An Incredible Workmanship of Nature

I visited the super popular park a couple of weeks ago. Landscapes are really spectacular, no wonder thousands of people swarm into it. The organization is difficult and inside transportation is various and complex. The following is my experience, hope it's helpful.

About tickets

I bought the ticket with this site TravelChinaGuide, the most expensive one: 4-day Admission + 3 Cableways & 1 Elevator (unlimited trips) in advance. It's a large park and you need to take cableways to cover more spots with your time. The 4-day ticket allowed me to enter multiple times so I can take my time to explore every spot. I also saw foreigners buying at the gate, no line, so you can also buy upon arrival. There are referential tickets for seniors and children.

Yuanjiajie + Yangjiajie + Tianzi Moutain

I covered the three in one day, the most essential parts. I entered from the east gate and took the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie where the floating Hallelujah Mountain is located. You can see soaring sandstone pillars and lush forests, the scenery that inspired the movie Avatar. Then, take the cable car up and down to Yangjiajie. I walked for 7km to the “One Step to the Heaven”, the scenery with fewer people that beat the Hallelujah Mountain, higher with more breathtaking views.

From the lower station of Yangjiajie cableway, I took the tourist bus to Tianzi Mountain. The worthiest spot is the Arranging Battles Platform, the best place to appreciate the sunset. Also the Fairy Dispersing Flower, it is exactly a lady holding a bunch of flowers. What an incredible workmanship of nature! I took the cable car down and exited from the east gate. A tiring but unforgettable day.

Golden Whip Stream is a must for hikers

I hailed a Didi car to send me to the south gate, which is closer to Golden Whip Stream and Huangshi Village. Also, I used the cable way up to Huangshi Village, it's less appealing than Yuangjiajie and Yangjiajie but still worth a visit. After taking the cable car down, I took the shuttle bus back to the south gate.  

From Laomo Wan (Oxygen Square) near the gate to Water Winding Four Gate, about 4.7 miles long, is a loved classic hiking route. As a hiking enthusiast, I have to say it's worth a try. Two ways to choose and I recommend the right one which is closer to the stream. You will meet monkeys. Zip your backpack, or they would rob you! The destination is Water Winding Four Gate, where you can take a bus back to the east gate.

Last Day at Tianmen Mountain

This is not inside the park but a separate attraction nearby. I came for the longest cable way and the Tianmen Cave. I was ready to take beautiful shots at the cave but it was cloudy, so nothing to brag about.

Tips:

1. The hotels always have the bilingual map of the park. Ask for one, as I find it much more helpful than the electronic one. I find the official map at the tourist center, too. You can find that one place is translated to different names.

2. You can find a lot of food and drink stalls and they are not bad, so not necessary to pack food.

⁠3. The most popular spot is the Hallelujah Mountain. Very crowded.

⁠4. Didi is helpful. I use it in every city here in China.