karst Caves, which are rare in the world. Here you will find yourself with hundreds of grotesque peaks, beautiful waters, towering trees, deep valleys, marvelous caves and exuberant forest which constitute a complete primitive ecological park. Indeed, Zhangjiajie is a perfect combination of the beauty of Guilin, the grotesqueness of Mount Huang, the peril of Mount Hua and the magnificence of Mount Tai. Therefore, it enjoys the reputation of "an enlarged potted landscape", "a miniature fairyland" as well as "a maze endowed by nature", integrating the characteristics of peace, wildness, mystery, beauty, grotesqueness and elegance.

There are over 300 marvellous scenic spots in Zhangjiajie with Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area as the core, occupying a total area of 397 square kilometers, including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, two major Nature Reserves-Mount Tianzi and Suoxi Valley and the new Yangjiajie Scenic Area. Near the downtown area of Zhangjiajie stands grand Mount Tianmen called "the Soul of Wuling" and there is a beautiful Maoyan River that enjoys the reputation of "one-hundred-li long painted corridor", a Jiutian Cave named "the number-one cave in Asia" and other charming scenic spots in Wulingyuan. All these natural wonders are worth exploring. In addition, you can take great delight in touring the Puguang Buddhist Temple, Hongjiaguan (Former Residence of Marshal He Long)Tujia Folk Custom Park, the Old Houses and other cultural sites in Zhangjiajie.

（Photo by Wu Yongbing）

After more than twenty years of development, tourism has become the leading industry in Zhangjiajie, with other industries related to tourism also growing rapidly. In the meantime, ecotourism in this city has been greatly developed. When you come to Zhangjiajie, you will enjoy not only magnificent natural scenery but also the appealing folk customs and hospitality of local people as well as other thrilling tourist activities. We are sure that your visit to Zhangjiajie will be really exciting, joyful and unforgettable.

Geological Features: 

The geological formation of Zhangjiajie belongs to the New Cathaysian tectonic system. About three billion and eight thousand years ago, this place was a large patch of ocean. After a series of geological changes, including Wuling-Xuefeng, Indo-China, Yanshan, Himalayan and Geotectonic movements, the bottom of the ocean rose through the surface, and the quartzite sandstone pillars and peaks took shape after gradual cutting, eroding and crumbling by the force of Nature for millions of years.

The entire area is covered with towering cliffs of sandstone of quartz and dense unspoiled forests that conceal fantastic caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. The quartzite sandstone hills in Wulingyuan are unique for their large number and fairly pure composition (being 75-95% quartz). With the changes of seasons and weather, they constantly present different views to spectators. The highest peak in this area is Tuer Wangyue Peak (Rabbit Watching the Moon Peak). Mount Tianzi is particularly recommended for its good panoramic view.

Climate Conditions:

Zhangjiajie belongs to the sub-tropical humid monsoon climate. Splendid mountains and thick trees help form a favorable climate: warm in winter and cool in summer. The annual average temperature is 16 centigrade and the annual average sunshine hours and the amount of rainfall are 1440 hours and 1400 square meters respectively. The average frost-free period over the past years is 216 to 269 days a year. It attracts visitors all year round as the charm of the scenery varies with the alternation of the seasons.

Besides its pleasant climate, the primitive ecological environment also offers visitors a rare chance to breathe healthy air which is believed to be rich in negative oxygen ions. It is also thought that hypertension sufferers may have their blood pressure lowered if they stay in the forest park for a period of time. This is due to the fact that dust particles in the park are 88% fewer and the air 10% mistier than other places.

Updated on July 31, 2018