Overview
Yuanjiajie is one of the most famous scenic areas inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known worldwide for its surreal sandstone pillars rising thousands of meters above forest valleys.
The landscape here inspired the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar, turning Yuanjiajie into the park’s most iconic viewpoint area.
Visitors reach the top either by hiking or by taking the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator that lifts visitors 326 meters up the cliff in under two minutes.
Once at the top, a network of cliffside paths connects spectacular viewpoints such as First Bridge Under Heaven, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, and panoramic platforms overlooking endless stone pillars.
Why Visit
Zhangjiajie is famous for its pillar mountains, but Yuanjiajie is where the scenery becomes truly unforgettable.
Here, the landscape opens into a dramatic stone labyrinth where hundreds of narrow sandstone pillars rise from deep forest valleys. In the morning mist, the peaks appear to float above the clouds, creating the dreamlike scenery that made Zhangjiajie internationally famous.
The experience is not just about a single viewpoint. Walking along Yuanjiajie’s cliffside paths reveals constantly changing perspectives: stone bridges connecting peaks, vertical cliffs plunging hundreds of meters below, and forests filling the valleys like a green ocean.
For many travelers, Yuanjiajie is the moment when Zhangjiajie finally feels real: the exact landscape they imagined when they first saw photos of the Avatar Mountains.
- Fast Facts
- Location: Hunan
- Area: ~12 km²
- Elevation: ~1,074m
- Travel Pace: Moderate walking
Yuanjiajie Highlights
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
First Bridge Under Heaven
Bailong Elevator Experience
Lost Soul Platform
Featured Yuanjiajie Travel Packages
Practical Guide for Visiting Yuanjiajie
Open Hours
07:00 – 17:00 (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park schedule)
Tickets
Included in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park entrance ticket (~¥224, ~US$33, valid 4 days).
Best Time
April – June and September – November for clear views and comfortable weather.
How Long
2–3 hours is enough to explore the main viewpoints.
Transportation
Typical route inside the park: Take the eco-bus to Bailong Elevator, then ride the elevator to the Yuanjiajie plateau. Alternatively, visitors can reach Yuanjiajie from Tianzi Mountain by shuttle bus.
More Tips
Visit early in the morning to avoid large tour groups; Misty weather often creates the famous “floating mountain” effect.
Yuanjiajie Travel Itinerary Inspiration
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FAQ
Why is Yuanjiajie called the Avatar Mountains?
The sandstone pillar known as Southern Sky Column inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. After the movie’s release, it was renamed Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.
Is Yuanjiajie the best place in Zhangjiajie?
For many visitors, yes. It contains some of the most iconic views in the entire park and is often the highlight of a Zhangjiajie itinerary.
Do you need the Bailong Elevator?
No. You can hike up from the valley, but the climb takes about 2–3 hours. Most travelers take the elevator up and explore the plateau trails.
Is Yuanjiajie crowded?
It is one of the most popular areas in the park. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid the largest tour groups.
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