Mountains in China where the avatar was shot. Flying Mountains Pandora in Hunan Province
The famous film "Avatar" with stunning special effects impressed the whole world. Flights among high cliffs were forced with the fading of the heart to follow the rapid movements of the heroes. Most viewers believe that the mountains from the film "Avatar" are completely modeled on the computer, there are no them in nature. It turns out, they are real!
Pandora country on China's expanses
Strange mountains were not accidentally chosen by the creators of the painting. Special effects are only an addition to the unusual view of the mountain ridge of Uzhynuan. Mountains of the unearthly Pandora in the Chinese land - the real wonders of the nature of our planet.
Visit National Park Unenyuan, in which there are mountains from the famous movie "Avatar", you can at any time. Only 158 yuan - and you can explore the unearthly landscape of the whole 2 days. Touch so easy! In China now they say: "Pandora is far away, and the Aliluia, Avatar mountain is close!" And they are waiting for guests who wish to see the high rocks that inspired the creators of Avatar.
Mountains from the movie Avatar in China Photo
National Forest Park Zhangjiajie, or, as it is often called, Avatar Park (张家界 国家 森森 公园 Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā sēnlín gōngyuán) - this is a unique natural miracle in the south-west of China. He is located in Hunan Province (湖南省 Húnánshěng) in more than 300 km from the capital of the province - Changsha cities (长沙 Chángshā) and belongs to mining system Wanderer.
The main heritage of the park is the bizarre rocks, which pillars rise to the sky. Such an amazing landscape was formed as a result of prolonged weathered and flushing rocks.
It was one of those places, which I dreamed of visiting from the moment I learned about his existence for the first time. Even living in China, it was not easy to go on this trip, it was necessary and to fit the time, and calculate finance. But in the autumn of this year, what I was following what I was waiting for: my husband gave me a journey to my birthday amazing world "Parenting rocks". This gift will really remember for life.
It is said that local landscapes were among those who inspired the director of the film "Avatar" to create the soaring mountains of Planet Pandora. This served as a kind of advertising for the park, and after the release of the film on the screens, the flow of tourists in Zhangjiazz increased significantly. Grateful Chinese even renamed one of the mountains in Avatar-Aliluya, and several "avatars" on the park were installed on the territory of the park, next to which the queues are usually built. And indeed, during walks in the park I got the impression that I was somewhere on another planet, so incredible landscapes sometimes opened before his eyes.
In addition to picturesque landscapes, here is a rich Flora and Fauna. Some species of plants, birds and animals found in these mountains are listed in the Red Book, for example, the Giant Salamander, Cyvette, Pangoline, Smoky Leopard, Macak Russe and many others.
Visiting Zhangjiajie I stayed at 100% satisfied. Despite the fatigue and "cotton" legs, I got so many impressions that even described it is difficult. All lovers of nature and unusual landscapes this park will definitely have to do. In my personal list of natural beauty, he took the honorable third place after Plateau Bolaven () and the Park.
When planning a visit
Zhangjiajie National Park is open for visiting all year round, but not always the weather allows us to enjoy the nature of full. Therefore, when planning a trip you need to decide what kind of landscapes you want to see and what you expect from a visit.
The optimal season for inspection of the park is the autumn, especially the period from September to the beginning of November. At this time of year, there is almost always sunny weather and the temperature is quite comfortable in order to be in the park from morning to evening. It is said that the mountains are best visible in the fall.
In winter, for long walks in the park too cold. In addition, due to bad weather, some trails are closed for security reasons, and snowfall and fog can cause bad visibility. But this does not stop tourists who seek to see snow-covered landscapes and almost alone admire the views. Another plus is that tickets at this time of the year are cheaper.
In the spring, the rain period begins in Zhangjiajie, which lasts from March to June. Of course, it is unpleasant to inspect the mountains when the sky is increasing from the sky, but it is at that time the fogs stood the valley and many go here to enjoy the effect of "soaring vertices." When the fog hides the base of the mountains, the truth is the impression that the mountains hang in the air. But here already as lucky. Maybe nothing will be able to see the fog of fog.
I was in the park in the 20s of October 2015. Although the weather was turned out to be solar and warm, visibility was still not absolute, at any time of the day a haze was present, which to a greater or lesser extent hid the outlines of the mountains, away and nothing was visible at all .
On the day of our departure, the rain charged for the whole day, but at that time I had already managed to see everything that I wanted. Therefore, planning a trip, it is better to capture one "extra" day in case the weather will bring. If there are no problems with the weather - you can visit neighboring attractions, for example, Lake Baofen, Huanlong Cave or Mount Tianmene.
As for the time required for visiting the park, it is individually. Someone says that he looked after one day, and there is little other than the week. It seems to me that you need at least 2 days, so that without a rush to inspect the main beauty, plus a couple of days to go to nearby tourist places, which also deserve attention.
