Avatar Hallelujah Mountain
哈利路亚山
The star of the show — a 1,074 m quartz-sandstone pillar that inspired the film's floating peaks. The viewing platform here is the busiest (and the best) photo spot in the park.
Why Yuanjiajie is a must-see
If there's one stop in Zhangjiajie you shouldn't skip, make it this one. Yuanjiajie (袁家界) sits on the northwest edge of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, and it's the viewpoint that gave the world the "Hallelujah Mountains" from the movie Avatar — those quartz-sandstone pillars rising out of the mist are real, and you'll be standing right in front of them.
Unlike the green river valley of Golden Whip Stream, Yuanjiajie is a high plateau. You walk narrow cliff-edge paths with drops on both sides, looking down into a forest of stone peaks. After rain, the valley fills with a rolling sea of clouds and the pillar tops seem to float — that's the postcard shot every traveler comes for.
Quick reality check: the film's floating mountains were made on a computer, but the inspiration is 100% real — the "Hallelujah Mountain" (哈利路亚山) you'll see here is the actual peak.
Top highlights
Five signature spots along the plateau loop — each a short walk apart.
First Bridge Under Heaven
天下第一桥
Two peaks fused at the top, leaving a 50 m-long natural stone arch with a sheer drop below — one of the rarest landforms in Wulingyuan.
Enchanting Terrace
迷魂台
A wraparound cliff ledge with the widest view on the plateau. On misty mornings the peaks drift in and out of cloud — the most breathtaking stop, and the name fits.
Back Garden
后花园
A quieter cluster of slender pillars at the far end of the plateau. Far fewer crowds than the avatar platform — a calm place to just take it all in.
Bailong Elevator
百龙天梯 · World's tallest outdoor elevator
A 326 m glass elevator built into the cliff face that whisks you from the valley floor to the Yuanjiajie plateau in 90 seconds. It's the fastest (and most popular) way up — expect queues at peak times.
Recommended routes
Two ways to see Yuanjiajie — pick by time and energy.
Classic loop
1.5–2 hours · elevator up + shuttle down
1
Bailong Elevator up — 90-second ride to the plateau.
2
Avatar Hallelujah Mountain — main viewpoint & photos.
3
First Bridge Under Heaven — short walk along the ridge.
4
Enchanting Terrace — panorama stop.
5
Back Garden — quiet finale, then shuttle back down.
Hiking route
4+ hours · strenuous, fewer crowds
1
Enter from Yangjiajie side or hike up via Luanchuanpo (乱窜坡) steps.
2
Climb the ridge — steep stone steps, real workout, few tour groups.
3
Connect to the plateau loop — all five highlights on foot.
4
Descend by Bailong Elevator or park shuttle.
Best time to visit
Apr – May
Spring green, comfortable, good cloud days.
Sep – Nov
Crisp air, clear skies, best visibility.
After rain
Mornings right after rain = sea of clouds.
Avoid: heavy summer fog can shroud the peaks for hours; National Day (Oct 1–7) and summer holidays mean long elevator queues.
Travel tips
Beat the elevator queue
Bailong Elevator can take 1+ hour in peak season. Arrive at park opening (07:00) or go late afternoon.
Weather is everything
Peaks often vanish in fog. Build in a buffer day; mornings after rain give the best "floating mountains" shot.
Bring water & snacks
Food options on the plateau are limited and pricey. Carry at least 1 L water per person.
Mind the monkeys
Wild macaques near the stream approaches — never feed them and keep bags zipped.
Stay near the East Gate
Wulingyuan (East Gate) has the most hotels and gets you in first — ideal for sunrise cloud days.
How to get there
1
City → Wulingyuan East Gate. From Zhangjiajie city center / railway station take a bus to the East Gate (武陵源东门). About 40–60 min, ¥13.
2
East Gate → Bailong Elevator. Inside the park, take the shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator station (~30 min).
3
Elevator up. Ride Bailong Elevator to the Yuanjiajie plateau in 90 seconds, then follow the loop signs.
4
Alternative entry. From the Forest Park South Gate you can also reach Yuanjiajie via shuttle, but it's a longer transfer.
No metro or ride-hail inside the park — the official shuttle buses are the only way between gates. Keep your passport for ticket check.
Tickets & opening hours
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wulingyuan combo ticket | ¥227 — valid 4 days; includes park shuttle bus + insurance |
| Bailong Elevator (one-way) | ¥65 |
| Bailong Elevator (round-trip) | ¥130 |
| Opening hours | 07:00 – 17:00 |
| Best months | April–May, September–November |
Prices are reference values for international visitors and may change by season — confirm at the official gate. The combo ticket covers multiple entries over 4 days, so you can return for a clear-sky morning.
