Hunan province's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of those places that wows the senses. It's defined by its mountains, which are the very definition of vertical. Impossibly thin pillars of stone stretch up toward the heavens, creating the sheerest of cliffs. For centuries this place has captured the attentions of Chinese painters, and more recently has inspired floating mountains in James Cameron's blockbuster film, Avatar. It's obvious why this place was chosen to become China's first national forest park, and accordingly developed to show it off. Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Stronghold) is part of the park which exemplifies what Zhangjiajie is about. Huangshizhai is a small village that is perched 800 meters above the base of the mountain, hedged in by overhanging precipices and with the lushest of vegetation sprouting up from its perches. Locals say "if you haven't been to Huangshizhai, then you haven't really visited Zhangjiajie."A steep hike up to the area takes about three sweaty hours to complete, but most people today opt for the swift five-minute gondola ride which is less scenic, but much easier on the calves. At its top, Huangshizhai offers a three-kilometer pathway which runs a circuit around the peak. The route offers some of the most beautiful of Zhangjiajie's sights, as well as some of its most terrifying heights. The pathway system edges along winding curves that at times border a hundred meters or more of free fall. Lookouts may include glass panel flooring or fencing that allows viewers to lean out over distances that are so tall that the distant ground below is obscured from view by passing mists.In fact, mist (at times heavy) is common in Zhangjiajie's mountain heights. The subtropical climate temperatures range between 10 and 18 degrees throughout the year, and clouds, mist and drizzle all contribute to a moisture level near the saturation point. The moderate and moist environment allows tropical vegetation to flourish on tiny elevated platforms of rock, often sprouting out of cracked cliff faces. At the center of Huangshizhai visitors won't find much of a town anymore, but they will find a variety of tourist amenities selling local snacks, crafts and trinkets. People can also enjoy "free" local culture song and dance performances after taking in the mountain's sights. The site has clearly been developed for tourists, but it has clearly been developed well. The treacherous heights that the paths constantly skirt and their well-thought-out design impressively bring the sights of Huangshizhai to the masses. And the masses do come, with all of their good and bad habits. But even at the busiest of times, the web of Huangshizhai's paths offer corners of solace and stillness to gaze out on fingers of stone poking out of a sea of mist. Getting to Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Stronghold:From Zhangjiajie train station, catch a bus to Laomuwang. From Laomuwang visitors can either hike up following signs to Huanshizhai, or take a free shuttle bus to the lower cable station to catch the gondola lift. Fees: 245yuan to enter National Forest Park (Senlin Gongyuan)50yuan to use the gondola lift (1 way)Visitors perch on an incredibly high viewing platform at Huangshizhai.Even the pathway between the scenic viewpoints offers majestic views. The views from Huangshizhai look up and down on curious rock formations.A monkey takes a break in the mountain forest of Huangshizhai.The brook at the bottom of Huangshizhai flows through lush subtropical vegetation. Source: english.cri.cn

News 2012-10-09 23:00 View：1651

During golden week, the public security association brigades put “police for your service”in tickets station square of zhangjiajie national forest park. It won much high praise from tourists.In this period, Chinese and foreign tourists came to help desk for consulting in an endless stream. They sent free safe and cozy cue cards for visitors, more than 12000 tourism publicity materials. For providing 15035 tourists obligation consultants and soving 378 troubles. People felt that the mountain and water of zhangjiajie was beautiful, the police service was more beautiful.Translated by Sophia

News 2012-10-08 23:15 View：1082

October 8th, zhangjiajie national forest park tickets bureau said that, from September 30th to October 7th, forest park received 145098 people, including tickets 95642, year-on-year growth of 37% last year, refreshing history records, single day average reception were already exceeded ten thousand people.On October 7th, this year’s golden week dropped the curtain. After eight days′ fighting, zhangjiajie national forest park scenic area smoothly and orderly got through the passenger flow peak and ensured the smooth tourists travel. Scenic spot tourism was in order. The number of tourism and tourism revenue hit a high record, realizing final perfect.Golden week not only brought income for zhangjiajie scenic spot, at the same time also contributed to the development of accommodation, catering, entertainment, leisure and other tourist economy income.Translated by Sophia

News 2012-10-08 23:15 View：1229

On October 7th, the golden week has nearly come to end, in the core scenic area, four tickets station received nearly 300000 people, year-on-year growth of 65%, among them 60% was self-driver. All of this reached new highs, the staff with high quality, good service won the tourists consistent high praise, no complaints.It is understood that the wulingyuan tickets company in National Day was expected to fierce passenger, getting everything ready to meet the peak. The openning time bumped up from 7:20 to 6 points. The order, disabled people and children had priority to enter the park. And the time, by monitoring real time images to know the scenic tourists crowded conditions, reminding guests to arrange suitable travel route according to actual situation. Youth volunteers provided free tourist map. Company personnel let visitors feel wulingyuan as ae warm home.Translated by Sophia

News 2012-10-08 23:14 View：1167

On October 9, the 5th Tour de Hunan Cycling Race kicked off in Changsha. The race attracted more than 5,000 participants, with the route totaling 3,000km and covering 14 cities (autonomous prefecture), including Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, Jishou and Zhangjiajie. Women's group are ready to start.On October 9, more than 200 racers participate in the first round at Changsha Ecological Garden after the opening ceremony. Racers leave the starting line. A racer pushes his way forward.Women's group's warming up.Racers cross a wooden bridge. A racer crosses the finish line. Translator: Xiao JuanSource: Hunan Official Web Portal

News 2012-10-08 22:57 View：1612

On October 5th, three referees of “2012 red bull flight world championships” arrived in zhangjiajie lotus airport. Their arrival meant that the “the first flight world championships” officially started, at the appointed time, they would be on a competitive level of a fair verdict to 16 players.It is understood that the “2012 red bull flight world championships” will be held on October 12th to 14th, in hunan zhangjiajie tianmen mountain stage. This competition will be the most difficult challenge, the greatest risk in the global flight activities or events, with the highest level demand of players. It is also the highest level of competition, the highest standards international event. At the same time, from nine different countries, 16 world’s most top flight athletes will come together to zhangjiajie tianmen mountain to compete for the highest honor of the limit king. As is expected, there is an authoritative international sports organization that will witness and acknowledge ” the fastest speed of human no powered flight ” which will be born in first world record in this event.Translated by Sophia

News 2012-10-07 23:09 View：1226

During the golden week this year, tickets administration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park set up several voluntary counseling service points in the square, according to the skyrocketing self-driving tours.Besides, “Nationwide Cultured Youth Collectives” voluntary counseling service point changed the single service mode and upgraded wholly. 1, establish a temporary radio station; 2, offer bilingual voluntary service; 3, allocate two temporary line interpreters; 4, distribute free scenic spots introduction and maps.Generally speaking, these comprehensive service points won a good reputation. Especially the bilingual service received highly praise from overseas visitors. An American lady wrote on the message board:” wonderful place, wonderful service”.Translated by Becky

News 2012-10-07 11:48 View：1616

This year’s golden week, zhangjiajie tourism situation is very prosperous. Zhangjiajie national forest park tickets bureau management station with the service tenet, “being honest, enthusiastic service, sincerely help others, solid love”, showed enthusiastic service to tourists all over the world. It received the social common praise from all walks of life, realizing the goal of “safety, satisfactory, with zero complaint”.As we have learned, zhangjiajie national forest park tickets bureau always adheres to the standardization, humanization quality service over the years. It has been awarded as the “national youth civilization”, “lotus pacesetter ” and so on.Translated by Sophia

News 2012-10-07 11:47 View：1287