Classic Zhangjiajie Landscapes (7)
Yuanjiajie Tour Route: Yuanjiajie lies in the north of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a mountain terrace backed by rocky peaks and facing a valley of peaks, stretching from east to west. Covering 1,200 hectares with an average elevation of 1,074 meters, it can be reached via Xiaotianmen after Shedaogou, or by the Bailong sightseeing elevator at Shuiraosimen.
This article is compiled from the original travel notes on the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com); it is a record of trips from earlier years. Time-sensitive information such as ticket prices, schedules, and accommodation prices is subject to the latest announcements from scenic areas and transportation authorities; the itinerary ideas and attraction introductions still have reference value.
Yuanjiajie Tour Route
Yuanjiajie is located in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is a mountain mesa, backed by rock peaks and ridges, facing secluded valleys and clustered peaks, extending from east to west. The total area is 1,200 hectares, with an average elevation of 1,074 meters. After touring the Shedaogou scenic spots, one can ascend Yuanjiajie via Xiaotianmen. One can also view Yuanjiajie scenic spots by taking the Bailong Sightseeing Elevator at Shuiraosimen. The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator has a vertical height difference of 335 meters, is the world's tallest double-deck sightseeing elevator, and also the world's largest-capacity tourist sightseeing elevator. The main scenic spots on the Yuanjiajie tour route include: Songzigang, the No. 1 Bridge under Heaven, Mihun Platform, Baizhang Cliff, Lover's Valley, Hundred Birds Paradise, Monkey Cave Waterfall, Luanchuan Slope, and Yangzhai.
[No. 1 Bridge under Heaven] On the right side of Shedaogou and along the southern edge of Yuanjiajie, a natural stone bridge spans the tops of two massive stone peaks. The bridge is 15 meters thick, 20 meters long, 4 meters wide, with a span of 50 meters and an absolute height of over 350 meters. The huge rock rests between the two peaks, turning a natural chasm into a thoroughfare. Both upper ends of the bridge are surrounded by lush green trees. The cave walls below the bridge appear as if cut by a knife. Standing on the bridge, visitors see surging clouds and steaming mist, unfathomably deep.
[Two Turtles Climbing to Heaven] Two hundred meters east of the No. 1 Bridge under Heaven, at the edge of the cliff, is the Two Turtles Climbing to Heaven viewing platform. In the valley, a huge peak has a stone crouching on it like a crawling turtle. Five hundred meters to the east, a rock also has a stone crouching on it like a turtle. When mist and clouds are thick, the two turtles seem to be slowly moving upward.
[Mihun Terrace] From the First Bridge under Heaven, walk 200 meters east, then 50 meters south to reach Zhongping Mihun Terrace. Sitting on the Jade Emperor Chair at Mihun Terrace, visitors can see jagged green peaks of varying heights, like towers and pavilions, like terraces and gazebos, like stools and chairs, like people and beasts, in a thousand shapes and myriad scenes. Sometimes clouds and mist surround the viewing platform, like a heavenly palace floating above the clouds, leaving people dazed and unable to tell directions, hence the name 'Mihun Terrace'.
[Back Garden] At the junction of Zhongping and Xiaping in Yuanjiajie, there is a sunken platform. Standing on the platform and looking down, one sees a secluded valley with luxuriant trees and lush grass, dozens of exquisite small stone peaks dotted among flowers and green leaves, birds singing, streams murmuring—like a huge garden. When sunlight shines directly into the stream valley, the stone peaks take on green and red hues, fresh and pleasing to the eye. To distinguish it from the Front Garden at Huangshizhai, it is called the 'Back Garden.'
[Yangzhai] Facing the Back Garden viewing platform of Yuanjiajie from afar, at an elevation of 949 meters, with a top area of 3 hectares, it is named for its abundance of goats. The entire stone peak has sheer cliffs on the east, west, and south sides, with only a single path on the north side for ascent. Standing on the platform, one feels as if placed among the clouds. Looking down at Jinbian Stream and Shedaogou, they are like silk ribbons hidden among the peaks and green thickets. On the west side, seven pairs of stone peaks resemble seven couples, the male leaning forward and the female leaning back, standing face to face.