Zhangjiajie National Park: Avatar Mountains & Glass Bridge

Real or Fake? The most stunning place in China! 🇨🇳

Destination:ChinaProvince:HunanCity:Zhangjiajie
Real or Fake? The most stunning place in China! 🇨🇳
Jack & Sophia Torr2025-02-0120 min

Join us as we venture into the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China—a place so otherworldly, it inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." Declared China's first national forest park in 1982, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its towering quartz-sandstone pillars, some soaring over 200 meters high. One of the most famous formations, the Southern Sky Column, was even renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" in honor of the film.

Beyond its iconic peaks, the park boasts the world's tallest outdoor lift—the Bailong Elevator—which ascends 326 meters to offer unparalleled views of the landscape. For the truly adventurous, the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge provides a thrilling walk 300 meters above the canyon floor.

Immerse yourself in the lush forests, explore the deep ravines, and traverse the mist-covered mountains that make this destination a true natural wonder.

--- Jack & Sophia Torr
February 1, 2025, Winter in China

Video Chapters

  1. 0:08Critters stealing food
  2. 1:17Arrival at Zhangjiajie
  3. 2:31Entering the park
  4. 3:59Monkeys stealing food
  5. 4:26First view of mountains
  6. 7:37Bailong Elevator ride
  7. 9:14Secret photo spot
  8. 10:19Park's economy
  9. 11:03Main viewpoint
  10. 14:31Park's plant species

Jack & Sophia Torr explore Zhangjiajie's stunning Avatar mountains, riding the world's highest outdoor elevator and discovering breathtaking views. An unforgettable Chinese adventure!

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

  1. Tip 1To get good photos or enjoy the scenery without crowds, explore and find different viewpoints away from the main crowds. Don't follow everyone else; discover your own unique spots. (12:11)
  2. Tip 2If visiting during summer, be prepared for potential 2-hour waits for the cable car. Visiting during the afternoon or off-season may result in shorter wait times. (19:15)
  3. Tip 3Farming happens within the national park, showcasing a unique aspect of how nature and human life intertwine in China. It's a stark contrast to practices in other countries. (15:37)
  4. Tip 4Chinese National Parks are very commercialized compared to those in Australia or America. There are many man-made structures, and the environmental standards may differ. (6:09)
  5. Tip 5The Hunan province, besides tourism, has a strong agricultural economy, particularly known for growing kiwi fruit, tea, and herbal medicines. (10:29)

Embark on a visual journey through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province, China, with Jack & Sophia Torr. Witness breathtaking landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar, from towering quartz-sandstone pillars to the world's highest outdoor elevator. Explore unique viewpoints, discover hidden gems, and experience the vibrant culture firsthand. This isn't just a travel vlog; it's an immersive adventure into the heart of China's natural wonders.

More about the current video:( 1 / 2 )

Real or Fake? The most stunning place in China! 🇨🇳

Jack and Sophia Torr's adventure in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan province, is a captivating exploration of China's natural beauty. Their journey begins at sunrise, revealing the park's stunning vistas and unique features. They encounter playful monkeys stealing food, highlighting the unexpected interactions with wildlife. The Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator, provides a thrilling ascent, offering unparalleled views of the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountains.

The couple's exploration extends beyond the well-trodden paths, as they discover secret viewpoints, capturing the misty, magical atmosphere reminiscent of the Avatar film. They marvel at the unique rock formations, shaped by erosion and geological movements, and discuss the commercialization of the park, contrasting it with similar parks in Australia and America.

Their experience is enriched by local encounters, including observations of farming within the park and a statue of an old leader of a minority group. Jack and Sophia highlight the park's biodiversity, mentioning the presence of endangered species like the Chinese giant salamander. Throughout their journey, they share personal insights and emotional moments, expressing their awe and wonder at the beauty surrounding them. Their journey concludes with a cable car ride offering one last breathtaking perspective of the park's grandeur. The video showcases not only the beauty of Zhangjiajie, but also offers a glimpse into the unique blend of nature and commercialization in a Chinese national park.

The narrative is interspersed with moments of humor and surprise, making it an engaging and informative watch. Jack and Sophia's enthusiasm is infectious, inviting viewers to experience the wonder of Zhangjiajie alongside them. The video successfully captures the essence of this extraordinary destination, showcasing its beauty, uniqueness, and the cultural nuances that make it a truly unforgettable experience.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What's the weather like in Zhangjiajie?
A: It was quite chilly, around 2° to 7°C when we were there. It's a big difference from the 40° heat we left in Australia!
Q: How are the Avatar mountains formed?
A: There are a few theories: erosion from water and earth movements. I'm not 100% sure, but it's fascinating!
Q: What surprised you most about Zhangjiajie?
A: Probably seeing farming happening right inside the national park! That would never happen in Australia or America.

Zhangjiajie National Park: Avatar Mountains & Glass Bridge

Join us as we venture into the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China—a place so otherworldly, it inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar." Declared China's first national forest park in 1982, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its towering...

Zhangjiajie National Park: Avatar Mountains & Bailong Elevator

Embark on a breathtaking journey to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan Province, China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that inspired the movie "Avatar." Explore its towering quartz-sandstone pillars, some reaching over 200 meters high, including the iconic Southern Sky Column, renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain." Ascend the world's tallest outdoor lift, the Bailong Elevator, for unparalleled views, or dare to walk the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge 300 meters above the canyon floor. Immerse yourself in the lush forests, deep ravines, and mist-covered mountains of this natural wonder.

Attractions in this video: Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, Bailong Elevator, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge