تشانغجياجيه (张家界)

Zhangjiajie is one of China's most spectacular natural wonders — thousands of towering quartz-sandstone pillars that rise hundreds of metres from the forest floor, often shrouded in mist. It's China's first UNESCO national park, and it looks like another planet.

Avatar Mountains (Zhangjiajie National Forest Park)

This is the main event — the inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar (director James Cameron has confirmed it). Take the Bailong Elevator — the world's tallest outdoor elevator, climbing 326 metres up a cliff face — to the top for panoramic views over the pillar forest. Come at sunrise if you can: the mist rolling between the pillars is one of the most beautiful things you'll ever see.

Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate)

A separate park from the national forest park, but equally spectacular. The Tianmen Mountain Cable Car is the longest and highest in the world — 30 minutes, 7 kilometres, climbing to 1,518 metres. At the top, walk the glass cliff path along the sheer rock face. The centrepiece is Heaven's Gate — a natural arch 131 metres high carved into the mountain. The 999-step staircase up to it is a pilgrimage in itself.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

The world's highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge (430 metres long, 300 metres high) spanning the canyon between two cliffs. Walking across it is terrifying and exhilarating in equal measure. The glass is multi-layered and safe — but your brain won't believe that when you look down.

When to Go

Summer brings mist and rain — the pillars disappear and reappear through the clouds, which is actually the most photogenic time. Autumn (September–November) has the clearest skies and best visibility. Winter brings snow that dusts the sandstone pillars — rare but magical. Spring (April–June) has mild weather and blooming rhododendrons.

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