Zhang Jia Jie National Park
Zhang Jia Jie Mountain, one of the most
fantastic placesin China, lies in the west of
Hunan province. This marvelous natural
phenomenon is more than 500 square miles
around and dominated by more than 3,000
narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many
over 200 m high. Between the peaks lie
ravines and gorges with streams, pools and
waterfalls, some 40 caves, and two large
natural bridges. In addition to the striking
beauty of the landscape, the region is also
noted for the fact that it is home to a number
of endangered plant and animal species. In
1992, the United Nations granted her the
ˇ°World Natural Heritageˇ± honor.
Zhang jia Jie is about 400 kilometers away
from Changsha, the provincial capital. The
whole area includes four parts: Zhangjiajie
National Forest Park, Yangjiajie Scenic Spot,
Suoxiyu and Tianzishan Natural Resources
Reserves with an area of 500 square
kilometers. Owing to the neighboring plateau
southwesterly of it and Dongting Lake to the
east,, Wulingyuan Scenic Area comes into
being under interaction of land elevation and
depression and the cutting force of flowing
water. It presents a unique landscape of high
mountains, grotesque peaks, beautiful waters,
deep gorges, marvelous caves and exuberant
forest.
As its most unique feature, Wulingyuan
abounds in exquisite and grotesque rock
pinnacles. It has over 3100 rock pinnacles,
out of which, 1036 are more than 400 meters
high; each endowed with a singular shape.
Seen from the heights, row upon row, cluster
after cluster, of various spectacular stone
formations; roll out like a turbulent sea of
forests with tremendous tidal waves, as if
whipped up by bolts out of the blue. One feels
as if staying in a fairyland enclosed by stone
forests.
