Yuanjiajie scenic area

The Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, located in the northwest of Wulingyuan District, forms the core of Zhangjiajie's otherworldly landscape. This 11.5 km² zone is famed for its dense cluster of over 100 towering sandstone pillars, including the iconic "Avatar Hallelujah Mountain" (Southern Sky Column), which inspired the floating peaks in James Cameron's film. The pillars, formed from quartz-rich sandstone over 380 million years, rise abruptly to heights exceeding 200 metres. Key features include the "First Bridge Under Heaven", a natural stone arch spanning two cliffs, and Lost Souls Platform, offering panoramic views of the mist-wrapped formations. Accessible via the Bailong Elevator (326m tall), Yuanjiajie remains the most recognisable section of Wulingyuan's UNESCO-listed karst terrain.