Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Facts

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We’ve created this list of 35+ fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park !

In addition to over 35 fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, learn more about its geography, plants, animals, people, cultures, legends, and so much more!

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a scenic area located in the northern part of the Hunan Province in China. It is famous for its unique natural scenery, including towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning waterfalls.

The park covers an area of about 11,900 acres and is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to over 3,000 unique sandstone pillars, many of which are over 200 meters tall. These pillars are the result of erosion over millions of years, and they create a breathtaking landscape that has been compared to the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”

Aside from the sandstone pillars, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is also known for its rich biodiversity, with over 500 species of plants and numerous rare animal species, such as the Chinese giant salamander and the clouded leopard.

The park attracts millions of visitors each year who come to hike the trails, take in the stunning scenery, and experience the unique culture of the local Tujia people.

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Basic Facts & History

The history of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Tujia people, an ethnic minority group in China. The Tujia people have a rich cultural heritage and have lived in the area for centuries, relying on the surrounding forests for their livelihoods.

The park itself was established in 1982 and was the first national forest park in China. It was created to protect the unique sandstone pillars and other natural features of the area. In 1992, the park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park gained worldwide attention in 2008 when it served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the blockbuster movie “Avatar.” Since then, the park has become a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year from China and around the world.

In recent years, the park has undergone significant development to improve its facilities and infrastructure, including the addition of new hiking trails, cable cars, and other amenities. However, efforts have also been made to balance tourism with conservation and preservation of the park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Fun Facts

Here are 25 fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  1. The park covers an area of about 11,900 acres (4,810 hectares).
  2. The park is part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to over 3,000 unique sandstone pillars.
  4. Many of the sandstone pillars in the park are over 200 meters tall.
  5. The pillars are the result of erosion over millions of years.
  6. The park has over 500 species of plants.
  7. The park is home to numerous rare animal species, including the Chinese giant salamander and the clouded leopard.
  8. The Tujia people, an ethnic minority group in China, have lived in the area for centuries.
  9. The park was established in 1982.
  10. The park was the first national forest park in China.
  11. The park was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie “Avatar.”
  12. The park has served as the location for many Chinese movies and TV shows.
  13. The highest peak in the park is Tianzi Mountain, which rises to 1,262 meters (4,140 feet).
  14. The park has several stunning waterfalls, including Huanglong Waterfall and Baofeng Lake Waterfall.
  15. The park has several glass-bottomed bridges and skywalks that offer thrilling views of the surrounding scenery.
  16. The Bailong Elevator in the park is the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, rising 326 meters (1,070 feet).
  17. The park has several hiking trails, including the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail.
  18. The park is busiest during the Chinese National Day holiday in early October, when thousands of visitors flock to the area.
  19. The park has a variety of accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and homestays.
  20. The Tujia people have a unique culture and language that is distinct from other Chinese ethnic groups.
  21. The park is located in the northern part of the Hunan Province in China.
  22. The nearest major city to the park is Changsha, which is about a 4-hour drive away.
  23. The park has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
  24. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
  25. The park is a must-see destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of China’s ethnic minorities.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park!

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – 10 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park that kids might enjoy:

  1. The park is home to over 3,000 unique sandstone pillars that look like they’re from another planet!
  2. Many of the sandstone pillars in the park are over 200 meters tall, which is taller than the Statue of Liberty!
  3. The park has several glass-bottomed bridges and skywalks that let you walk high above the ground and see the scenery below your feet.
  4. The Bailong Elevator in the park is the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, and it’s as tall as a 100-story building!
  5. The park has a variety of animals, including monkeys, pandas, and even the rare clouded leopard.
  6. The Tujia people have lived in the area for centuries, and they have their own unique culture and language.
  7. The park has several hiking trails, including the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Trail, where you can pretend you’re in the movie “Avatar.”
  8. The park has several stunning waterfalls, including the Huanglong Waterfall, which is over 70 meters tall!
  9. The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.
  10. The park is a great place to learn about nature, Chinese culture, and history, and to have fun exploring a unique and beautiful place!

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park!

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Geography

In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here is a summary of its geography and geology

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, in the northern part of the Hunan Province in China. The park covers an area of about 11,900 acres (4,810 hectares) and is known for its unique sandstone pillars, stunning waterfalls, and dense forests.

The park is situated in a mountainous region, with elevations ranging from 200 to 1,262 meters (656 to 4,140 feet) above sea level. The highest peak in the park is Tianzi Mountain, which rises to 1,262 meters (4,140 feet). The landscape of the park is characterized by a series of towering sandstone pillars, some of which are over 200 meters tall. The pillars are the result of erosion over millions of years, and their unique shapes and formations are a result of differences in the hardness and density of the sandstone.

In addition to the sandstone pillars, the park has several stunning waterfalls, including Huanglong Waterfall and Baofeng Lake Waterfall. The waterfalls are fed by numerous streams and rivers that flow through the park’s dense forests.