If you want to avoid a large cluster of the people, then I do not advise you to plan a trip to Zhangjiajie in the first week of May and October because of the holidays, as well as in the period summer holidays (July August).
How to get
To visit the Zhangjiajie National Park, you must first come to the city with the same name, and then get directly to villages at the entrance to the park. Let's start in order.
How to get to the city of Zhangjiajie
There are several ways to get in Zhangjiajie: by plane, train, bus.
Plane
If your goal is to visit Zhangjiajie Park and spend the minimum time on the road, the easiest way to fly by plane from other cities in China. The local airport is just 5 km from the city center. Full name of the airport on Chinese 张家界 荷花 机场 (Zhāngjiājiè héhuā jīchǎng) in English - Zhangjiajie Hehua (Lotus) Airport. Every day he receives flights from Beijing, Siane, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhenia, Qingdao, Changshi, Tianjin, Uhani and other cities in China. Only flights to Busane (Korea) and Bangkok () are available from international flights. The approximate prices for flights in China are listed below:
- from Beijing - $ 110-130 (2 hours 45 minutes in the way),
- from Shanghai - $ 115 (2.5 hours),
- from Guangzhou - $ 70-80 (1.5 hours),
- from Xiane - $ 70-80 (1.5 hours).
From the airport to the city you can get to a taxi or bus, but about the latter, though it is written on the Internet, in fact it is rare. Taxis to the station costs about 15 yuan ($ 2.5), to the city of 20-30 ($ 3-5), depending on where you need. Taxis immediately until the entrance to the park will cost 100 yuan ($ 15). Be sure to trample, because the distance is minimal, and taxi drivers, using ignorance of tourists, began to climb space prices - 200 yuan ($ 30) to the city.
By train
Trains in Zhangjiajie walk from many major cities, but this method is suitable for those who have a lot of free time and patience in stock. For reference: the road from Beijing takes 22-26 hours, and the ticket will cost $ 60 (reserved) or 100 (coupe). From the Shanghai train goes 20-22 hours and costs $ 60/80. By train from Guangzhou can be reached in 13-17 hours, paying $ 50/77, and from the capital of the province, Changshi, in just 5 hours and $ 30/40.
Zhangziazz Railway Station has a very convenient location. It is located next to the city center and the airport, moreover, within walking distance of it, there is an initial cable car station to Mount Tianmen (one more mandatory place for visiting), as well as the central bus station from which you can reach national Park Zhangjiajie. The map was laid a route from the airport to the station (distance 4.9 km), and also noted the location of the airport, railway station and the central bus station.
Bus
There are several bus stations in the city for which regular flights from other major cities. I was on the central bus station (张家界 中心 汽车站 Zhāngjiājiè zhōngxīn qìchēzhàn), which is indicated on the map above and I know that from there you have buses to Shanghai, Changshi, Uhani, Zhuhuhai and several other cities, it means to come to Zhangjiajie on the bus are also possible. The schedule of departure, travel time and the cost of the ticket should be recognized directly on the bus station.
How to get to National Park Zhangjiajie
After you get to the city convenient for you, the question will arise: and where else? To get to the park, you need to go to one of the entrances to the territory of the reserve, where there are small villages. There you can stay for the night. Judging by the map, there are only three of them:
- the nearest entrance to the city is 32 km from the city, and many are called the village of Zhangjiajie by the name of the entrance to the park (张家界 国家 森森 公园 门票站 Zhāngjiājiè Guójiā sēnlín gōngyuán ménpio Zhàn), on the map is conditionally marked as input number 1;
- 40 km from the city there is an entrance to the area of \u200b\u200bWooljuan (武陵源 门票站 WǔlíngyuánménpiÀo ZhÀn) is indicated as input number 2;
- further is the entrance to the Mount Tianzi (天 子 山 Tiānzǐshān Ménpiào Zhàn) - 50 km from the city, entrance number 3 on the map.
As far as I understand, the entrance number 3 is not particularly popular, because I have not seen any buses before this place, and when preparing information about it did not meet.
Taxi
If you choose a taxi, then you need to know that the distances are small here, and the approximate price from the airport is 100 yuan ($ 15.5), from the city or railway station a little cheaper, 70-80 yuan ($ 10-12). Local drivers are very reluctant to use a taxometer and call the transcendental prices, trying to dilute tourists, so you need to bargain to bargain. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, although sometimes understand simple phrases like "How Much?". But most likely, you will have to be explained with gestures, cards and notes on paper. Be sure to prepare the names of the places you need by hieroglyphs, because the English names are not talking about anything, you can even print pictures for clarity. Also, to avoid misunderstandings, do not forget to specify the cost in advance before landing into the car. In China, I never ordered a taxi in advance. Usually, the car can be caught on any street, besides, they will definitely "duty" tourist places.
