Zhangjiajie in northwestern Hunan Province is home to one of the planet's most surreal geological wonders: Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where over 3,000 towering quartz-sandstone pillars and spires rise out of misty ravines, famously inspiring the floating "Hallelujah Mountains" in James Cameron's Avatar.
The core park requires at least two full days to explore properly. Ride the dramatic glass-sided Bailong Elevator—the world's tallest outdoor cliff lift—up to the Yuanjiajie plateau, and hike along the tranquil shaded banks of the Golden Whip Stream (Jinbianxi) where macaque monkeys roam wild along the valley floor. Comfortable hiking footwear and waterproof jackets are essential, as mountain rains frequently roll in.
South of the city, visit Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate Mountain) by riding the world's longest passenger cableway directly from the downtown train station. Walk transparent glass cliff-edge skywalks suspended over 1,400-meter drops before descending the 999 steep stone stairs through the colossal natural water-eroded Tianmen Cave.
