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 Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated.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.
Yaozizhai was anciently called Jiegong Mountain. It is located southeast of the Forest Park, 5 kilometers from Laomowan. Because the top of the stronghold is a narrow ridge shaped like a kidney, folk people and local gazetteers of the Ming and Qing dynasties all called it “Yaozizhai” (Kidney Stronghold).
Yaozizhai (Sparrowhawk Fort) stands at an elevation of 1,050 meters, stretching over 1,400 meters in length and about 100 meters in width. It is a flat viewing platform towering into the clouds, with cliffs over 300 meters deep on its west, north, and east sides, renowned for its perilous steepness. Its main attractions include the Heavenly Bridge and Layer upon Layer of Rock Towers. In 2000, "Yaozizhai" (Kidney Fort) was carefully rebranded; because the famous scenic spot within it, Eagle Beak, closely resembles a sparrowhawk soaring into the sky, "Yaozizhai" was renamed "Yaozizhai" (Sparrowhawk Fort). The newly opened scenic spots were all named and inscribed by generals of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. The scenic area's development emphasizes a combination of environmental protection, fitness, and ethnic customs, blending ecological culture with folk traditions. Tourism experts say, "Yaozizhai is an ideal place for adventure, fitness, puzzle-solving, and leisure."
