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Zhangjiajie — Avatar on Earth

Walk among floating pillars, misty peaks, and ancient forests that inspired a cinematic world

Welcome to Zhangjiajie

Tucked away in the northwest of Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is a place where reality defies imagination. Towering sandstone pillars pierce through rolling seas of clouds, ancient forests cling to vertical cliff faces, and every sunrise paints the sky in shades of gold and violet.

Made world-famous by James Cameron's Avatar, the park's Yuanjiajie peaks served as the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains of Pandora. Beyond the cinematic wonder, Zhangjiajie is home to the Tujia and Miao ethnic cultures, thrilling glass-bottom bridges, and some of the most dramatic hiking trails on Earth.

Plan Your Trip
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Explore Zhangjiajie

Attractions, culture, and flavours that make this destination unforgettable

Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains

Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains

The iconic pillar formations that inspired Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains. Ride the Bailong Elevator — the world's tallest outdoor lift — and stand atop these floating stone towers.

Tianzi Mountain

Tianzi Mountain

Known as the "Monarch of the Peak Forest," Tianzi Mountain offers the most spectacular sea-of-clouds views in Zhangjiajie. Ancient pines cling to precipices as mist rolls through stone pillars.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

Suspended 300 metres above the canyon floor, this is the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge. Thrilling, transparent, and utterly unforgettable — a daredevil's dream.

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain

Home to the famous 99-bend road, the Heaven's Gate natural arch, and a record-breaking cableway. Climb 999 steps to the Gateway to Heaven and feel on top of the world.

Yellow Dragon Cave

Yellow Dragon Cave

One of China's largest karst caves, filled with glittering stalactites, underground rivers, and vast chambers. A mystical subterranean world hidden beneath the mountains.

Tujia ethnic minority

Tujia Ethnic Culture

The Tujia people have called these mountains home for over 2,000 years. Experience their vibrant hand-woven brocade, traditional stilted houses, and the famous "Tujia Wedding" folk performance.

Ancient legends

Ancient Legends

Local folklore tells of the Xiang king and his beloved concubine who turned into peaks after a tragic battle. Every mountain, every stream has a story woven into the region's rich oral tradition.

Avatar movie connection

Avatar Movie Connection

James Cameron's designers drew direct inspiration from Yuanjiajie's quartz-sandstone pillars. Today, a giant Avatar statue stands in the park, celebrating the bond between cinema and nature.

Wulingyuan heritage

Wulingyuan World Heritage

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Wulingyuan's 26,000 hectares protect over 3,000 sandstone pillars, stunning gorges, and rare subtropical forest ecosystems.

Tujia Sanxi Guo

Tujia Sanxi Guo (Three Xiaos Pot)

A traditional Tujia feast dish featuring three small pots of pork, chicken, and lamb slow-cooked with local spices. Rustic, warming, and deeply flavoured — a true mountain comfort meal.

Xiangxi cured meat

Xiangxi Cured Meat

Smoked over pine and camphor wood, Xiangxi cured pork and sausage are prized throughout Hunan. The smoky, aromatic flavour pairs perfectly with local chilli and steamed rice.

Zhangjiajie rice noodles

Zhangjiajie Rice Noodles

Silky rice noodles served in a rich bone broth with pickled vegetables, peanuts, and a generous drizzle of chilli oil. The perfect start to a morning of mountain hiking.

Wild mushroom hotpot

Wild Mushroom Hotpot

Zhangjiajie's forests produce over 200 edible mushroom varieties. A bubbling hotpot with fresh foraged fungi, tofu, and mountain greens is an essential local dining experience.

Fried tofu with chilli

Fried Tofu with Chilli

Crispy golden tofu cubes tossed with fresh Hunan chilli, garlic, and scallions. Simple, fiery, and utterly addictive — this street-food staple captures the bold soul of Xiangxi cuisine.

Recommended Zhangjiajie Tours

Handpicked packages that include this incredible destination

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