Wulingyuan District
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of towering sandstone pillars, famously inspiring the world of Pandora in Avatar.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Wulingyuan District
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of towering sandstone pillars, famously inspiring the world of Pandora in Avatar.
"The 'Avatar' mountains are real and absolutely breathtaking, a must-see natural wonder."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring this vast park.
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Advice
Consider booking through your hotel or a tour for easier access, as the official site is in Chinese.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Avatar Mountains
Yuanjiajie
Towering sandstone pillars that inspired Pandora in the movie Avatar. A truly otherworldly landscape.
Bailong Elevator
Wulingyuan Scenic Area
World's tallest outdoor elevator, offering stunning panoramic views as it ascends 1,070 feet in 88 seconds.
Tianzi Mountain
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
Dramatic peaks and valleys, often shrouded in mist, offering breathtaking vistas and unique rock formations.
Yubi Peak
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
Also known as Imperial Writing Brush Peak, a landmark sandstone pillar in the Tianzi Mountain area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance & Navigate Crowds
Embrace the Trek & Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring this vast park.
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Advice
Consider booking through your hotel or a tour for easier access, as the official site is in Chinese.
☁️ Manage Weather Expectations
Cloudy days can obscure views, but also add to the mystical atmosphere. Pack layers!
⬆️ Bailong Elevator Strategy
Consider riding the elevator down to avoid some of the ascent crowds.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Prioritize comfort for exploring this vast park.
🎟️ Ticket Purchase Advice
Consider booking through your hotel or a tour for easier access, as the official site is in Chinese.
☁️ Manage Weather Expectations
Cloudy days can obscure views, but also add to the mystical atmosphere. Pack layers!
⬆️ Bailong Elevator Strategy
Consider riding the elevator down to avoid some of the ascent crowds.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Navigation can be challenging. Having offline maps can be a lifesaver for exploring the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awestruck by the breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes of Wulingyuan, often comparing it to the movie Avatar. The sheer scale of the sandstone pillars and unique geological formations are major highlights. However, some find the park's organization and navigation challenging, with limited English information and potentially crowded conditions, especially at popular attractions like the Bailong Elevator.
"The park is really big, you can buy a ticket of 4 days visit. You should buy with the help of a hotel or a tour because otherwise you need a Chinese number and to know Chinese because the official site is in Chinese. I suggest to enter from the east part in wulkngyuan and to do the bailong elevator in the way down so you avoid so much crowds."
Riccardo
"Manage your expectation. I was so excited and expected too much because of what I've seen on fb, Instagram and YouTube. Also, it was cloudy the morning we were here so it probably add up. I was here Sept 2nd
I booked a vip tour so there was no much waiting."
Paloma
"A category 5A tourist attraction in China. The nature is breathtaking and it is the place where the movie Avatar was filmed. That makes this place even more popular. Be reminded that the journey is a long walk up and down hills with stairs, so the elderly should walk slowly and firmly. To wander up here is not easy. It requires a few connections with the national park coach. Information about the connections is quite limited and the drivers and Chinese officers are not helpful at all. Also, the coaches drive super fast through curves, which is very dangerous."
Tony Chote
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus or taxi from Zhangjiajie city to Wulingyuan District. Buses are frequent and more economical. The journey takes about 40-60 minutes.
The park has shuttle buses connecting major attractions, but be prepared for significant walking and stairs to explore fully.
Yes, Zhangjiajie has a train station, and you can then take a bus or taxi to Wulingyuan District.
Some travelers have reported that the coaches drive fast through curves, so exercise caution.
Many visitors enter from the east side of Wulingyuan. Consider your planned route when choosing an entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets typically offer a multi-day pass (e.g., 4 days). Prices can vary, and it's advisable to check current rates.
The official ticketing website is primarily in Chinese and may require a Chinese phone number. Booking through your hotel or a tour operator is often easier.
The park is generally open year-round, but specific attraction hours, like the Bailong Elevator, may vary. It's best to check locally.
Information on discounts can be limited. It's recommended to inquire at the ticket office or through your tour provider.
Your park entrance ticket usually covers access to most areas, but specific attractions like the Bailong Elevator might have separate fees.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Avatar Mountains' in Yuanjiajie, the Bailong Elevator, and the stunning vistas from Tianzi Mountain.
Expect a lot of walking, including numerous stairs. It's a physically demanding but rewarding experience.
While beautiful, the extensive walking and stairs can be challenging for the elderly. They should proceed slowly and carefully.
It's a massive outdoor glass elevator that takes you up the cliff face, offering incredible views. It can get crowded. 
Yes, winter offers a unique, frozen 'Avatar' world experience, though weather can be unpredictable.
📸 📸 Photography
Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and the areas around the Bailong Elevator offer iconic photo opportunities. +1
Cloudy days can create a mystical, ethereal atmosphere, perfect for moody shots. The 'sun in a Chinese painting' effect is sometimes captured.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can help isolate the unique pillar formations.
Following marked trails and using park maps will help you find the most scenic overlooks.
Yes, the elevator offers unique perspectives, but it can be crowded, so be ready to snap quickly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for areas with more open spaces where kids can safely move around. The Bailong Elevator can be a thrilling ride for children, offering a unique perspective without the strenuous climb.
+1 Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options within the park can be limited and expensive. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Pack your own food and drinks to avoid inflated prices within the park.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Golden hour (early morning and late afternoon) can provide dramatic lighting, but be prepared for crowds at popular viewpoints.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'Avatar' Connection
+1The most iconic area associated with the film is Yuanjiajie, where formations like the 'Hallelujah Mountains' (now officially named Yuanjiajie) can be seen. The sheer scale and unique shapes of these pillars create an otherworldly atmosphere that truly transports visitors.
While the park is a natural wonder, the 'Avatar' label adds a layer of cinematic magic, making it a must-visit for fans of the movie and anyone seeking a truly unique natural spectacle.
Navigating the Bailong Elevator
+1Due to its popularity, the elevator can experience long queues, especially during peak hours. Some visitors suggest riding it down from Yuanjiajie to avoid the longest ascent crowds, or to consider a VIP tour if available.
Be prepared for the sheer scale and speed of the elevator. While it significantly cuts down on hiking time, it's still advisable to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing plenty of walking once you reach the top or bottom.
Exploring Tianzi Mountain
This area offers a different perspective on the sandstone formations, with many visitors describing the views as akin to a traditional Chinese ink painting. Key spots include Yubi Peak (Imperial Writing Brush Peak), a distinctive pillar that stands out against the sky.
+1Accessing Tianzi Mountain often involves a combination of park shuttle buses and walking. The trails here can be steep, but the reward is unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of serene isolation, especially if you visit during less crowded times.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit