We’re gliding serenely towards “Heaven’s Gate”, the name given here to Tianmen mountain, towering above us.
I am riding China’s longest cable car and, way below, a serpentine road twists through Tianmen Mountain National Park’s lush vegetation, rising towards a distinctive peak whose name hints at its physical form. The mountain’s grey rock features a natural arch or gap resembling a vast gate.
To our left, peaks that look much like giant witches’ hats are strewn across the green landscape. Their conical forms are cloaked with trees.
Turning, I gaze back towards the modern buildings of distant Zhangjiajie and my eye settles on the oval roofing of its 55,000-capacity stadium. Any urban area with more than 1.5 million inhabitants would rank as the sixth most populous in Britain but yesterday our guide described Zhangjiajie as “a small city”.
Not long ago I could neither point to Zhangjiajie on a map nor pronounce its name. Since being here I’ve learnt that it sounds like ‘zang-jar-jay’. And after three days of exploring the area, I’m surprised that Zhangjiajie is not a better-known destination among international travellers.
Inspiration for the film Avatar
Yesterday we headed into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to gape at the mystical landscape that inspired the mist-laced valleys for the film Avatar.
Seemingly precariously balanced slivers of skyscraper-high rock jut from the valley floor. Almost unfeasibly, some appear broader in their upper reaches than hundreds of feet lower down. Topped by trees, their English names include ‘Avatar Floating Mountain’ and ‘Heaven and Earth Pillar’, reflecting their improbable forms.
UNESCO named the area a Global Geopark in 2004, 12 years after inscribing it as a World Heritage Site because of its scenic and historic value.
Numerous endangered animals and plants, including Chinese water deer and Asiatic black bears, find refuge in the region. So far I’ve spotted multiple butterfly species and macaques alongside footpaths. The cute-looking primates seem playful yet signs send a sternly worded warning to tourists: “Do not mess with the wild monkeys”.
Those emphatic words are enough for me. With so much to see and experience in this part of China, I’m not going to mess.
Our tour’s leader calls us to continue along the path towards a viewing platform overlooking Tianzi Mountain and I stride on, looking forward to the next spectacular view and photo opportunity.
Things to do near Zhangziajie
In addition to the region’s natural landscapes, there are some awe-inspiring manmade landmarks. The world’s highest glass bridge spans Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. If staring at the valley floor – 850 feet (260 metres) below – while crossing is not enough of an adrenalin rush, visitors have opportunities to experience the world’s highest bungee jump.
On the far side of the bridge, visitors weighing less than 14 stone 2 pounds (90kg) can zip line and ride slides to the canyon floor.
“I’m petrified of heights, so I had real issues going across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge twice. It really was terrifying but I was determined I was going to zip line, even though I did cling on for dear life! But I wanted to do that and it was one of the highlights of the trip,” says Angela Ponton, from Butterfly Travel in Nailsea, one of 45 UK travel agents who visited the region during the 2024 Wendy Wu Tours China Mega Fam.
Holidays in China
“China is a hot destination right now due to its dynamic evolution and the increasing global interest in its culture and landscapes. Recent developments in tourism infrastructure and the dedication to preserving natural and historical sites make it a compelling choice for travellers,” says Andy Eastham, Head of PR and Communications at Wendy Wu Tours.
“With regions like Zhangjiajie offering unparalleled natural beauty and Changsha’s rich blend of history and modernity, China promises an unforgettable adventure for every visitor. At Wendy Wu Tours, we ensure that every aspect of the trip is meticulously planned and executed, providing an exceptional travel experience that leaves lasting memories,” he adds.
Bamboo Travel, Trailfinders and Scott Dunn are among the companies offering holidays in the region 200 miles (320km) northwest of Hunan’s provincial capital, Changsha. High-speed trains cover that distance in a little over two hours. Hainan Airlines offers direct flights, with a duration of approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes, between London Heathrow and Changsha.
Matt Phillips, from Travel Chaps in Lincoln, was another of the fam trip participants. “Do your research and make sure Zhangjiajie is right for your customer. I’d probably not do this as a first tour: I think maybe as a second trip to China and Wendy Wu do it as an extension…Do a bit of research about the area and consider customers’ mobility because there has been quite a lot of walking,” he suggests.
Matt says experiencing a tour will help travel agents give clients the best possible advice: “Group tours aren’t for everybody but I think they’re a fantastic way of seeing multiple places and take all the stress out – because you don’t have to do the research or organisation. Someone tells you where to go, where eat and you get to see all the best bits.”
Cultural highlights in the Zhangjiajie region include viewing artworks created using ground local stone at Jungsheng Art Gallery. Watching acrobats, dancers and musicians perform in the multifaceted Charming Xiangxi show is popular. So too is the spectacular Fox Fairy Show in an outdoor theatre at the foot of Tianmen Mountain.
Zhangjiajie’s 72-storey Tujia Stilted House, resembling a walled city with architecture inspired by one of the region’s ethnic minorities is also a fascinating place to spend time. The energetic nightly bonfire party is a way of seeing China in a new light.
How to book it…Wendy Wu Tours
Wendy Wu Tours features Zhangjiajie on its 15-day National Treasures of China guided tour, priced from £4,540 per person, and 16-day Gems of China programme, starting at £3,990, including visas, international flights, meals and accommodation. wendywutours.co.uk
