How to see one of China’s biggest tourist draws – Avatar Mountain and the Zhangjiajie national park
Avatar, the film by James Cameron, took inspiration for its mountain scenes from the peaks of Hunan province, a beautiful place well worth a visit – but be prepared for a logistical challenge. Our beginner’s guide to the area will help
Visiting Zhangjiajie in China’s Hunan province to see the mountains that bear a striking resemblance to those in James Cameron’s film Avatar is easier said than done.
This area of Hunan province contains three major tourist sights: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park and home to the Avatar stone pillar said to have inspired film director Cameron; the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you will find the world’s highest glass-bottomed bridge; and Tianmen mountain, which boasts the world’s longest cable car ride and spectacular views. It’s all part of a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site called the Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area.
The 264 square kilometre (102 square mile) area is a major tourist attraction in China and the region’s impressive scenery is matched by its crowds. But although you might have to wait in turn for a selfie, it’s worth it.
You will need to commit time and resources to ensure that a trip to the region goes smoothly. Most visitors, whether Chinese or foreign, work with tour guides. It’s a logistical challenge to travel around a large area on a set time frame within a budget without a car, whether you speak the language or not. Here is everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit, and the seven sights you need to see.
1. Avatar Mountain