Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China

Zhangjiajie, China, Zhangjiajie, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Best Hiking Trails Around the World

Best Hiking Trails Around the World in Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China

1. Avatar Mountain (Yuanjiajie Scenic Area)

A stunning hiking trail inspired by the movie 'Avatar', offering breathtaking views of towering sandstone pillars.
  • Unique Landscape: Features otherworldly landscapes, resembling the floating mountains from the movie Avatar.
  • Biodiversity: Home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, including the rare and endangered golden monkey.
  • Spectacular Viewpoints: Offers numerous viewpoints providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

2. Tianmen Mountain

A challenging hike leading to the Tianmen Temple atop a vertical cliff, featuring the famous 'Heaven's Gate' natural archway.
  • Stairway to Heaven: Includes the world's longest and tallest concrete stairway with over 999 steps.
  • Scenic Cableway: Features a cable car ride offering breathtaking views of the forest-covered mountain.
  • Tianmen Temple: The ancient Tianmen Temple atop the mountain is a historical and spiritual attraction.

3. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

A network of hiking trails through a vast canyon showcasing unique geological formations and lush vegetation.
  • Grand Canyon Spectacle: Boasts the largest and most spectacular canyon in China.
  • Glass Bridge Experience: Features a glass bridge offering thrilling views over the deep canyon.
  • Natural Hot Springs: Includes natural hot springs for relaxation after a day of hiking.

4. Golden Summer Mountain (Huangshan Yellow Mountains)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular sunrise and sunset views from the peaks.
  • Sunrises & Sunsets: Known for its incredible sunrises and sunsets, creating a spectacle of colors over the mountains.
  • Pine Trees & Rocky Peaks: Featuring iconic scenes of pine trees growing on cliffs and granite peaks.
  • Cloud Sea Experience: During favorable weather, the sea of clouds forms a breathtaking sight over the mountains.

5. Yellow Dragon Cave (Huanglong Cave)

A labyrinthine cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.
  • Underground Palace: Referred to as the 'underground palace', showcasing a vast array of colorful stalactite and stalagmite formations.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark Minerals: Some stalactites and stalagmites contain minerals that emit a soft glow in the dark.
  • Bat Observation Deck: Provides an observation deck for watching thousands of bats exiting the cave at dusk.

6. Tianzishan

A serene hiking trail featuring ancient temples and tranquil pools amidst towering cliffs.
  • Ancient Temples: Includes several ancient Taoist temples with intricate carvings.
  • Tranquil Pools: Features peaceful pools nestled among the cliffs, offering a chance to relax and take in the scenery.
  • Tianzi Peak: Reaches Tianzi Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

7. Jishou Ancient City

A well-preserved ancient city with narrow alleyways and traditional architecture.
  • Ancient Architecture: Showcases the unique architectural style of the Tujia ethnic minority.
  • Traditional Culture: Preserves traditional Tujia culture, offering insights into their customs and way of life.
  • Food & Crafts Market: Features a market selling local food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

8. Xibu Ancient Town

A charming old town with well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture.
  • Well-Preserved Architecture: Showcases well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architectural styles.
  • Local Culture & Customs: Provides a glimpse into local Tujia culture, including traditional dances and costumes.
  • Food Delights: Offers a variety of delicious local dishes, such as smoked fish and spicy tofu.

9. Fenghuang Ancient Town

A picturesque ancient town known for its colorful buildings and bustling market.
  • Colorful Buildings: Features vibrant, multi-storied buildings adorned with intricate wood carvings.
  • Bustling Market: Offers a lively market selling local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.
  • Dong Culture: Showcases the unique Dong ethnic minority culture, including their music and dance.

10. Jiangkou Wind-Rain Bridge

A traditional wooden arch bridge located in Fenghuang Ancient Town.
  • Architectural Masterpiece: An exquisite example of Dong ethnic minority architecture.
  • Historic Significance: Constructed during the Qing Dynasty, it's a significant piece of historical architecture.
  • Photography Opportunities: Provides excellent photo opportunities with its scenic location and intricate design.

11. Xihu (West Lake) in Fenghuang Ancient Town

A serene lake located within Fenghuang Ancient Town, offering stunning views and peaceful ambiance.
  • Stunning Scenery: Features beautiful scenery with traditional buildings surrounding the lake.
  • Boat Rides: Offers boat rides for exploring the lake and enjoying the scenic views.
  • Local Culture & Cuisine: Provides an opportunity to experience local culture and cuisine at nearby restaurants.

12. Wulingyuan Scenic Area

A vast nature reserve showcasing unique karst formations and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Karst Landscapes: Includes a network of valleys featuring unique sandstone pillars and towers.
  • Biodiversity: Home to numerous plant and animal species, including the endangered snub-nosed monkey.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers a variety of hiking trails catering to different levels of difficulty.

13. Yongding Tulou Cluster

A cluster of circular earth buildings, known as Tulou, used by the Hakka people for protection against invaders.
  • Circular Earth Buildings: Features a unique circular design made from earth and wood.
  • Historical Significance: Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these buildings have historical significance.
  • Local Culture & Traditions: Provides insights into the unique Hakka culture and traditions.

14. Gaolan Mountain Scenic Area

A scenic area featuring limestone karst formations, dense forests, and crystal-clear lakes.
  • Karst Landforms: Includes a variety of karst landforms such as towering peaks, caves, and underground rivers.
  • Lush Vegetation: Features dense forests teeming with diverse plant and animal life.
  • Crystal-Clear Lakes: Boasts several crystal-clear lakes offering opportunities for swimming and boating.

15. Jiangkou Valley

A stunning valley featuring vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and dense forests.
  • Vertical Cliffs & Waterfalls: Features impressive vertical cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
  • Dense Forests: Offers hiking trails through dense forests, providing a peaceful retreat.
  • Rare Plant Species: Hosts several rare plant species found only in this area.