A sublime UNESCO World Heritage site in China’s Hunan Province, Wulingyuan Scenic Area is unlike anything found anywhere else in the world. Characterized by soaring sandstone pillars, it is a must-see for all visitors that can make it.
The region is made up of many small villages including Zhangjiajie and is home to three distinct ethnic minorities: the Bai, Tujia and Miao. There is a hefty admission fee (by Chinese standards) though it’s well worth the price. Inside are more than 3,000 amazing karst pillars.
The highlight of Wulingyuan Scenic area is the opportunity to hike the paths that weave through this karst-riddled landscape. Cable cars provide access to the most majestic peaks including Huang Shi Zhai, also accessible by a flight of nearly 4,000 stairs.
Throughout the scenic area are massive limestone caves (one of which has the largest chamber in Asia), rushing streams and waterfalls. The rugged and unusual landscape is also home to dozens of rare plants and animals. Outstanding are the scaly anteater and the clouded leopard.
Getting There & Away
Zhangjiajie Village is the gateway to the scenic area. This is where the majority of visitors pay the entrance fee and proceed onward. The village connects to the larger Zhangjiajie City where a brand new airport has just opened its doors with flights to Beijing (2 hours) as well as several other prominent cities in the region. As a number of international visitors hail from South Korea, there is also an international flight to Seoul.