Zhangjiajie National Forest – Avatar Mountains

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province is one of China’s most iconic natural areas and the heart of the UNESCO-protected Wulingyuan landscape. Internationally renowned as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar, the thousands of vertical sandstone pillars rise dramatically from deep valleys covered in dense, subtropical forest. The mist often drifting between the cliffs creates an almost otherworldly landscape that shifts character throughout the day. Highlights include the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge – one of the world’s longest and highest glass bridges – where visitors can walk directly over a dizzying gorge and experience nature beneath their feet. The park offers an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails leading to famous viewpoints such as Tianzi Mountain and the Yuanjiajie area. For easy access to the high plateaus, there are cable cars and the impressive Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator. Zhangjiajie combines breathtaking nature, engineering marvels, and a visual experience that is truly unique in the world.