Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area is located in Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. As a national 5A-level scenic area, it consists of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Suoxiyu Nature Reserve, and Yangjiajie Nature Reserve, covering a total area of 397 square kilometers, among which the quartz sandstone peak forest landform accounts for 264 square kilometers. With complex geological structures and unique landform landscapes, the area is renowned for "three thousand strange peaks and eight hundred beautiful waters", featuring the distinctive Zhangjiajie landform. It is both a World Natural Heritage and a World Geopark.
History and Culture
Wulingyuan anciently belonged to border areas. Before the Qin Dynasty, it was part of Qianzhong County; since the Han Dynasty, it has been under the jurisdiction of Wuling County; during the Republic of China, it was divided into multiple administrative supervision areas in Hunan Province; after the founding of the People's Republic of China, it was respectively subordinate to Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture and Changde Prefecture. For generations, ethnic minorities such as the Tujia, Bai, and Miao have inhabited here, preserving unique folk cultures, including the full-front lapel clothing of Tujia men and women, exquisite brocades, drip beds, and bamboo back baskets. Tujia stilt houses complement the magical mountains and waters, while wedding customs like "crying marriage" and "competing for marriage beds" continue to this day. "Guoganian" (celebrating New Year ahead of schedule), "April 8th", and "June 6th" are grand traditional festivals. The Tujia people are good at singing and dancing, with unique performances such as hand-waving dance and bronze bell dance, and representative traditional operas like Maogusi and Nuo opera. Additionally, many literati's works have mentioned "Wulingyuan", endowing it with rich cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
As China's first national forest park, it covers an area of 130 square kilometers and can be divided into six sub-scenic areas: Huangshizhai, Pipa Stream, Jinbian Stream, Yaozi Village, Shedao Gully, and Yuanjiajie. Huangshizhai is the most famous sub-scenic area, featuring more than 20 attractions such as the Heavenly Book Treasure Box and Nantian Yizhu (Southern Sky Pillar). Other attractions include Jinbian Rock, Divine Eagle Protecting the Whip, and Husband-Wife Rock.
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
Located in the north of Wulingyuan, with a total area of 67 square kilometers and a maximum altitude of 1,262.5 meters, it is named after Xiang Dakun, an ancient Tujia leader who called himself "Son of Heaven". Known as the "King of Peak Forests", it features stone peaks standing in the east, west, and south, with crisscrossing gullies. Main attractions include Fairy Presenting Flowers, Yubi Feng (Imperial Brush Peak), Tianzi Pavilion, and Yunqing Rock.
Suoxiyu Scenic Area
Adjacent to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in the west and Tianzi Mountain in the north, it covers a total area of 160 square kilometers. In the late stage of peak forest evolution, the area features harmonious landscapes of mountains and waters, including attractions like Baofeng Lake. Baofeng Lake is a component of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (World Natural Heritage, World Geopark, and one of the first national 5A-level tourist areas), belonging to a lake-type natural scenic area that combines natural landscapes and human folk customs within the Zhangjiajie landform.
Yangjiajie Scenic Area
Connected to Zhangjiajie in the east and adjacent to Tianzi Mountain in the north, it covers an area of 34 square kilometers with a maximum altitude of 1,130 meters. In the juvenile stage of peak forest evolution, it features crisscrossing gullies, clear streams, dense vegetation, and a forest coverage rate of up to 95%.
Cuisine
Sanguo Guo (Three-Dish Hot Pot)
A characteristic dish of Zhangjiajie, stewing ingredients like cured meat, tofu, and radish together, with a rich flavor and mellow taste.
Tujia Mixed Vegetables
Stir-fried with multiple ingredients such as shredded meat, bean sprouts, and vermicelli, it is nutritious and full of Tujia flavor.
Xiangxi Sour Meat
Made by marinating and fermenting pork before stir-frying, it is sour, fragrant, and appetizing, a traditional local food.
Haizi Baba (Artemisia Cake)
Prepared with artemisia, glutinous rice flour, etc., it carries the fragrance of artemisia and has a soft and sticky texture.
Tickets
Ticket + environmental protection vehicle + insurance: 227 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "张家界国家森林公园" on WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Regular opening hours are 7:00-18:00, which may be adjusted according to seasons and actual conditions.
Tour Routes
Route entering from Wulingyuan Sign Gate (East Gate): Take the scenic area bus to the lower station of Tianzi Mountain Cableway first, then take the cableway up to visit Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area. The attraction sequence is Tianzi Mountain Cableway Upper Station - Helong Park (Fairy Presenting Flowers - Yubi Feng - Tianzi Pavilion - Yunqing Rock - Viewing Platform) - Boarding Point towards Yangjiajie, then proceed to visit Yangjiajie and Yuanjiajie Scenic Areas. Alternatively, start with Bailong Elevator, visit Yuanjiajie and Yangjiajie Scenic Areas first, and finally tour Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area. Route entering from Tianzi Mountain Ticket Gate: Take the scenic area bus to Sanchakou first, visit Daguan Terrace and Sky Farmland, then tour Helong Park.
Transportation
- After arriving at Zhangjiajie High-speed Railway West Station, you can take a city-view bus or taxi to Wulingyuan District (about 30-40 minutes' drive).
- After arriving at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport, take a taxi or Bus No. 4 to the downtown central bus station first, then transfer to a city-view bus to Wulingyuan District.
- After arriving at Zhangjiajie Railway Station, walk to the downtown central bus station (next to the railway station) first, then transfer to a city-view bus to Wulingyuan District.
- For self-driving, exit the highway at Wulingyuan Transport Hub, Yangjiajie Transport Hub, or Zhangjiajie West Transport Hub to reach Wulingyuan District.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Huangshizhai: The most famous sub-scenic area in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, with the saying "Without visiting Huangshizhai, the trip to Zhangjiajie is in vain". It has numerous attractions like the Heavenly Book Treasure Box and Nantian Yizhu, offering spectacular peak forest views.
- Jinbian Stream: 5,700 meters long, with clear water, varied rapids, and small fish swimming. The stream is surrounded by beautiful flowers and singing birds, allowing visitors to enjoy a painting-like journey along the clear stream.
- Yubi Feng (Imperial Brush Peak): One of the best attractions in Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, several thin and tall peaks resemble inverted writing brushes, which was the scene of Zhangjiajie's first issued stamp in 1999, presenting a spectacular and amazing view.
- Baofeng Lake: As a component of Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (World Natural Heritage, World Geopark, and one of the first national 5A-level tourist areas), it features beautiful lake and mountain scenery, along with rich folk custom performances.
Tour Tips
- Plan your itinerary in advance and choose a suitable tour route according to your time and interests.
- Wear comfortable sports shoes due to the steep mountains and rugged roads in the scenic area.
- Carry rain gear as the mountain weather is changeable and may rain at any time.
- If time permits, stay in the scenic area to deeply experience its beauty.
Precautions
- Choose to travel and tour by legal operating vehicles, and resolutely resist and refuse to take illegal operating vehicles.
- Strictly abide by fire prevention regulations, and do not smoke, barbecue, or use open fire in flammable gathering places or areas with fire prevention tips.
- Observe public order, cherish public facilities, and ensure personal protection for safe touring.
- Dine civilly, use public chopsticks and spoons, put an end to food waste, and practice the "Clean Plate Campaign".
- Protect the ecological environment, do not damage vegetation at will, and do not litter.