Avatar Mountains & Rice Terraces in China: Discover Breathtaking Landscapes of Zhangjiajie & Yunnan

Explore China’s Natural and Cultural Wonders – Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains & Yunnan Rice Terraces

Across the vast land of China, there is a breathtaking diversity of natural landscapes. Zhangjiajie and Yunnan are two commonly chosen destinations that possess unique natural features and hold significant positions in China's natural tourism. For example, Zhangjiajie's "Avatar Mountains" has attracted countless visitors with their otherworldly visual splendor, and Yunnan's terraced fields captivate people with their picturesque rural scenery and profound cultural value. 
This article will introduce you to the main attractions, travel experiences, and recommended routes of these two destinations, allowing you to appreciate the magical mountain views of Zhangjiajie and the serene beauty of Yunnan's terraced fields.

Breathtaking Landscapes of Zhangjiajie, China

Explore the Otherworldly Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie

The Unique Sandstone Pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tour is widely welcomed both at home and abroad for the unique sandstone peak forest landform here. It was also the source of inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar. Stepping into this magical mountain forest, you will feel like entering a surreal world. Yuanjiajie, Tianzishan, and the Ten-Mile Gallery are the must-visit highlights for tourists in the park.
Yuanjiajie is best known for the South Heavenly Pillar, a towering peak that is hailed as "Hallelujah Mountain" and is one of the prototypes of the classic scenes in the movie. Tianzishan, famous for the majestic peak clusters and expansive views, has become an ideal spot for tourists to capture the sunrise and the sea of clouds. That's why it is also the favorite destination for photography enthusiasts. The Ten-Mile Gallery is a scenic canyon path, on which mountains and rocks form a continuous landscape painting.

Thrilling Experiences at the Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain

The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge is the world's longest glass bridge over a high mountain canyon. When you stand on the bridge, feeling the bottomless canyon beneath your feet and sheer cliffs on both sides, you will be both nervous and excited about such a thrilling experience. 
The other place that offers a breathtaking experience is Tianmen Mountain. It is quite famous for the spectacular Tianmen Cave. The winding mountain road in the mountain is known as the "Heavenly Road", and the glass walkway will just leave visitors with an incomparable thrilling experience in the Zhangjiajie tours. 
If you are adventure and photography enthusiasts, there are countless ways to play and take photos here. For example, you can stand on the glass bridge to overlook the canyon, or take a group photo in front of Tianmen Cave. Either way, you will keep the unforgettable travel memories. 

Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie, China

Discover the Serene Beauty of Yunnan’s Rice Terraces

Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Photographer’s Paradise

The Yuanyang terraced fields are the core area of the Red River Hani Terraced Fields. The Red River Hani Terraced Fields are a remarkable agricultural civilization created by the Hani people and other ethnic groups through their concerted efforts. They took advantage of the unique geographical and climatic conditions. These rice terraces are grand in scale and imposing in appearance. ​
Layered upon each other, they present an extremely spectacular sight. The play of light and shadow is unpredictable and breathtakingly beautiful. Here, from dawn to dusk, from sunrise to sunset, the surging sea of clouds offers an unendingly beautiful view.

Combination of Nature with Culture in Yunnan’s Ethnic Villages

Yunnan's ethnic cultures are rich and diverse. During Yunnan tours, tourists can visit villages of the Hani and Yi ethnic groups and experience their local lifestyles. If you are looking for a deep understanding of the local cultural traditions and lifestyles, see the local distinctive architectures such as mushroom-shaped houses. You can also dress in the traditional costumes like the Yi people's pleated skirts, and taste the delicious foods like the Hani people's bamboo tube rice, all of which offer great value for in-depth cultural tourism.

Yunnan’s Rice Terraces, China

Plan Your Perfect Tour Across Zhangjiajie and Yunnan

Zhangjiajie Transportation

• Zhangjiajie has direct flights to many cities in China.
• At the city center bus station (next to the railway station), there are buses directly to the entrance of Zhangjiajie Forest Park.
• The starting fare for a taxi is 5 yuan for 1.6 kilometers. You can also call a Didi.
• ​The environmental protection vehicles inside the scenic area are free, and the ticket includes this (operating hours: 7:00 - 19:00). 

​Yunnan Transportation

• ​Kunming, as the capital of Yunnan Province, enjoys a convenient transportation with multiple flights and train routes.
• To get to the Rice terraces, you can take a high-speed train from Kunming to Jianshui and then transfer to a passenger bus to Yuanyang, which takes about 4 hours.
• An intercity train is also availale to Gejiu, after which you can transfer to a passenger bus to Yuanyang.

Breathtaking Landscapes of Yunnan, China

Travel Tips for a Smooth Experience

• To ensure a smooth trip, it is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid having your itinerary disrupted by large crowds. 
• Prepare appropriate gear, such as comfortable hiking shoes, professional camera equipment, and warm clothing, to cope with the changeable Yunnan weather in mountainous areas. 
• Respect the local ethnic cultural taboos so that you can better integrate into the local community and enjoy the pleasure of your trip.