Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Wulingyuan is situated in Dayong City with an area of 369 square kilometers. It covers the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Valley and Tianzishan (Mt. Emperor). The climate is of a subtropical monsoon moisture, with no chilly days in winter and no hot days in summer. The average temperature all year round is 14 - 15 degree centigrade.

Zhangjiajie is the pearl of Wulingyuan. Thousands of stone peaks stand out, with snaking creeks flowing through and wild flowers and plants covering everything. Numerous incredibley-shaped peaks and rocks dot the area, displayed in a setting as a natural museum of sculpture. The scenery in Zhangjiajie can be characteristically described as beautiful, wild, grotesque and refreshing. Major sights include Yaozizhai Scenic Area, Huangshizhai Scenic Area, Jinbian Creek and Jinbian Cliff, where sheer cliffs and steep slopes are the main attractions. In 1982, Zhangjiajie Area was classified as a national park.

Suoxiyu Scenic Area, part of Wulingyuan Tourist Area, is famous for its landscape of craggy peaks and huge rock columns rising out of the dense subtropical forest. Suoxiyu is a natural botanical garden and zoo. There are many naturally shaped rock formations, unpredictable clouds and fogs, grand waterfalls, cold springs, mirroring lakes, the mystical Underground House and Dragon Palace with delicate relics. Major sights include the 10 - 11 Gallery, known as a natural sculpture museum; the Yellow Dragon Cave, known as the underground pearl; Xihai, renown for its forest of peaks; Baofeng Lake; and Baizhang Valley.

The king of the peaks in Wulingyuan is the Tianzi Mountain. Local legends say that an ancient Tujia chieftain who aspired to become Tianzi (Son of Heaven) gathered his people and launched an uprising on this peak. This is virgin land teeming with mystery. There is a bridge overpass, two pools, three ancient temples, four gates, five waterfalls , six caves, seven scenic spots, 84 natural view platforms and 9,990 peaks. Major sights include the forest of peaks and rocks, the Heavenly Pool, the Temple of Son of Heaven and Waterfall of Lovebirds.