Bus
Unlike a taxi, the passage on the bus is very cheap, to get to Wooljuna costs only 12 yuan ($ 2). I decided to choose a budget option And, saving a decent amount, remained satisfied.
Starting from 6 am, buses depart from the central bus station (家界 中心 汽车站 Zhāngjiājiè zhōngxīn qìchēzhàn), which is located next to the train station. In the season, the last flight departs at 19:30, and in the winter an hour earlier. The road takes a little less than an hour.
Since I arrived in Zhangjiazier by train, I easily found a bus station. If you go to the end of the station Square and become back to the station building, then MacDonald's will be visible on the left side and the entrance to the station is located right next to it. In the screenshot you can see what the desired building looks like.
Then you need to pass through the waiting room on the site with buses and find a minibus with hieroglyphs 武陵源. Usually there are several of them, the drivers will prompt which will be sent faster. Tickets do not need to buy in advance at the box office, everything is paid already on the bus. In the course of the movement, the driver will do a few stops, picking up and planting the local. If you are traveling to the village of Zhangjiajie (input 1), then you need to inform the driver in advance, but it does not drive there, it falls out only on turning to her. If you are going to Oil'yuyan (input 2), then the stop you need the final, and you can not be afraid to skip it. In Southwean, the bus arrives at the station from which you can walk or take a taxi to the hotel or entrance to the park.
Where to stay
As for housing, there are several options. The first is to move to the hotel in the city of Zhangjiajie, the second is to get to any entrance to the park and stay there, the third is to settle in the territory of the park itself.
- In the city of Zhangjiajie, a good selection of hotels, restaurants, many ways to spend leisure. But settling in the city, you will have to spend time and money on the road to the park and back, and this is about two hours a day. Not very convenient, agree?
- Staying in a village at the entrance to the park, you can save time on the road and not to be so cut off the world as inside the park. In the villages, also a good selection of hotels and cafes.
- You can stay in the park itself, but, as I understood from hotel reviews, accommodation conditions inside Spartan Park: There may be interruptions in the supply of light, water, internet problems. Leaving the park's limits after closing can not, besides, the choice of food and products is limited. Money needs to be removed in advance, because there is no money on the territory of the park nor the card can not be paid.
Before the trip, I long studied the option and stopped my choice on the village of Wool'yuan. I can say that I did not regret whose. My hostel was a 10-minute walk from the park, in addition, there was a sufficient number of shops, a market for fruit and souvenirs, an ATM and a cafe with decent food. A lot of accommodation options, for every taste and wallet: there are budget hostels, and dear hotels.
I stayed at the Hostel Wulingyuan Tuniu Youth Hostel. The accommodation booked in advance at an unfair site and realized what was done correctly when, arriving at the place, I saw Full's inscriptions almost on every door. When communicating with a guy from the reception, it was possible to find out that in the season all housing is revealed for a month. In a hostel, I was given a map of the park and made a visit to the route, for which this particular thanks! In principle, I can say that I was satisfied with the housing, given the price-quality ratio, I got what I paid for: a clean and tidy room, breakfast with decent food in a nearby cafe, a convenient location. In the institution, which provided us breakfasts, I dined, because of all the places on our street it was the cleanest and attractive. Almost all foreigners, whom I met in the park and village, also ate there. But I did not remember the name, unfortunately.
Park work time and cost of entrance tickets
When you first visited the park, I focused on the opening time, which was indicated on the card, received at the hotel. It contained that the park starts work at 6:30, so at the beginning of the seventh I was already at the entrance gate. But it was still closed and wishing to get to the park, besides me and my companion, was not observed. In 15-20 minutes, Chinese groups began to flow. The park opened at 7 o'clock, but by this time the crowd was just a huge. So look for yourself as more convenient, but I recommend coming to the opening or even earlier. Approximate opening hours:
- IN summer time from 6:30 (7:00) - 19:00
- In winter from 7:30 - 17:00
The cost of entrance tickets
You can purchase 2 types of tickets:
- ticket for 4 days for 245 yuan ($ 38),
- ticket for 7 days for 298 ($ 46).
Prices are on a high season, in winter the ticket is worth 145 yuan ($ 22).
Separately charged:
Chinese and foreign students who receive education in China have the opportunity to buy a ticket for half the price, but everything turned out to be more difficult here than in other places that I visited earlier. When buying preferential tickets introduced an age limit: Students over 24 years pay the full cost. At the same time, it simply will not adjust the date of birth in the student, because when buying a discount ticket, you also need to present a passport. Children tall up to 120 cm admission is free, from 120 to 150 cm half of the cost, as well as people of the retirement age from 60 to 69, those who are even cheaper, but I do not know whether it is distributed to people of all nationalities or only the Chinese.
The price includes movement on buses between the park stops.
