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Avatar Mountains - ZhangJiaJie China 🇨🇳
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Avatar Mountains Adventure
This week we’re exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the famous Avatar Mountains and one of the most breathtaking landscapes we’ve ever seen.
Over two unforgettable days we rode the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, explored Yuanjiajie, crossed the First Bridge Under Heaven, hiked...
This week we’re exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the famous Avatar Mountains and one of the most breathtaking landscapes we’ve ever seen.<br><br>Over two unforgettable days we rode the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, explored Yuanjiajie, crossed the First Bridge Under Heaven, hiked through Yangjiajie, visited Tianzi Mountain, walked the stunning Golden Whip Stream, and rode multiple cable cars above the towering sandstone pillars.<br><br>Along the way we spotted plenty of wild monkeys, captured some incredible drone footage, and enjoyed some amazing local food. We finished our time in Zhangjiajie by visiting the spectacular 72 Strange Buildings district at night.<br><br>If you’re planning a trip to China, Zhangjiajie deserves a place at the top of your bucket list!<br><br>• Bailong Elevator<br>• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area<br>• Avatar Mountains<br>• First Bridge Under Heaven
This vlog takes you on an unforgettable journey through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where the iconic Avatar Mountains rise from the mist. The traveler rides the world's tallest outdoor elevator, hikes through ancient forests, and crosses the First Bridge Under Heaven. Wild monkeys, delicious local food, and stunning drone footage make this a must-watch for any China travel enthusiast.
This week we’re exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the famous Avatar Mountains and one of the most breathtaking landscapes we’ve ever seen.<br><br>Over two unforgettable days we rode the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, explored Yuanjiajie, crossed the First Bridge Under Heaven, hiked through Yangjiajie, visited Tianzi Mountain, walked the stunning Golden Whip Stream, and rode multiple cable cars above the towering sandstone pillars.<br><br>Along the way we spotted plenty of wild monkeys, captured some incredible drone footage, and enjoyed some amazing local food. We finished our time in Zhangjiajie by visiting the spectacular 72 Strange Buildings district at night.<br><br>If you’re planning a trip to China, Zhangjiajie deserves a place at the top of your bucket list!<br><br>• Bailong Elevator<br>• Yuanjiajie Scenic Area<br>• Avatar Mountains<br>• First Bridge Under Heaven
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has a way of making even the most well-travelled visitor feel like they've stepped onto another planet. In this two-day adventure, Bo and Emily arrived at East Gate full of excitement, only to hit a small snag: tickets needed to be activated with their passports, and they were a few minutes late. A quick reschedule solved it, and soon they were heading toward the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator. For someone who hates heights, that ride straight up the limestone cliff was terrifying and unforgettable, but the payoff was immediate. At the top, Yuanjiajie unfolded like Pandora from Avatar, with towering sandstone pillars disappearing into the mist.
The first day was packed with iconic sights. Standing at the First Bridge Under Heaven, they looked down a sheer drop between two limestone pillars, the walkway covered in red ribbons left by visitors hoping for good luck. From there, a cable car carried them to Yangjiajie, where the so-called Natural Great Wall divides the park. Instead of taking the easy way down, they chose a quieter route called One Step to the Sky. It involved a steep ladder, narrow cliffside paths, and plenty of nerve-racking moments, but it was worth it: fewer crowds, incredible views, and that rare feeling of having discovered a hidden gem.
Things got even more spontaneous when a landslide forced the trail to close halfway down. They had to scramble all the way back up and take the cable car from the top instead. Food turned out to be an unexpected highlight. The park is dotted with small stalls and restaurants, even along remote hiking trails. For around twelve Australian dollars, the pair loaded up on cold noodles, egg noodles, rice noodles, and oversized wonton-like dumplings, all fresh and spicy. They also discovered that getting around the park is surprisingly simple with an all-inclusive ticket that covers shuttle buses and cable cars.
The shuttle drivers, though, seemed to have no brakes, flying around corners at top speed before dropping them at Tianzi Mountain. There, the landscape shifts from Avatar-style pillars into a more traditional national park panorama, and viewpoints like the one near Youngqing Rock left them almost speechless. Day two took a different route. Instead of returning to the crowded clifftop paths, Bo and Emily went down to the valley floor to follow the Golden Whip Stream. From below, the same limestone giants felt even more enormous, and the peaceful river made the walk tranquil and immersive.
It wasn't just the scenery: wild monkeys appeared along the trail, casually scratching and watching as visitors passed. They were placid and uninterested, but the rule was clear - never feed them, because if you do, they'll come after you. After two hours and seven kilometres of walking, the pair headed up to Huangshi Village by cable car. The area was quieter than the main attractions, and walking along the cliff edge felt like being in the heavens. With barely anyone else around, the views seemed almost private.
The adventure ended on a completely different note. Bad weather cancelled their final morning plans, so they added a bonus stop to the 72 Strange Buildings, a massive illuminated structure in Zhangjiajie with traditional Chinese architecture. It turned out to be far bigger than expected, with cultural dances, light displays, and food stalls charging local prices rather than tourist prices. A custard-like yogurt bun and spicy rice paper roll made for a perfect late-night snack. The night show was the cherry on top, and by the end Bo was ready to declare Zhangjiajie the best place he had ever been. His advice to future travellers: buy the full ticket, see as much of the park as possible, and don't skip the little extras after dark.
For two days, Bo explored Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the real-life backdrop for Avatar. He rode the terrifying Bailong Elevator, crossed the First Bridge Under Heaven, hiked quiet cliff trails, and dodged wild monkeys along the valley stream. He wrapped up with a night at the glowing 72 Strange Buildings. The verdict? He called it the best place he's ever been.
