ZHANGJIAJIE NATIONAL FOREST PARK
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a breathtakingly beautiful park located in the northern part of Hunan Province, China. The park covers an area of 11,900 acres and is characterized by its towering sandstone pillars, deep gorges, and dense forests. In 1982, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and in 1992, it was recognized as a national forest park.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has been characterized in various ways, including as majestic, eccentric, tranquil, delicate, and wild. Within the park, visitors can marvel at the grotesque peaks, clear streams, diverse flora and fauna, and pleasant weather. Presently, the park boasts six major attractions and over 90 smaller ones.
The park encompasses thick forests, steep gorges, deep canyons, extraordinary peaks, caves, and tower-like rock formations scattered throughout its expanse. It is these tower-like rock formations that have earned the park worldwide recognition.
Unlike the typical limestone-eroded pillars, these formations are composed of quartz-sandstone and were shaped by physical erosion from the frequent rainfall. The mountainous terrain, unique rock formations, dense foliage, and misty clouds combine to create quintessential Chinese landscapes that have long been a source of inspiration for various forms of art.
PLACES TO VISIT
Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Mountain, situated to the south of Zhangjiajie city, is the second most popular tourist spot in the area, following the forest park. Its peak, standing tall at 1,519 meters (4,983 feet), is the highest in the region and is considered the heart and soul of Zhangjiajie. Not just an idyllic location for picturesque views, but it’s also a thrilling destination for photography and adventure enthusiasts. The prime attractions of Tianmen Mountain include the world’s longest cableway, the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the 99 bends, the Cliff-Hanging Walkway, the Glass Sky Walk, and Tianmen Cave.
The Glass Skywalk
The glass skywalk is not for the faint of heart, as the transparent floor can be quite daunting for some visitors. However, the bridge is designed to be very safe and is made of multiple layers of tempered glass, which can withstand the weight of several people at once. The skywalk is a 100-meter-long bridge made entirely of glass, which is suspended 300 meters above the ground. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and scenery.
Baofeng Lake
In 1992, the Baofeng Lake Scenic Area was designated as a World Natural Heritage site, comprising of two parts – Baofeng Lake and Yingwo Stockaded Village. Baofeng Lake, spanning over 30 hectares (75 acres), has a depth of 72 meters (236 ft) and is surrounded by mountains that feed the lake with pure runoff water from their peaks. The lake resembles a jade mirror when viewed from above the mountains. The area seamlessly blends natural beauty with human culture and landscape, including magnificent waterfalls and the Baofeng Temple.
Baofeng Lake is surrounded by forested mountains and features crystal-clear water. It is known for its tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists who are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the scenery, or take a hike along the surrounding trails.
Yellow Dragon Cave
Yellow Dragon Cave, located in Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, China, is a stunning karst cave system that stretches over 15 kilometers (9 miles) and has been attracting visitors for centuries. The cave gets its name from a legend that tells the story of a yellow dragon who once lived inside it.
Yellow Dragon Cave also has cultural significance as a site of historical and spiritual importance. The cave has been used for meditation and worship by Buddhist monks for centuries, and visitors can still see statues and altars dedicated to various deities throughout the cave.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural significance, Yellow Dragon Cave is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Zhangjiajie or Hunan Province.
