Zhangjiajie
From ChinaTravelGuide
Central China (华中) » Hunan (湖南) » Zhangjiajie (张家界)
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[edit] Overview
Zhangjiajie scenic area is located in the northwest part of Hunan Province, about 265 kilometers (or 165 miles) to the northwest of Changsha, the provincial capital. Most scenic spots in the area are concentrated to the north part of the Zhangjiajie city, called Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area (武陵源), which includes Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Tianzishan (天子山) mountain ranges, Baofeng Lake (宝峰湖), the Suoxi Valley (索溪峪), and the newly opened Yangjiajie Scenic Area. But the Tianmen Mountain range, which is just to the south of the city, is also a must-see.
Zhangjiajie is known for its exquisite forests, odd-shaped peaks and rocks, the beautiful canyons, the limestone caves, and the jaw-dropping panoramic views. The entire area is covered with towering cliffs of sandstone of quartz and dense unspoiled forests with limestone caves lying underneath. The hills present different views to visitors with the changes of seasons and the weather.
Ethnic minorities of Tujia, Bai and Miao people make up about 70％ of the local population in Zhangjiajie. Here you can experience their traditional culture (such as the language, clothing, and architecture) and their folk customs (such as marriage custom, singing and dancing festivals). You will certainly go back with a lasting memory.
[edit] History
Zhangjiajie city was called Dayong (大庸), and has a history of over 2000 years.
In 1994, the new name of Zhangjiajie city was adopted from a small village located inside the city. Its main attraction, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, has also been simply referred as Zhangjiajie.
[edit] Weather
Current Conditions (2009-01-10 05:00:00, local time)
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Zhangjiajie |
Temp: 35°F (2°C) |
Zhangjiajie Weather Forecast
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[edit] Map
Click here to open Zhangjiajie map.
[edit] Getting in & Getting out
[edit] By Air
Flights to Zhangjiajie are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Changsha.
[edit] By Train
There are trains stopping at Zhangjiajie from Beijing, Shanghai, Nanning, Liuzhou, and Changsha. Refer to Zhangjiajie trains for detailed train schedules.
[edit] By Bus
Long-distance buses are available from Changsha, Wuhan and other nearby cities.
[edit] Getting Around
There are buses going between Zhangjiajie city and the foothills of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Cable cars are available going from the foothills of the park or from Tianzi Mountain to the top of the mountains. Hiking to the top of the mountain is also a popular choice.
[edit] Attractions
- Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area (张家界武陵源旅游区)
- Zhangjiajie Huanglong Cavity Scenery (张家界黄龙洞旅游区)
- Zhangjiajie Xiuhua Local Exhibition Hall (张家界秀华山馆)
[edit] Tickets, fees, etc.
- Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area: 248 RMB (including Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley and the new Yangjiajie Scenic Area, but not including Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave)
- Baofeng Lake: 74 RMB
- Yellow Dragon Cave: 80 RMB
- Tianzi Mountain: 110 RMB
- Tianmen Mountain Ranges: 258 RMB
[edit] Hotels
[edit] Budget
[edit] Luxury
[edit] Restaurants
[edit] Shopping
[edit] Night Life & Entertainment
[edit] Sports & Recreation
[edit] Excursions & Day Trips
[edit] Tips & Practical Info
- Get a qualified local guide. The guide can not only walk you through the main spots in a most efficiently way, but explain the stories about each attractions as well. As always, some preliminary research by yourself will help you avoid many traps.
- Pack as little as possible, and bring as much money as possible. It's easy to move around with little luggage, and easier to spend lots of money.
- Remember to bring things like raincoat, first aid, sun screens, sun-glasses, etc.
- For safety reasons, visitors with heart conditions and other health concerns are suggested to consult their doctors in advance before boarding the cable cars.
- You can haggle for almost everything, such as food, taxi, lodging. You can expect about 20% ~ 30% off the asking price.