The park is situated in a subtropical climate zone, with hot summers and mild winters. The region receives abundant rainfall, which contributes to the lush vegetation and stunning scenery of the park. The park is also home to a variety of rare plant and animal species, including the Chinese giant salamander and the clouded leopard.

The geography and geology of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are unique and awe-inspiring, and attract visitors from around the world to experience the park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – How it Got Its Name

Another fun fact about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is that Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was named after the city of Zhangjiajie, which is located in the northern part of the Hunan Province in China. The park was officially established in 1982, and it was named after the nearby Zhangjiajie city.

The name “Zhangjiajie” is derived from two Chinese words, “Zhang” and “Jiajie”. “Zhang” is the surname of a family that settled in the area during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), while “Jiajie” means “family ladder” in Chinese, and refers to the narrow passage between two of the park’s towering sandstone pillars that resembles a ladder. This narrow passage, known as the “Heavenly Pillar”, is one of the park’s most famous landmarks and attracts many visitors each year.

The name “Zhangjiajie National Forest Park” reflects the park’s unique natural beauty, which is characterized by towering sandstone pillars, dense forests, and stunning waterfalls. The park’s name has become synonymous with the stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage of the Hunan Province, and has helped to promote tourism and economic development in the region.

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Plants

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to a wide variety of plant species, many of which are unique to the region. The park is situated in a subtropical climate zone, with abundant rainfall and a mild climate, which provides ideal conditions for plant growth. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some of the plant species that can be found in the park:

  1. Chinese pine: This is a common species of pine tree that grows throughout the park. It can reach heights of up to 30 meters (98 feet) and has long needles and brown bark.
  2. Chinese fir: This is a tall evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 meters (164 feet) tall. It has a straight trunk and a conical crown, and is an important timber species in China.
  3. Camellia: This is a flowering shrub that is native to China. It has dark green leaves and produces beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring.
  4. Azalea: This is a type of flowering shrub that grows throughout the park. It has bright pink or red flowers and is a popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world.
  5. Chinese golden larch: This is a deciduous conifer that grows up to 40 meters (131 feet) tall. It has a conical shape and produces bright yellow needles in the fall.
  6. Chinese yew: This is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 15 meters (49 feet) tall. It has dark green needles and produces a red fruit that is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  7. Rhododendron: This is a type of flowering shrub that is native to China. It has large, showy flowers in shades of pink, red, and white.
  8. Ferns: The park is home to many species of ferns, including the giant bird’s nest fern and the fish-tail fern.
  9. Mosses and lichens: The park has a rich diversity of mosses and lichens, which are important components of the forest ecosystem.

The plant life in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is diverse and beautiful, and plays an important role in the park’s unique natural beauty.

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Animals

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including many rare and endangered species. The park’s forests, streams, and mountains provide habitats for a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some of the animals that can be found in the park:

  1. Chinese water deer: This small deer is native to China and can often be seen near streams and rivers in the park.
  2. Rhesus macaque: This monkey is common throughout the park and can be seen in large troops. Visitors are advised not to feed or interact with the monkeys.
  3. Chinese bamboo rat: This rodent is found in the park’s bamboo forests and is an important prey species for many predators.
  4. Chinese pangolin: This rare and endangered mammal is native to China and is one of the world’s most trafficked animals. It is a nocturnal animal and is rarely seen by visitors.
  5. Chinese giant salamander: This large amphibian is native to China and is the largest salamander in the world. It can grow up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) long and is an endangered species.
  6. Chinese monal pheasant: This colorful bird is native to China and is one of the most beautiful birds in the park. It is often seen near mountain streams and waterfalls.
  7. Eurasian sparrowhawk: This bird of prey is common throughout the park and can be seen soaring over the forests in search of prey.
  8. Chinese cobra: This venomous snake is found in the park’s forests and is one of China’s most dangerous snakes.
  9. Chinese three-striped box turtle: This freshwater turtle is native to China and is found in the park’s streams and rivers.
  10. Chinese serow: This goat-like mammal is native to China and can be found in the park’s high-altitude forests.

These are just a few examples of the many fascinating animals that can be found in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park’s diverse wildlife is an important part of its unique natural heritage and provides visitors with an opportunity to observe some of China’s most fascinating and rare animals in their natural habitat.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Fun Facts About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – People and Cultures

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Hunan Province of China, which is home to a rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic groups. The park itself is located within the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area, which is an important cultural and historical site in China. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some of the people and cultures that can be found in and around Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  1. Tujia people: The Tujia people are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Hunan Province and have a rich cultural heritage. They have their own language, customs, and traditions, and are known for their colorful clothing and embroidery.
  2. Miao people: The Miao people are another ethnic group that can be found in the Hunan Province. They have a unique culture and are known for their beautiful silver jewelry, textiles, and festivals.
  3. Yao people: The Yao people are another ethnic group that can be found in the Hunan Province. They are known for their colorful costumes, traditional music, and unique customs.
  4. Fenghuang ancient town: This historic town is located near the park and is an important cultural site in China. It is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, ancient temples, and rich cultural heritage.
  5. Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: This glass-bottomed bridge is located near the park and is a popular tourist attraction. It is the longest and tallest glass bridge in the world and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  6. Traditional Chinese medicine: The Hunan Province is known for its traditional Chinese medicine, which has been practiced for thousands of years. Many of the plants and animals that can be found in the park are used in traditional medicine.

