Located in the core area of Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, Yuanjiajie is an important part of the World Natural Heritage and Global Geopark, famous worldwide as the filming location for the movie "Avatar".
Overview
Geographical Features
Covers an area of about 12 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 1,074 meters. The highest peak "Rabbit Watching the Moon" stands at 1,262 meters.
Famous for its quartz sandstone peak forest landform, featuring over 3,000 stone pillars rising abruptly from the ground.
Name Origin
Named after the Yuan family who settled here during the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years.
Inscribed on the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network list in 2004.
Main Attractions
Iconic Landscapes
- Hallelujah Mountain: Prototype for Avatar's floating mountains, 150m vertical height
- No.1 Bridge Under Heaven: Natural stone bridge spanning 50m, 350m high
- Lost Souls Platform: Best viewing platform overlooking hundreds of stone pillars
- Back Garden: Dense peak forest area resembling a giant bonsai
Unique Landforms
- Quartz Sandstone Peak Forest: Formed from seabed sedimentation 150 million years ago
- Canyons and Gorges: Interlaced canyons 300-500m deep
- Natural Bridges: Several naturally formed stone bridges
Tourism Experience
Special Activities
- Bailong Elevator: World's tallest outdoor elevator with 326m operating height
- Yuanjiajie Cliff Walkway: Viewing path along precipitous cliffs
- VR Experience Center: Explore the "Avatar world" through virtual reality
- Tujia Folk Performance: Showcasing local ethnic minority culture
Photography Tips
- Best Time: Early morning with mist or after rain clears
- Classic Angles: Sunrise at Lost Souls Platform, sunset at No.1 Bridge
- Equipment: Wide-angle lens essential, tripod recommended
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open year-round. Peak season (Apr-Nov): 07:00-18:00; Off season (Dec-Mar): 08:00-17:00
Ticket Prices
- Wulingyuan combo ticket: 228 CNY/person (valid for 4 days)
- Bailong Elevator one-way: 65 CNY/person
- Eco-bus: Included in entrance ticket
Transportation
- Within scenic area: Take eco-bus to Bailong Elevator station
- External transport: Direct buses from Zhangjiajie city to Wulingyuan
- Airport/Train station: About 40km from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport
Notes
Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area; climbing stone pillars is strictly forbidden.
Mountain weather changes frequently - bring rain gear and warm clothing.
Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds.