Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area , lying to the north of Zhangjiajie City, is a charming tourist attraction. It is one of the 40 famous scenic spots in China. It is said to be 'The ampliative miniascape and the contractible fairyland' and was admitted to the 'World Heritage List' in 1992.
The Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area boasts of natural beauty where mountains, valleys, forests, caves, lakes and waterfalls exist in total harmony. Over 560 attraction sights can be found here. The strangely-shaped peaks, the absurd stones, the hidden valleys, the wonderful waters and the limestone caves form the 'Five Wonders' of Wulingyuan and they are really worth seeing.
Covering an area of 690 square kilometers (266 square miles), Wulingyuan Scenic Area consists of four parts- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and the newly added Yangjiajie Scenic Area.
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| Guide Map of Wulingyuan |
The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first state-level forest park in China. Over ninety-seven percent of the park is covered with varieties of trees and other valuable plants. The park is a real treasure house. The Lobster Flower (Long Xia Flower), a sort of flower that can change color five times in a day, is unique in the park. The views in this area include the Golden Whip Stream, Huangshi Fort and Yuanjiajie. The Golden Whip Stream is a poetic stream, with crystal clear water running quietly between strangely-shaped peaks. The Huangshi Fort and Yuanjiajie are both classic spots that can not be missed in the park.
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The Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve is the center of the scenic zone and is the largest among the four areas of the park. About 200 attraction spots can be found here. The name of Suoxi Valley is transliterated from the language of the Tu Minority Group, and it means 'a mountainous village with dense fog'. This area includes the Ten-mile Gallery (Gan Xi Gou), where vivid pictures formed by its peaks are rather impressive. The West Sea, also called the sea of stone forests, is amazing. Bao Feng Lake is also an excellent place to visit to gain an understanding of the local customs of West Hunan Province.
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The Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve is rich in strange peaks and rocks, and in constant clouds and fog. The reserve lies at a high elevation which makes sightseeing physically challenging. The Yellow Dragon Spring, Teaboard Tower and Lao Wu Chang are areas which have been developed for visitors. This reserve is renowned for four marvelous spectacles-the cloud and mist, the night with shining moon, the winter snow and the morning and evening rosy clouds.
It wasn't until the 1990s that the Yangjiajie Scenic Area was preserved. Legends had it that in order to suppress rebellion, the famous Yang Family (a family quite loyal to the court and contributed to the fighting against Qi Dan in the Song Dynasty) camped and settled here later because of the continuous war. And as a result, Yangjiajie emerged. So far, the pedigree of the Yang Family is still well kept in this area which also contains the Tian Bo Mansion, Liu Lang Bay and Qi Lang Bay.
Together with the natural scenery of the four sections of the park, the life and customs of several Chinese minority groups (Tu, Miao, Bai) are also of interest. Their houses, farms and their singing and dancing undoubtedly add an element of happiness and beauty to Wulingyuan.
How to get to Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Admission Fee & Opening Hours
| Admission Fee | For adults: CNY 165 from Mar. - Nov. CNY 84 from Dec. - Feb. For children between 14-18 years old and the old aged 60-65 CNY 84 from Mar. - Nov. CNY 42 from Dec. - Feb. For children under 14 and the seniors over 65: Free Note: 1. The admission fee includes visit to Yangjiajie Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and Yellow Stone Village inside these scenic areas. 2. The ticket has 4-day validity. 3. Tourists may pay an extra CNY 3 for the insurance. |
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| Battery Tourist Car | CNY 60 for adults CNY 30 for minors over 1.2m (3.9 feet) and under 18 and seniors over 60 Free for children under 1.2m |
| Opening Hours: | 07:00 - 17:30 |
Fees for Elevator, Cable Car and Tourist Train
| Items | Fees | Operating hours |
|---|---|---|
| Bailong Sightseeing Elevator (Single Trip) | CNY 65; Preferential ticket: CNY 33 | 07:30 - 19:00 from Mar. to Nov. 08:30 - 17:45 from Dec. to Feb. |
| Yellow Stone Village Cable Car | Single Trip: CNY 65; Preferential ticket: CNY 33 | 07:00 - 17:30 |
| Tianzi Mountain Cable Car (Single Trip) | CNY 72; Preferential ticket: CNY 36 | 07:30 - 17:30 |
| Yangjiajie Cable Car (Single Trip) | CNY 76; Preferential ticket: CNY 38 | 08:30 - 18:00 |
| Ticket Package for the three cable cars and one elevator listed above (one ride for each) | CNY 238; Preferential ticket: CNY 128 | -- |
| Ticket package for the three cable cars and one elevator listed above (unlimited rides for each) | CNY 298; Preferential ticket: CNY 158 | -- |
| Ten-mile Gallery Tourist Train (Single Trip) | CNY 38; Preferential ticket: CNY 24 | 07:30 - 18:00 from Mar. to Nov. 08:30 - 17:00 from Dec. to Feb. |
The preferential tickets are for children over 1.2m (3.9 feet) and aged under 18, and the elderly aged over 60. Free for children under 1.2m (3.9 feet).
Nearby Attraction: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
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