This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
Zhangjiajie's Yuanjiajie is located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and is a pearl set in the core scenic area of Wulingyuan. The name Yuanjiajie is said to originate from the Later Tang period. After the failure of Huang Chao's uprising, the court, in order to thoroughly purge the rebels, posted notices everywhere to capture the traitors. At that time, one of Huang Chao's generals, surnamed Yuan, came to this remote mountain wilderness — Qingyan Mountain — to live in seclusion to avoid capture. He built a hut here, reclaimed wasteland and planted grain, and named the place after his own surname, calling it "Yuanjiajie."
Yuanjiajie covers an area of about 1,200 hectares, with an average elevation of 1,074 meters. It borders Jinbian Stream to the east and overlooks Yaozizhai in the distance; to the south it faces Huangshizhai and connects to Tianbo Mansion; to the west it leads to Tianzi Mountain; and to the north it is separated from Suoxiyu.
There are two routes from the foot of the mountain to Yuanjiajie. One is to walk the middle section of "Jinbian Stream" up "Luanchuan Slope" to the "Back Garden"; the other is to take the "World's No. 1 Elevator" — Bailong Elevator — to Xiaping. Taking the elevator up the mountain takes only 3 minutes, both easy and safe. Not only is this spectacular elevator engineering marvel amazing, but what is even more stunning is that the moment the elevator shoots out of the shaft, a magical scroll comes into view: the sternly arrayed, tall and mighty "Heavenly Soldiers Gathering," like a neat and majestic honor guard, waiting for your "inspection." When the elevator reaches the top of the mountain and you step out of the station, looking far ahead, a fresh and natural pastoral landscape painting stands out in the air, quietly arriving like a mirage — this is the long-awaited "Aerial Pastoral."
Yuanjiajie's scenery is famous for being majestic, strange, perilous, and steep. Along the more than ten-li mountain touring path, the scenery along the way is countless. There is a village on the mountain, where dozens of Tujia families have lived for generations among these green mountains and clear waters. They are hardworking and kind, and contend with no one. On the outer walls of their homes hang strings of fiery red chili peppers, strings of sweet potatoes, and potatoes; on the heated kang inside, a dazzling array of cured meat, cured fish, sausages, cured tofu, and more are hung. If you are fortunate enough to be a guest in their home, you will enjoy a kind of honor and privilege you have never experienced before. The mouth-watering Ten Great Bowls and the tempting, mellow Tujia rice wine will make you dream of returning home and never forget it!
From the Bailong Elevator, taking the eco-friendly bus to the "Back Garden" takes about ten minutes. Along the way, peaks stretch in succession and green trees form shade. Midway, you pass through an undeveloped scenic area, and the mountain is called "Songzigang." Only local farmers and a few sketch artists have set foot here, but its scenery is by no means inferior to other spots. The entire "Songzigang" is lush with shrubs and covered with mountain ferns. Following a secluded path to a mountain hollow at the back, the view suddenly opens up: thousands of peaks rise in layers, myriad rocks thrust into the sky, as if in a fairyland, yet seemingly unreal. Looking closely, a rock stands gracefully, with red eyes, moth-like eyebrows, a delicate nose, a small mouth, and coiled hair — a beautiful face with clear features. Isn't this everyone's "dream lover"? The locals all call her "Beauty Peak." Under the rock cliff on the left, several cylindrical beehives are placed year-round. Because there is no pollution here, the bees collect only pristine pollen and natural moisture. This honey is rich in nutrients and extremely high in calcium, and also contains large amounts of trace elements beneficial to the human body. It has excellent effects on beauty and skincare, prolonging life, and enhancing intelligence, and especially also has anti-cancer and cancer-treating properties. A sip of this special honey will make you feel sweetness enter your spleen and leave an endless aftertaste...
After getting off the bus, a short walk brings you to the uphill touring path. Then follow the steps on the left down 50 meters, and you will see an oval stone gate. Please hold your breath and make no sound: look at the upper left corner in front of the gate, where a rock protrudes, like a fierce animal, but at this moment it is especially quiet. See how it lies with all four limbs on the ground, mouth closed and nose upturned, eyes shut in rest, and you may feel it is accompanied by a soft "snoring." You probably didn't expect it — could this be the mighty lion guarding the Back Garden? Please do not wake it. Looking through the stone gate, this is truly a world of its own. Look at the vibrant "bonsai," the seemingly real "rockery"; the row upon row of "screens," "murals," and "carvings"; the vividly shaped stone tables and stone chairs; and the ceaseless "small bridge over flowing water"... Whose "grand mansion" is this? No, this is the Back Garden, so exquisitely and beautifully created by nature's uncanny workmanship. Entering the "Back Garden" and walking to the right, under a rock cliff there is a plank road. You must stoop and lower your head to pass through. Standing in the middle and shouting to the opposite side: "I love you—", there will be a long-lasting echo coming back: love—you—, love—you—, love—you... This release will give you a sense of relaxation and pleasure you have never had before.
