Zhangjiajie National Forest

Zhangjiajie National Forest lies within the Wulingyuan Scenic Area of Hunan Province, China. Thousands of sandstone pillars rise like stone trees, separated by deep ravines filled with streams and subtropical forest. Wind, rain, and frost carved the pillars over millions of years, creating shapes with names such as the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Golden Whip Stream valley, and the Ten-Mile Gallery. The park became China’s first national forest park in 1982 and later earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its rare quartzite sandstone landforms.

Ancient villagers farmed small terraced fields on the lower slopes and told stories of dragons and heroic outlaws hiding among the peaks. Today, ranger stations monitor wildlife ranging from rhesus macaques and clouded leopards to rare plants like dove trees and relict firs. Scientists study how sandstone joints crack and how vegetation roots stabilize cliffs. Environmental sensors track soil moisture, while drones map landslides after heavy rains.

Tourism infrastructure blends cableways, glass elevators, and suspended bridges with traditional footpaths. The Bailong Elevator, built into a cliff, carries visitors 326 meters to the plateau in under two minutes. Glass skywalks cling to Tianmen Mountain, letting guests look straight down at the valley. Shuttle buses and boardwalks spread visitors across multiple zones, while daily quotas and off-season maintenance help protect fragile trails from erosion.

Local communities in Zhangjiajie City and surrounding Tujia and Miao villages showcase folk dances, silver jewelry, and sour fish dishes for travelers. Cultural centers highlight wooden stilt houses, brocade weaving, and the role of forests in ethnic traditions. Schools run eco-camps where students test water chemistry, identify medicinal herbs, and practice sketching pillar silhouettes. Park guides emphasize Leave No Trace rules, such as packing out trash and staying on marked routes.

Climate change and mass tourism present ongoing challenges. Park managers plant native trees to stabilize slopes, limit fireworks during festivals, and upgrade wastewater treatment at mountain hotels. Research programs examine how rising temperatures affect fog patterns that feed mosses and orchids. Through cooperation between scientists, elders, and entrepreneurs, Zhangjiajie National Forest shows how world-famous scenery can support both conservation and local livelihoods.