Bo explores Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains, rides cable cars, hikes cliff trails, meets wild monkeys, and finishes at the glowing 72 Strange Buildings.
Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains & Bailong Elevator: Two-Day Hiking Guide
0:27 Arrive at East Gate with your passport; tickets must be activated with it. If you miss your entry slot, rescheduling is possible, so don't panic. Budget extra time for the ticket process.
1:04 Take the Bailong Elevator even if you fear heights. It shoots up a cliff and offers spectacular views; the tunnel approach is dramatic, and the top opens onto the Avatar-like Yuanjiajie scenery. Worth conquering the nerves.
3:36 Walk across First Bridge Under Heaven and notice the red ribbons tied along it; they symbolize good luck. The bridge connects two limestone pillars and drops away steeply on both sides, making it a photogenic highlight.
5:19 Choose the One Step to the Sky hike instead of the cable car. It is steep with ladders and cliffside paths, and much less crowded. Be prepared for vertigo, but the views from the side of the limestone cliffs are extraordinary.
7:45 Don't pack a full lunch for Zhangjiajie; the park has food stalls and small restaurants everywhere, even on remote hikes. Cold noodles, egg noodles, rice noodles, and wontons cost around 12 Australian dollars and taste fresh and spicy.
10:27 The shuttle buses in the park move fast and wind around corners, so hold on. Use the all-inclusive ticket to combine buses and cable cars; it makes getting between Tianzi Mountain and other areas surprisingly simple.
14:24 On the bottom valley trail, you'll encounter wild monkeys. They are placid and won't approach unless you carry food; never feed them, keep moving, and respect their space.
22:08 At the 72 Strange Buildings, try the local snacks; filled buns cost about eight yuan each, or around two Australian dollars. Beef and yogurt-custard versions are available, plus spicy wontons and rice paper rolls, all surprisingly budget-friendly.
0:27 Arrive at East Gate with your passport; tickets must be activated with it. If you miss your entry slot, rescheduling is possible, so don't panic. Budget extra time for the ticket process.
1:04 Take the Bailong Elevator even if you fear heights. It shoots up a cliff and offers spectacular views; the tunnel approach is dramatic, and the top opens onto the Avatar-like Yuanjiajie scenery. Worth conquering the nerves.
3:36 Walk across First Bridge Under Heaven and notice the red ribbons tied along it; they symbolize good luck. The bridge connects two limestone pillars and drops away steeply on both sides, making it a photogenic highlight.
5:19 Choose the One Step to the Sky hike instead of the cable car. It is steep with ladders and cliffside paths, and much less crowded. Be prepared for vertigo, but the views from the side of the limestone cliffs are extraordinary.
7:45 Don't pack a full lunch for Zhangjiajie; the park has food stalls and small restaurants everywhere, even on remote hikes. Cold noodles, egg noodles, rice noodles, and wontons cost around 12 Australian dollars and taste fresh and spicy.
10:27 The shuttle buses in the park move fast and wind around corners, so hold on. Use the all-inclusive ticket to combine buses and cable cars; it makes getting between Tianzi Mountain and other areas surprisingly simple.
14:24 On the bottom valley trail, you'll encounter wild monkeys. They are placid and won't approach unless you carry food; never feed them, keep moving, and respect their space.
22:08 At the 72 Strange Buildings, try the local snacks; filled buns cost about eight yuan each, or around two Australian dollars. Beef and yogurt-custard versions are available, plus spicy wontons and rice paper rolls, all surprisingly budget-friendly.
0:27 East Gate ticket passport activation
1:04 Riding the Bailong Elevator
2:26 Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains revealed
3:36 Crossing First Bridge Under Heaven
5:19 Hiking One Step to the Sky
10:27 Exploring Tianzi Mountain area
12:42 Walking Four Winding Rivers Stream
16:10 Cable car to Huangshi Village
21:44 72 Strange Buildings night visit
0:27 East Gate ticket passport activation
1:04 Riding the Bailong Elevator
2:26 Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountains revealed
3:36 Crossing First Bridge Under Heaven
5:19 Hiking One Step to the Sky
10:27 Exploring Tianzi Mountain area
12:42 Walking Four Winding Rivers Stream
16:10 Cable car to Huangshi Village
21:44 72 Strange Buildings night visit
What was the biggest challenge when entering Zhangjiajie National Forest Park?
Getting through the ticket gate. We had to activate our tickets with our passports at East Gate, and because we were a few minutes late, they made us reschedule. It wasn't too hard once we sorted it, but definitely allow extra time.
Is the Bailong Elevator scary if you're afraid of heights?
I absolutely hate heights and was about to crap myself, but it was so worth it. The elevator shoots straight up beside the cliff, and when you step out into Yuanjiajie, it honestly looks exactly like the world of Avatar.
Can you find good food inside the national park?
Yes, seriously don't pack a lunch. There are food stalls everywhere, even on remote hikes. We had cold noodles, egg noodles, rice noodles and huge wonton-like dumplings for about 12 Australian dollars. It was fresh, spicy and delicious.
Are the monkeys in the park dangerous?
They're pretty placid and don't come near you, but they'll definitely come after you if you have food. We just kept walking, didn't feed them, and respected that we were in their home. It was so cool to watch the babies.
What was the 72 Strange Buildings like?
We didn't really know what to expect, but it was huge and lit up with amazing Chinese architecture. There were cultural dances, cheap food, and a show that made the whole night feel like the cherry on top of the trip.
