Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain — Picturesque Landscape and Exceptional Geoparks

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province of China

Relationship Between Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie is a city in Hunan Province known for two famous mountains:

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, renowned for its narrow sandstone pillars and peaks.

Tianmen Mountain, known for its Karst landscapes.

Zhangjiajie city was originally a small town named after Zhang Liang (? — 189 BC), a successful statesman who assisted Emperor Liu Bang in building the Han Dynasty (202 BC — 220 AD).

After stabilizing the Han empire, Zhang Liang resigned, relinquishing all power and noble titles.

He sought solace in a beautiful place, where he practiced Taoism.

This serene location later became known as Zhangjiajie, signifying Zhang's homeland.

Autumn View of Shentang Gulf in Zhangjiajie, Photo by Liu Ying.

Brief Introduction to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a crucial component of the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

As a World Geopark, it is home to a vast array of plant and animal species.

The park boasts over 3000 quartzite sandstone pillars, with some believed to have inspired the Floating Mountains featured in the movie Avatar.

Prototype of Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — The Pillar of Southern Heaven

Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain was initially named the Mountain of Dream, with its main peak standing as the tallest (1518.6 meters) in the Zhangjiajie area.

It earned its current name from a natural cave that emerged suddenly during the Three Kingdoms Era (220 — 280), resembling a gate to the holy heaven.

Hence, the mountain is aptly named Tianmen (Gate to Heaven).

Natural Stone Gate in Tianmen Mountain

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Attractions

Grand Stone Bridge, or Tianxia Diyi Qiao

A famous natural stone bridge (50 meters long, 350 meters high) connected two peaks near where some people see deities in local legends.

Highest Natural Stone Bridge Connects Two Peaks in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The Highest Natural Stone Bridge that Connects Two Peaks, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Stunning Peaks of Tianzi Mountain in Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie, Photo by Dongfang IC.

Suspending Terrace, or Kongzhong Tianyuan, in Laowuchang Area of Zhangjiajie

Suspending Terrace, or Kongzhong Tianyuan, in Laowuchang Scenic Area of Zhangjiajie, Photo from HPA.

Shentang Gulf, A Restricted Area in Zhangjiajie with Mysterious Sounds and Dangerous Legends, Photo by Zhao Xin.

Golden Whip Brook or Jinbianxi in Zhangjiajie, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Golden Whip Brook or Jinbianxi, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Ten Mile Gallery, or Shili Hualang, A Picturesque Valley in Zhangjiajie.

Ten Mile Gallery, or Shili Hualang, A Picturesque Valley Consists of Stunning Peaks, Rivers, and Plants, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Bailong Elevator or Bailong Tianti in Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area of Zhangjiajie

326 Meters' Bailong Elevator or Bailong Tianti in Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, the World's Tallest Outdoor Lift, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Beautiful Baofeng Lake or Baofeng Hu in Zhangjiajie, Photo by Ma Li.

Impressive Attractions of Tianmen Mountain

Tianmen Mountain Cableway in Zhangjiajie.

Tianmen Mountain Cableway, 7455 Meters Long with A Climbing Angle of 38 Degrees, Photo by Fengkuang Dongge.

Twisted Winding Road, or Tongtian Dadao, Along the Tianmen Mountain in Zhangjiajie.

1600 Meters' Long Plank Path, or Guigu Zhandao, Along Steep Cliffs of Tianmen Mountain, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie.

Tianmenshan Temple, Firstly Built in the Tang Dynasty (618 —907) and Rebuilt Several Times, Photo from the Official Site of Zhangjiajie.

Other Impressive Attractions in Zhangjiajie City

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge in Grand Canyon

Glass Bridge in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, the 430 Meters Long and 300 Meters Tall Glass Skywalk, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie.

Yellow Dragon Cave or Huanglong Dong in Zhangjiajie

Yellow Dragon Cave or Huanglong Dong, An Over 100, 000 Square Meters Large Karst Cave, Photo from Official Site of Zhangjiajie.

Beautiful Hibiscus Town, or Furong Ancient Town, Near Zhangjiajie and Its Tujia Culture.

Zushidian Palace complex in Laosicheng Site near Zhangjiajie

Zushidian Palace complex in Laosicheng Site, A Political, Cultural, and Economical Center of Pengshi Tusi that was Built in the Year 1135, Photo by Lu Ruisheng.