Opposite the "Back Garden" is a towering mountain range, with ancient trees reaching the sky and blocking out the sun. Wild goats often appear in the forest. In the dead of night, the bleating of wild goat kids can often be heard, hence it is called "Goat Stockade." During the Republic of China period, this place was once occupied by bandits. Even now, remnants such as checkpoints, hidden bunkers, broken trenches, house sites, wells, stone mortars, and mills remain on the mountain. On the thick pine trees, "V"-shaped marks left by the bandits in those years can still be seen. Standing on the "mountain stronghold" and looking far ahead, you can see the panoramic view of Jinbian Stream. A beautiful stream slowly passes through hundreds of stone forests, appearing so tranquil and harmonious. Walking forward about 100 meters from the "Back Garden," you reach another peerless wonder of Yuanjiajie — Mihun Terrace. Stepping onto Mihun Terrace, you see hundreds of mountain ridges rising from the ground, peaks surging forward, with myriad postures and extraordinary momentum; some resemble "Heavenly Dog Gazing at the Moon," some like "Conch Emerging from Water"; some like "Generals in Formation," and some like "A Pillar Propping Up the Sky." Several mountain cols and barriers separate these ridges in an orderly way, making these stone peaks appear even more distinct and well-arranged. Under the embellishment of ten thousand rays of sunset glow, they appear magnificent and extraordinary. This is even more like an ink wash painting from a painter's brush. Enjoying the scenery at "Mihun Terrace" is truly like roaming in a fairyland.
From the "Back Garden" to the World's No. 1 Bridge, there is a touring path over 2,000 meters long, mostly paved with white strip stones. Viewed from a distance, it looks very much like a white silk ribbon tied in two knots, with one end tied to "Mihun Terrace" and the other to the "World's No. 1 Bridge." Strolling along, you can enjoy scenic spots with unique charm such as "Worship Immortals Terrace," "Hundred-Zhang Cliff," "Small Cave Heaven," and "Lovers' Valley." The altitude here is not high, and it is generally unaffected by climate. Savoring it slowly will surely delight your eyes and mind. The "World's No. 1 Bridge" is one of Zhangjiajie's "Ten Great Wonders." It is also the landmark scenic spot of Yuanjiajie. It is a natural stone bridge formed between two mountains. The two mountains were originally one body, and the bridge body is the key part connecting the two mountains. However, because the stone in the middle is relatively weak, due to weathering and collapse, and after years of sun and rain, water erosion, and mountain flood impact, over time, this unique wonder was finally formed...
The "World's No. 1 Bridge" has a bridge surface two meters wide, four meters thick, a span of over twenty meters, and a height of over three hundred meters. It is the natural stone bridge with the greatest height difference discovered so far in the world. Looking down at the bridge, white clouds fly past and strange peaks protrude; just a glance already makes one feel relaxed and happy. Looking across, there is the largest mid-air viewing platform — Huangshizhai. The towering "Liuqi Pavilion" shines even more brilliantly in the sunlight. Between Huangshizhai and Yuanjiajie, a long canyon separates the two mountains. In the canyon there is a small stream, with countless trees competing in spring by its banks, in brilliant colors. The stream gurgles past beneath the "World's No. 1 Bridge" — this is the famous "Shadao Gully."
Speaking of the origin of "Shadao Gou" (Sand Knife Valley), I should tell you a legend. It is said that long ago, three generations lived in Yuanjiajie: a grandfather, a grandmother, and their little granddaughter of seven or eight. The little girl's parents had died young, and she had never enjoyed happiness or joy. From childhood, she helped her grandparents shoulder heavy housework and physical labor. Her grandparents were very strict with her. Every day she had to sweep the floor, dust, wash clothes, pull pigweed, and gather firewood. One day, when the little girl returned from gathering firewood, her grandparents, not seeing her bring the knife home, sternly questioned her: "You little wretch, where did you lose the sand knife? If you can't find it, don't come home today!" The poor little girl, with tears in her eyes, went up the mountain alone to look for the knife. The sun set, and it grew darker and darker. The calls of wild beasts and strange birds came from the forest. The little girl looked around in terror. She was so frightened, but she dared not go home. She stumbled along in the darkness, and suddenly stepped into empty air. The little girl fell from the "Number One Bridge under Heaven" into the abyss. With shock and fear, she left forever this world that should have belonged to her. Only the valley mourned for her; only the wind wept for her. At some unknown time, a small bird flew out from the valley, crying mournfully as it flew: "Gong daodao, po daodao, dropped a curved knife." People later called this bird the "Daodao Bird." It is said to have been transformed from the little girl's soul. Even now, the locals often hear her mournful cry late at night. In memory of the little girl who fell from the cliff, some people named this canyon "Shadao Gou," and some also call it "Shedao Gou."
Leaving the "Number One Bridge under Heaven," take the eco-friendly bus and continue forward. After 10 minutes, you arrive at another best scenic spot — Heaven-Hung White Silk. After getting off, go straight down along the road, walk several hundred steps, and look to the right: a rushing stream pours straight down from a cliff over 200 meters high, its trickling flow like white silk. In midsummer when there is much rain, the waterfall strikes directly against the stone ledge below the cliff; droplets splash into midair and then fall back to the valley floor, scattering more than 10 meters away, with a sound like muffled thunder. Often under the sunlight it flickers with rainbow after rainbow. If a burst of clear wind blows past, you see ten thousand points of golden light, drifting and scattering; it is also like snow flying in June, dancing in the wind. It truly gives one a feeling of clear-hearted freedom, as calm as still water. Well, dear friends, that is all for the introduction to the beautiful scenery of Yuanjiajie. May your trip to Yuanjiajie leave you with forever beautiful memories.
