The "Avatar" Mountain
The Southern Sky Column was the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar; it is located in the Yuanjiajie area.
Description
If Zhangjiajie looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie, that’s because it inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its thousands of jagged quartz-sandstone pillars that rise out of the misty subtropical forest, some reaching heights of over 1,000 meters.
Navigating the park is an adventure in itself, featuring the world’s tallest outdoor elevator and several record-breaking glass bridges. Whether you are walking through the deep, quiet valleys of Golden Whip Stream or looking down from the heights of Yuanjiajie, the scenery is consistently breathtaking.
Highlights
- The Bailong Elevator, which whisks you up a cliff face in seconds.
- The Southern Sky Column (the "Hallelujah Mountain").
- The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, spanning a massive canyon for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Location
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Zhangjiajie, Hunan, People's Republic of China
Know Before You Go
Bailong Elevator
This is the world's tallest outdoor elevator; it takes you up the cliff in 66 seconds—book a "VIP" ticket to skip the 2-hour wait.
Wild Monkeys
Do not show any food or plastic bags; the macaques are bold and will jump on you to steal your belongings.
Glass Bridge
Located in the nearby Grand Canyon (separate ticket), you must wear shoe covers and cannot bring cameras or metal-tipped umbrellas.
Tianmen Mountain
This is a separate park nearby; it features the "Heaven’s Gate" hole and the world's longest cable car ride.
Example Itinerary
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12:00
Take a Shuttle from Zhangjiajie City Center
Board a regional mountain transit bus heading north through the dramatic green valley landscape. -
13:30
Ride the Bailong Elevator
Glide up the side of a sheer cliff face in a record-breaking glass elevator, taking in sweeping mountain views. -
14:30
Visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Walk along the high mountain trails to marvel at the soaring, mist-shrouded quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the movie Avatar. -
18:30
Arrive in Wulingyuan
Take a shuttle down to the vibrant tourist town of Wulingyuan by nightfall to enjoy a traditional Hunan dinner.
