Overview:

: The Wulingyuan Scenic Area is located in Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, in the northwest of the South China peninsula. Covering an area of 264.3 km2, in the subtropical monsoon climate area, it is one of the first national-level scenic parks and a World Natural Heritage Site. The area is made up of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and Yangjiajie Scenic Area, which have an average altitude of 1000–1500 meters, and is covered with dense and unique plant forests, nicknamed the "Terraced Seascape". The area contains nearly 3,000 sheer cliffs of varying shapes and sizes, some of which touching the sky at an amazing height of up to 800 meters; the wonderful combination of forests, canyons, streams and gullies give this area spectacular scenes and an unforgettable atmosphere, making it a unique tourist destination. There are also numerous fascinating rock pillars, arranged in every possible combination, creating an unforgettable landscape of towering stones, resembling the mythical creatures guarding heaven. Lastly, the area boasts of many waterfalls, caves and rivers, with aquatic birds singing in the background of the crystal-clear water, providing an overall atmosphere of serenity and beauty. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

- Primeval forest of over 3,100 peaks and pillars: Wulingyuan Scenic Area is renowned for its spectacular limestone formations, many of which stand over 200 metres in height. The highest peak in the park is the 1050 metre high Yellow Dragon Pillar. - Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar: The park’s iconic peaks, named the Avatar Mountains, resemble the Hallelujah Mountains from the sci-fi movie Avatar. The mountains' popularity has made them among the most widely visited sites in the park. - Lurongyan: Lurongyan is a lake created by the eroded Wulingyuan peaks, and it's filled with spectacular limestone formations and crystal clear water. The clear reflection of the Avatar Mountains create a breathtaking sight. - Cable car rides: The park has an impressive cable car system that stretches over the towering karst formations and gives visitors access to the different parts of the park. - Tianzi mountain: Tianzi mountain is less visited by tourists but it's an impressive mountain, towering above the surrounding landscapes with an elevation of 1450 metres. - Yangjiajie Scenic Area: Yangjiajie is one of the main scenic features of the Wulingyuan area and is renowned for its steep cliffs, deep ravines, and thousand-year-old trees. The highest peak here is called the Yangjiajai Needle. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a stunning natural area located in the Hunan Province of China, most famous for its towering quartzite sandstone pillars and forested areas. The area was formally established as a national park in 1982 and is included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. The area has a long history, long before its designation as a national park. Over 400 million years ago, Wulingyuan was covered by an ancient sea. This changed as the regions tectonic plates shifted, pushing the sea bed up and forming an area rich with quartzite sandstone pillars, quartz gouges, and numerous valleys and caves. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with evidence of stone tools, pottery, and shell tools left behind. The area remained isolated from much of the world until the Ming Dynasty, when Wulingyuan began to attract an increasing number of visitors. In the early 20th century, Chinese scholars began to take interest in the area and help to promote its beauty. During the 1970s, numerous caves in the area were surveyed and mapped, and Wulingyuan was included on the list of China’s most important scenic spots. The area became a national park in 1982, and was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992. As of 2020, Wulingyuan Scenic Area continues to draw numerous visitors from around the world, and remains a popular destination for eco-tourism and nature conservation enthusiasts. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Wulingyuan Scenic Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2. The area covers more than an incredible 26,000 hectares (64,250 acres), making it the largest protected area in China. 3. It is best known for its majestic sandstone pillars, formed naturally from millennia of erosion, and the surrounding beech and fir forests. 4. There are more than 3,000 sandstone pillars ranging between 200 and 600 meters (660 to 2,000 feet) in height, with 1,000 meter (3,280 foot) peaks scattered throughout the region. 5. The region also features some of the world's longest cave systems, including the staggeringly deep Furong Cave which is home to some of its own unique ecosystems. 6. Wulingyuan is home to some of the world's rarest and most endangered species of flora and fauna, including the, Indian giant squirrel and tufted deer. 7. More than 30 million visitors visit the park each year, with the top attractions being the Golden Whip Stream, the world's longest cable car system, and Tianmen Cave which is over 300 meters (1,000 feet) in length and offers spectacular views from atop the mountain. 8. The area has been used as a major filming location for films such as the legendary Chinese film, Avatar, and James Cameron's 2012 film, Journey to the West. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era