Travel Plan
Yuanjiajie & Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

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ATTRACTION GUIDE · ZHANGJIAJIE

Yuanjiajie & Avatar Hallelujah Mountain

Towering sandstone pillars rising from the mist — the inspiration for the floating mountains of "Avatar".

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
Half a day
Entry
Paid (park ticket, multi-day)
Best time
Spring and autumn
Area
Wulingyuan

The famous pillar that inspired Avatar's floating mountains.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie, Hunan

  • Park: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan; tickets are valid for several days.
  • Bailong Elevator: A 326-metre outdoor glass elevator climbs to Yuanjiajie.
  • Buses: Free park buses link the sights.

The story of Yuanjiajie

Zhangjiajie's more than 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars were shaped over millions of years by erosion. Many rise over 200 metres, covered in pines and often wrapped in mist.

After the film "Avatar" (2009), one pillar was renamed "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain". Wulingyuan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Best time to visit

Best season

April–May and September–October.

Best time of day

Morning, before tour groups and when mist is likely.

Holidays

Extremely crowded in early October.

Tips before you go

  • Buy a multi-day park pass.
  • Buy a multi-day ticket and stay inside or near the park.
  • Ride the Bailong Elevator early to avoid queues.

Best hotels near Yuanjiajie

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

Pullman Zhangjiajie

Hotel in the city centre.

See prices

Wulingyuan hotels

Stay near the park gate for early starts.

See prices
All hotels near Yuanjiajie

What's around Yuanjiajie

  • Bailong ElevatorGlass elevator.
  • Tianzi MountainPeak with views.
  • Golden Whip StreamValley walk.
  • First Bridge Under HeavenNatural rock bridge.

Questions travellers ask

Is this the Avatar mountain?

It inspired the floating mountains in the film.

How long should I spend?

At least 2 days.

Is it a UNESCO site?

Yes.

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Back to the Zhangjiajie guide
Travel Plan · Yuanjiajie & Avatar Hallelujah Mountain Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure