Yangjiajie Scenic Area

Yangjiajie Scenic Area

Yangjiajie is situated to the west of Zhangjiajie, less than 10 kilometers away. It lies to the west of Zhangjiajie, borders Tianzi Mountain to the north, and is governed by Zhonghu Township in Wulingyuan. Both the geographical location and climate conditions of Yangjiajie are the same as those of Zhangjiajie, and even superior.

The scenery of Yangjiajie, like that of Zhangjiajie, mainly features the natural beauty of untouched landscapes. Compared with Zhangjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, and Suoxi Valley, aside from sharing largely similar geological features and some peaks, Yangjiajie also possesses its own unique characteristics—not entirely like Zhangjiajie, yet in some aspects even surpassing it.

There is a scenic spot in Yangjiajie called “Ancient Vine Bay,” which is truly a “kingdom of ancient vines,” a world of old creepers. The ancient vines growing here are not only vast in area and numerous in quantity, but more precious is the presence of a “King Vine.” With well-developed roots and lush branches, it spans 20 meters in length and 15 meters in width, covering half of a cliff face like a gigantic vine web, hence earning the title “The Number One Vine in China”!

“Last year there were few oddities, this year there are many. Sirs and young men, stones roll uphill in the river”—these are lines from the folk song “Song of the Oddities,” which sings about the strange people and bizarre events that defy the norms of the world. In Yangjiajie, there is such a strange sight: on the sheer cliffs of a stone peak, where there is no soil, no crevice, no gap, and no water, three spiritual trees grow, known as the “Spirit Trees Biting the Rock.” These three trees cling tightly to the cliff face, growing tenaciously with gnarled ancient trunks, lush foliage, and branches reaching toward the sky, towering above the clouds. Despite their perilous location, they remain green through droughts and stand firm against fierce winds, demonstrating an extraordinary vitality. Isn’t it strange? Isn’t it marvelous to behold?

About 1 kilometer down from Ancient Vine Bay lies another highlight of Yangjiajie, named “Dragon Spring Waterfall.” Hiking 2 kilometers further up the stream from the gorge entrance will bring you to this waterfall. This waterfall is taller and more beautiful than the Hundred Waterfalls Stream in Suoxi Valley, the Mandarin Duck Waterfall in Tianzi Mountain, and the Monkey Cave Waterfall in Zhangjiajie. Hanging high on the cliff, it cascades straight down. Standing before the waterfall, with fine mist spraying and cool breezes brushing your clothes, even if you’re drenched in sweat, just a few minutes will make you feel the summer heat vanish, replaced by a refreshing chill. Looking at the face of the waterfall, the scene is magnificent and imposing, with a thunderous roar; looking down at the base, the pool is a clear expanse of emerald water, with visible fish and reflections of surrounding mountains. Toss in a stone, and the water ripples, shadows sway, waves undulate, trees sway, and the mountain seems to tilt—another vivid ink painting comes to life. The view is truly intoxicating.

If you feel a chill standing before the waterfall, then just wade into the pool nearby, and you’ll feel a warm breeze blow over, gradually warming you and increasing your comfort—it’s truly like being “drunk on the warm wind caressing the traveler.” I pondered the reason but couldn’t figure it out. Then I recalled an old saying: “To know the affairs of the mountain, ask the woodcutter.” So I asked the local villagers, who said that the cold and warm airs are caused by the Water Dragon and Fire Dragon. The Water Dragon brings coolness, the Fire Dragon generates warmth. These two dragon deities do this to regulate the climate, balance yin and yang, dispel miasma, and bless humanity. As for the science behind it, friends, you’ll have to explore that on your own.

When visiting Yangjiajie, you must not miss Baiheping (White Crane Flat). From Zongbao Bay, follow the path down past Sisters’ Pools and exit the valley to arrive. Baiheping gets its name from the white cranes that often perch on the mountaintops and tree branches. White cranes, also known as immortal cranes, are auspicious and fortunate birds. According to the locals, when white cranes settle here, the area enjoys prosperity and bountiful harvests; if the cranes relocate and fly away, natural disasters and plagues may follow. Therefore, the local villagers deeply cherish these cranes and never harm them.

The best time to observe white cranes at Baiheping is at dawn and dusk. At dawn, when the morning mist begins to lift and the eastern sky brightens, the cranes call to one another in preparation to leave their nests, then take off in flocks. At dusk, as night falls and the land darkens, the cranes return. As the old saying goes: “Pond fish long for their native pools, homing birds yearn for their old woods.” Many cranes return to their nests at dusk, covering the treetops and branches. Some preen their feathers, others clean their claws of mud. After some chirping and playful behavior, they settle into their nests for the night.

Aside from these particularly spiritually rich attractions, the landscapes of Yangjiajie are also stunning. There are 110 scenic spots here, featuring uniquely shaped peaks and steep cliffs, as well as streams and waterfalls that flow like emeralds and jade. There’s the “Crooked Mouth Rock,” once a hideout for bandits, the nearly unclimbable “Ghost Grief Fortress,” and many other wonders such as “Horseshoe Rock,” “Ape’s Frustration Cliff,” “Heavenly Wave Mansion,” and “Sisters’ Bay”—so much to describe and see. Special mention should also be made of “Zongbao Peak,” “Sixth Lang Peak,” “Lady She Taijun,” and “Yangjiajie.” What do these names mean? It turns out that some of the mountain names in Yangjiajie were given by descendants of the Yang Family Generals to commemorate their ancestors. These names have been used for over a thousand years without change. So, visiting Yangjiajie not only allows you to enjoy its pristine landscapes but also lets you trace the roots of the Yang family, inheriting and promoting the legacy of patriotic loyalty.

Address: Inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City

Phone: 0744-5712330, 0744-5627188

Opening Hours:

7:30–17:30 (Spring); 7:30–18:00 (Summer); 8:00–17:30 (Winter); 8:00–17:30 (Winter).

Transportation

To visit Yangjiajie, you generally first take the park’s eco-shuttle bus (fare included in the national forest park ticket) to Longfeng’an Lower Station. After a 10-minute walk, you’ll reach Longfeng’an Upper Station, then take another eco-shuttle bus to Yangjiajie Cable Car Lower Station. From there, take the cable car up to the mountaintop (Upper Station) of Yangjiajie. After exploring these areas, you can take the eco-shuttle bus at the Yangjiajie intersection to reach Yuanjiajie Scenic Area.

Tickets

Included in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park ticket; valid for general park entry

Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan – Tianmen Mountain Tourist Area

Tianmen Mountain

Wulingyuan

Yuanjia Stockade

Wulong Stockade

Tianzi Mountain

He Long Park

Axis Pillar (Qiankun Column)

Yangjiajie Heavenly Wave Mansion

Yuanjiajie