Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, known for its breathtaking scenery, is located in the northwest of Hunan province. Home to China’s first national forest park, Zhangjiajie is endowed with striking natural beauty, its dramatic pinnacles a distinctive feature of the Chinese landscape that are found in many a traditional Chinese painting. They are also said to be the inspiration for the film Avatar. Throughout the park there are more than 3,000 of these narrow limestone pillars, many over 200m high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls and caves as well as two magnificent natural bridges. It is also home to a number of endangered plant and animal species and is a UNESCO listed site that was awarded the title of “World Geological Park” in 2004.

In August 2016, a glass bridge across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon area opened to the public. Spanning 430 metres long and 300 metres high, it is said to be the world’s highest and longest glass bridge ever constructed.