Land of the Avatars

While it’s unlikely you’ll see any 10-feet tall, blue-skinned, sapient humanoids (aka Na’vi), the picturesque, awe-inspiring movie Avatar was filmed here on earth in the Hunan Province – not in Pandora.

Wulingyuan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, is the magical land of sandstone pillars and jagged granite peaks rising over 660 feet in height; surrounded by gorges and ravines and majestic waterfalls. Entrance to the park is by the “road of 99 bends.” Whether taking the world’s longest elevator or climbing the 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate, it is breath-taking and quite a workout. Those with height phobias will have heard of the Skywalk of Faith with it’s all glass panels creating the illusion of walking on air over the high cliffs. And the newest attraction is the longest skywalk bridge over China’s Grand Canyon. If you’re a nature lover, hiker, engineer or adventurer place put this on your bucket list – and in anticipation of the four Avatar sequels scheduled to be released starting in late 2021.

Tianmen Mountain and the Glass Skywalk

Taking a long cable car ride up through early morning fog from downtown Zhangjiajie provides a panoramic view of Tianmen Mountain, the road with 99 bends below, and Heaven’s Gate, which from the distance looks like a large hole through the mountain.  Surrounded by mountains and peaks from mythical Pandora, home of the Avatar, you’ll marvel at granite peaks rarely seen on earth.

Hiking up to the Bailong Elevator, also known as the Hundred Dragons Elevator, the view looking out over the valley is positively transfixing as the world’s longest outdoor elevator rises to an astounding 1,071 feet.   Get your cameras ready and face the glass side.

Mountain monkeys entertained from the trees along the hike and upon the return lined up to await any treats we wanted to share from the shops nearby.  If you’re not paying attention, the food might be snatched right from your hands.

All along the top there are numerous scenic overlooks, natural rock formations, man-made plank bridges and the Glass Skywalk aka the “Walk of Faith.”  Those wary of heights were relieved to see easy access to the handrails and quickly got their photos and moved on.  Those who were comfortable posed for the craziest photos and stood looking out over the view.  It felt very sturdy!  However, let me forewarn you about the crowds since it’s not easy to stare down the cliff side 5,000 feet below, without a bit of jostling.  Cloth slippers must be worn over your shoes to ensure that the glass isn’t scratched.

999 Steps to Heaven’s Gate and 99 Bends in the Road

The view below the glass skywalk is the road with 99 bends which we descended.  The transport vans only hold up to 12 people so expect to stand in the queue and hope for a window seat.  Ask the driver which side has the “valley view.”  Dramamine might be a good idea too!

Before heading back to your hotel, make sure to visit Heaven’s Gate or Tianmen Cave, a natural 160-foot-high cave.  Done only once only and never again due to potential damage to the mountain, the government flew 4 fighter jets through the opening (videos available on You Tube).  Professional daredevils meet annually to compete in the wingsuit competitions.

On rainy days, visitors must walk down as a safety precaution.  We were bused to the top then hiked along it for awesome views, before taking seven long escalators downward inside the mountain to finally reach the opening from the back side.  Standing inside the cave and looking down the steps, is like standing on “top of the world.” As you begin your descent, thinking “piece of cake,” you’ll be surprised by the stress on your legs. By the time I reached the last 30 or so my thigh muscles were shaking, and I was praying I’d make it down before they gave out.  All I was thinking was how glad I was that we didn’t have the option to hike up.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with the World’s Longest Glass Bridge

Another “can’t miss” part of Wulingyuan is the Grand Canyon including the Glass Bridge which extends 470 yards over a portion of it.  At a height of 4,690 feet it offers an expansive view of the depths below.  New and well-constructed, some travelers mentioned it was unnerving but they made it over just the same.  It’s fascinating to watch when people first step out on the bridge, to see whether they walk across the glass panels or the more solid parts, and how often they look down. One very brave man showed off his yoga moves, not for everyone for sure!

After you cross, turn left and hike over to another glass elevator which takes you down to a 6-person slide.  Special pants are provided (to slide more easily and to protect your clothes) as well as gloves with silicone grips (to control your speed). Sorry – it moves fast so forget about action shots.

After experiencing the slide, continue hiking down the stairs until you reach the bottom of the Grand Canyon. There you can stroll along the river for a few Zen moments but pause when it opens wider to view the pools of blue-green water that glisten like gems. There’s even a place for zip-lining a short part of the path (optional).  At the end of 2 hours, and another hike up, a boat awaits to take you back to civilization. By the way, be sure to bring water with you.

Enjoy Zhangjiajie at Night

Restaurants and shops light up the streets at night. Do a little shopping before you’re drawn in by the tantalizing food odors – for there are all types of Asian treats.  Order by photo or use a translation app.

Perhaps on one evening you’ll consider taking in the Fairy Fox Show at the Charming Xiangxi Theater which is outdoors.  It features a huge cast and is narrated in English so the story line is easy to follow.  A portion of the stage is actually built into the side of the mountain.

A visit to Zhangjiajie and the Wulingyuan UNESCO heritage site is full of surprises. There’s so much and even more like the Dangerous Plank Road, Pearl Wall, Butterfly Spring Waterfall, and Baofeng Lake.  Hikers be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes!  Every step is surrounded by nature’s beauty and you can be rewarded at night with a full-body massage (in the hotel’s Spa) which is actually affordable (reserve in advance).