Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Utilize the convenient bus system within the National Forest Park; it's included with your entrance fee and makes travel between scenic areas easy. (1:33)
- Tip 2Consider purchasing one-way tickets for attractions like the Bailong Elevator if you plan on extensive climbing, as round-trip options might not be the most economical. (2:13)
- Tip 3Be prepared for winding bus routes, especially to Tianzi Mountain; it's advisable not to eat right before these journeys to avoid motion sickness. (7:02)
- Tip 4When visiting the Golden Whip Stream, be cautious of the monkeys. Do not eat in front of them, and avoid provoking them to ensure a peaceful experience. (12:43)
- Tip 5Pay attention to signs warning of falling rocks, especially in areas affected by erosion, and be mindful of your surroundings. (13:52)
- Tip 6For Tianmen Mountain, explore different navigation options (A, B, etc.) to potentially avoid crowds and tailor the experience to your preferences. (18:04)
- Tip 7If climbing the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate seems daunting, consider using the indoor escalator as a more accessible alternative. (21:54)
- Tip 8The world's longest cable car ride offers a spectacular way to see the landscape, especially when choosing routes with fewer people. (28:26)
Paula and Henry's Zhangjiajie adventure is a visual feast, inspired by Avatar's floating mountains. They conquer the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, marveling at towering sandstone pillars and riding the colossal Bailong Elevator. From Yuanjiajie to Tianzi Mountain, they navigate scenic routes, sample local snacks, and even encounter wild monkeys. The climax is Tianmen Mountain, where they ascend the legendary 999 steps to Heaven's Gate, experiencing breathtaking views above the clouds. This journey is a testament to the raw, majestic beauty of China.
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Paula and Henry embark on an awe-inspiring 48-hour adventure in Zhangjiajie, China, a landscape famously recognized for inspiring the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Their journey begins at the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where they rise early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise, even with a bit of cloud cover. The park boasts five main scenic points, and the duo focuses on three, utilizing the convenient bus system that transports visitors between areas. Their first major stop is Yuanjiajie, where they ascend via the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, offering breathtaking views of the sandstone pillars that dominate the scenery. Despite Paula's fear of heights, the spectacular vistas make the exhilarating ride worthwhile.
Continuing their exploration, they hike through the Yanji Xi scenic area, eventually reaching Hallelujah Mountain. The sheer scale of the sandstone pillars, some reaching 200 meters tall and formed by millions of years of erosion, is a constant source of wonder. They also visit the World's Number One Bridge, a natural rock formation that once formed a single mountain. Visitors can tie ribbons here for good luck.
The adventure then takes them to Tianzi Mountain, where they experience the local cuisine, trying items like an egg hot dog and grilled squid skewers, noting the vibrant food stalls catering to tourists. The views from Tianzi Mountain offer a different perspective, with pillars appearing thinner and more numerous, resembling toothpicks compared to the grand columns seen earlier.
Their journey concludes with a hike along the Golden Whip Stream, offering a ground-level view of the mountains and a cooler, shadier environment. Here, they encounter playful monkeys, receiving a crucial tip: do not eat in front of them, as they may snatch food. They also learn to avoid provoking the monkeys to prevent aggressive behavior. The hike also reveals signs warning of falling rocks, a testament to the dynamic nature of the landscape.
The second day is dedicated to Tianmen Mountain, a destination reached via a bus ride and a cable car. They opt for a less crowded route, appreciating the magical cable car journey through the mist. The highlight is the ascent to Heaven's Gate via the famous 999 steps. While Henry tackles the steep climb, Paula utilizes an indoor escalator, a convenient alternative for those with physical limitations or a fear of heights. Reaching the summit, they are rewarded with a stunning view above the clouds, a truly breathtaking finale to their Zhangjiajie exploration. The journey concludes with a ride on the world's longest cable car, offering a final, spectacular perspective of the unique landscape.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What was the most breathtaking place visited?
- A: The most breathtaking place was Zhangjiajie, with its crazy landscape that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
- Q: What is the Bailong Elevator?
- A: It's the world's largest outdoor elevator, over 300 meters tall, that takes you up to the mountains for a glimpse of the Avatar Mountains.
- Q: What is the World's Number One Bridge?
- A: It's a natural rock formation that was once part of a mountain, which collapsed due to erosion, leaving a bridge-like structure.
- Q: What food did you try at Tianzi Mountain?
- A: We tried an egg hot dog, grilled squid skewers, and rice cake pancakes. The squid skewer was particularly good, freshly grilled and juicy.
- Q: What should you be careful of with the monkeys at Golden Whip Stream?
- A: You should not eat in front of them, as they might snatch your food. Also, do not yell at or provoke them, as they might become aggressive.
- Q: How many steps are there to Heaven's Gate?
- A: There are 999 steps leading up to Heaven's Gate on Tianmen Mountain.
- Q: What are the options for navigating Tianmen Mountain?
- A: There are three options, including taking a bus to the mountain's foot, a cable car up, and then the world's longest cable car down, or variations of these.
- Q: What was the experience of riding the world's longest cable car like?
- A: It was spectacular, stretching about 7.5 km and taking around 30 minutes. Riding through the clouds offered a magical and grand view.
