The Compass Guy
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Zhangjiajie National Forest park 张家界国家森林公园 is where Mother Nature built skyscrapers before humans even figured out bricks. Recognized as the first national forest park in China (1982) and part of the larger 武陵源 UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, it’s officially rated a 5A tourist attraction, which in China means expect world-class views and equally world-class crowds. Even in off season it feels like half the country decided to go hiking with you.
Main areas to explore before your legs give up:
• 金鞭溪 Golden Whip Stream – a tranquil valley walk with towering cliffs, crystal-clear water, and monkeys plotting to steal your snacks.
• 袁家界 Yuanjiajie – home of the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountain where sandstone pillars levitate in misty glory.
• 杨家界 Yangjiajie – dramatic cliffs and quieter trails, great for pretending you discovered Zhangjiajie before everyone else.
• 黄石寨 Huangshizhai – panoramic viewpoints so good that locals say “if you don’t climb Huangshizhai, you haven’t truly seen Zhangjiajie.”
• 十里画廊 Ten Mile Gallery – stone peaks arranged like a giant natural scroll painting. Spoiler: it feels shorter than ten miles.
• 张家界大峡谷 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon – home to dizzying cliffs, waterfalls, and the record-breaking Glass Bridge, which is basically a test of whether you trust both physics and your legs.
Pro tip If you don’t like spending more time in queues than on trails, get the VIP ticket. It skips the lines for elevators, cable cars, and shuttle buses.. saving up to an hour per attraction. Worth it when you realize standing in a queue here is the only view not worth photographing.
Five stars because 张家界国家森林公园 is essentially nature’s IMAX in 4D.. mist, monkeys, and mild vertigo included, plus tourists everywhere waving selfie sticks like bamboo spears trying to capture the same mountain from 37 slightly different angles.
