Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
Located in the northwest part of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan, Yuanjiajie is a naturally formed platform mountain, surrounded by higher summits which are divided by deep valleys. The area is reachable from the Tianzishan Scenic Area (Emperor Mountain) by bus in 40 minutes. Added to this scene is an array of amazing lesser peaks and grotesque rocks, each standing in the valley and possesses its own peculiar shape.
There are up to now only two ways lead to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area: One is from the Golden Whip Stream via Luanchuanpo to the Back Garden; the other is the Bailong Elevator. By this super elevator, tourists can ascend on the top of a peak to get a commanding view of its famous scene - Shenbingjuhui (lit. God's Force Rally), the scene is also nickneamed the Fields and Gardens of the Heaven for its beautiful trees, ethnic houses and paddyfields on the high mountains.
Highlight
The foremost attractions in this area include: Back Garden, breathtaking Mihun Stage, the First Bridge under the Sun, etc. Yuanjiajie lies between Huangshi Village (yellow stone stronghold) and Tianzi Mountain (Emperor Mountain). From Zhangjiajie National Forest Park there are approaches to the Yuanjiajie.
The northern part of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is the essential tourist route. Yuanjiajie is a natural platform that faces giant rocks rising from deep valleys and surrounded by higher mountains. Unique in their shapes and covered with pine trees, these rocks resemble a vivid Chinese painting. Main scenic spots include: Back Garden, breath taking Mihun Stage and the First Bridge under the Sun.
Best Time for Visit
April and October are the best time to tour in Zhangjiajie, when the natural scene is most beautiful. For the rainy days, it is not suitable for mountaineering in the Zhangjiajie in July. One to two hours after the rain, the mountain shows the most beautiful scenery. It snows in winter, but no mountain pass will be sealed. The Zhangjiajie is also very attractive in snowy days.
Traffic
Yuanjiajie covers a large geographical area. Generally speaking, tourists only visit a small part area of the Yuanjiajie. From shuiraosimen, the heart place of the Zhangjiajie, take Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie and then take bus to the main zone of Yuanjiajie for visiting the Mihun Stage and the First Bridge under the Sun.
Tips: Please pay attention to keep warm, because the temperature difference of morning and evening in is about 3 degrees.