The people and cultures of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the Hunan Province add to the park’s unique character and provide visitors with an opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural heritage.

About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Legends

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding area are steeped in legend and folklore. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are a few examples of some of the most popular legends associated with the park:

  1. The story of the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains”: The towering sandstone pillars that rise up from the forest in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are said to have inspired the floating mountains seen in the movie Avatar. According to legend, the pillars were formed when two immortals fell in love and decided to get married. As they walked down the aisle, their wedding procession turned into the towering pillars that we see today.
  2. The legend of “Ai Qing Gong Yu”: “Ai Qing Gong Yu” means “Love Palace” in Chinese, and is the name of a scenic spot in the park. According to legend, a young couple who were deeply in love were separated when the man was drafted into the army. The woman waited for him for years, but he never returned. Finally, she turned into a bird and flew away to be with him in the afterlife. Today, the area is known as a place of romantic inspiration.
  3. The tale of the “Golden Whip Stream”: The Golden Whip Stream is a beautiful stream that winds its way through the park. According to legend, a golden whip was once lost in the stream, and the owner of the whip promised to marry anyone who could find it. Many people searched for the whip, but only a young woman was able to find it. She returned it to its owner, but refused his marriage proposal. Instead, she married her true love, and the stream was named after her bravery.

These legends add to the mystique and enchantment of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and inspire visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Symbols

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has several symbols that are closely associated with the park and the surrounding area. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some of the most important symbols of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  1. The Avatar Hallelujah Mountains: The towering sandstone pillars that rise up from the forest in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are among the most recognizable symbols of the park. These pillars, which are said to have inspired the floating mountains seen in the movie Avatar, are a testament to the park’s natural beauty and unique geology.
  2. The Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area: The Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses several parks and attractions in the Zhangjiajie area. This area is an important symbol of the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty.
  3. The Golden Whip Stream: The Golden Whip Stream is a beautiful stream that winds its way through the park. This stream is a symbol of the park’s pristine natural beauty and serves as a popular attraction for visitors.
  4. The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge: This glass-bottomed bridge, which is located near the park, is the longest and tallest glass bridge in the world. It is a symbol of the region’s modernity and innovation, and has become a popular destination for tourists visiting the area.
  5. The Tujia ethnic culture: The Tujia people are one of the largest ethnic groups in the Hunan Province, and their culture is closely associated with the Zhangjiajie area. The Tujia people’s colorful clothing, embroidery, and festivals are a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

These symbols reflect the unique character and identity of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding area, and help to draw visitors from around the world to experience this natural wonder.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Other Interesting Things About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Movies

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations have made it a popular destination for filmmakers from around the world. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some movies and films that have been made at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  1. Avatar (2009): The towering sandstone pillars that rise up from the forest in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are said to have inspired the floating mountains seen in the movie Avatar. Director James Cameron visited the park in 2010 to draw inspiration for the movie’s fantastical landscapes.
  2. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016): This martial arts film was partially filmed at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park’s natural beauty provided a stunning backdrop for the film’s action sequences.
  3. Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013): This fantasy film, which was directed by Stephen Chow, was partially filmed at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park’s otherworldly scenery added to the movie’s magical atmosphere.
  4. The Grandmaster (2013): This martial arts film was partially filmed at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere provided a striking contrast to the film’s intense fight scenes.
  5. Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014): This science fiction film included scenes filmed at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The park’s unique geological formations added to the film’s otherworldly feel.

These films have helped to showcase Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s stunning natural beauty to audiences around the world and have helped to draw more visitors to the park.

About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Quotes

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s natural beauty and unique landscape have inspired many people over the years, including writers, poets, and travelers. In addition to the fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, here are some quotes about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:

  1. “Zhangjiajie is a place of fairy tales, a world of imagination, and it was hard to believe that I was actually there.” – Jana Jagodkina, Latvian travel blogger
  2. “Zhangjiajie is the world’s most fantastic place.” – President Richard Nixon, who visited the park in 1972
  3. “The towering peaks and crystal streams of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park have an ethereal quality, almost as if they have been plucked from a painting or a dream.” – National Geographic
  4. “I have been to many beautiful places in the world, but I think Zhangjiajie is one of the most beautiful.” – Taiwanese actor Ethan Juan, who visited the park in 2013
  5. “Zhangjiajie is a place that can touch the heart and soul. Its beauty is not just in its natural scenery, but in the spirit of its people and their way of life.” – Chinese writer Mao Dun

These quotes reflect the awe and wonder that Zhangjiajie National Forest Park inspires in visitors and have helped to cement the park’s reputation as one of the most beautiful and breathtaking natural wonders in the world.

We hope you enjoyed these fun facts about Zhangjiajie National Forest Park!

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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

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