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Why the
Wulingyuan scenic area
is special
The vast Wulingyuan scenic area is most famous for
its 3,000 quartzite limestone rock pinnacles (see photo). Some are as high as 20 story buildings. Each is uniquely
shaped and some resemble familiar animals or objects.
Interesting insights about
the Wulingyuan scenic area
 Wulingyuan
has many remarkable attractions besides the rock
formations. These include  viewing
the panoramic vista from the top of Mount Tianzi
(accessible by trail or cable car) touring
the sizable Huanglong Cave cruising
photogenic Baofeng Lake hiking
along the picturesque Golden Whip river trekking
in the dense, virgin subtropical forest that
covers most of Wulingyuan and visiting
the ethnic Tujia villages.
The
term "Wulingyuan scenic area" does not
define a distinct geographical entity. It is
the collective name for the Zhangjiajie national park and two
nature reserves.
Wulingyuan
scenic
area tidbits
The
destination was rarely known or visited by tourists
until the mid 1980s because it was remote and
relatively inaccessible. Today, the annual Wulingyuan
visitor count is in the millions.
The
rock formation pinnacles were slowly sculpted over eons by geological
forces (especially water and wind erosion).
Tips for your
vacation tour or trip
Mid
April to mid May and mid September through October
are the best times in terms of climate to visit Wulingyuan.
If
you are visiting during the peak season (late May
through September), go on weekdays because the
desired natural serenity of the Wulingyuan scenic
area is traumatized on weekends by droves of
bullhorn toting tour guides.
Nearest major city
The Wulingyuan scenic
area is situated about 200 kilometers (125 miles)
northwest of Changsha, the capital of Hunan province.
Pronunciation guide
Wulingyuan: will'ng-you'ahn
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