Input check is quite strict. Each ticket knocks out the serial number, to which, at the first occasion, the fingerprints are tied to the territory. I had such a story: I visited the park together with my husband, and our tickets were kept in one place, the next day we just took them, without disassembling where whose, and went to pass the turnstile, but the system refused to skip us. It turned out, we confused our cards, and it is impossible to pass on someone else's.
As a conclusion, do not buy tickets from the hands, even if the offer will seem tempting, and keep your ticket in a safe place, because if you lose it, you will have to buy a new one.
It is better to come to the park early, then there is a chance to enjoy species in relative silence. If you plan to use the Baylong elevator, it is best to send it to it since the morning, as soon as the park opens, and go down to 3-4 pm, otherwise you can spend the queue of about 4 hours. Or all avoid this way to lift up.
I was lucky, as I said, on the first day of the park visits, we came even before it is discovered, therefore, among the first, I bought tickets and went to inspect the sights. When we arrived at the elevator, there were no queues yet, and we had to rise up without any problems.
Take into account that you have to walk a lot of walk, so take care that the shoes are comfortable and not rubbed. Clothes should also be comfortable. It will not hurt to take a leucoplasty with me.
The distance in the park is very large, and the mountain is hard to rise, and it often takes a lot of time, so it is better to combine the use of cable cars with hiking routes. If we hope only for your legs, you can not meet the time and miss some of the attractions. It is most convenient to climb on cablewayand down to go down on foot.
On some trails there are a lot of wild monkeys.
Some of them are aggressive in relation to people, so do not tease them, hold their valuables tightly, the camera, telephone. In places of cluster monkeys, it is better not to carry anything at all in the hands, but to hide everything in a bag or backpack. On my eyes, the monkeys were pulled out in people from the hands of the packs and climbed with them on a tree or ran into the forest. And do not think that they do not know how to stand up, a monkey can bite, after which they will have to go to the hospital and make injections, such cases also happened. Therefore, with wild animals, expect caution.
Collecting in the park, take a card with you, cash, sunscreen, raincoat, water and food. Product prices in the fleece itself are very high, so it is better to capture something with you, but inside you can buy fruit, fried potatoes, corn (about 10 yuan - $ 1.5).
But in the cafe located on the territory of the park, prices are simply cosmic, so besides McDonalds, who got here, we didn't eat anywhere else.
What to see in Zhangjiajie National Park
In the photo the card, which I was given in my hostel, and for which I was focused when visiting the park. In my opinion, this is the most understandable and convenient map of possible. Despite the fact that it distorts the scale, getting an idea about the structure of the park is still possible. Purchased on the Internet, I did not find anything more sensible.
It is important to know that in the park there are two main planes of movement: the lower (in the valley) and the top (on the mountains). There are also two lines of free buses, some of them run at the foot of the mountains (the map shows purple, buses themselves are also purple), others on top on the mountains (red line on the map, beige buses). Accordingly, the stop icon is also marked either red or violet, and its color says to which route this stop is applies. Green marked pedestrian trails. What I like in this map is that the approximate time is on the way from one point to another, although it does not always correspond to reality. Depending on the number of days allocated to the Inspection of the Park, you can plan different routes.
In general, the territory of the park is divided into several zones, each of which is special and picturesque in its own way. I failed to figure out the exact number of these most zones. The information on this is controversial, in some guidebooks they write that the park is divided into 6 separate sections, but they are noted on my map 7. At the same time, another important part of the park on my card is not highlighted in a separate zone, therefore it turned out such confusion. On the map below I tried different colors to conventionally designate all these zones, I got them 8.
- Red - Mount Tianzza;
- Blue - Yuanziazie;
- Yellow - Janziazie;
- Orange - Cunning Golden Corn;
- White - Juanshizhai, or the village of Yellow Stone;
- Salad - Yaoczyzhazhai, Yastreb village;
- Pink - Daguandai;
- Purple - Bowls.
Yuanjiajie (袁家界 yuánjiājiè)
Zone Yuanziazz is one of the most visited and popular territories of the park, and it is her landscapes most often with the "Avatar Mountains". If you do not rise to the top of foot, and take advantage of Baylong elevator or get from other park areas by bus, then it is quite easy to pass it.
This part of the park is famous for the "first heavenly bridge" (天 下 一 桥 Tiān xià dì Yī Qiáo) and a column, which has recently wears the name "Alillauya" (哈里路亚山 Hālǐlùyà shān).
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Having heard enthusiastic reviews, it was decided to immediately go here. It can be said that this part of the park has become the first thing I saw in Zhangjiajie after Baylong elevator, so I was shocked by opening species. But walking in the park a few days, I can not say that this place is the most worthy. Nature here really tried to fame, but the impression spoils a large influx of tourists. In order to make a photo, you must first stand in line, and then, when your turn come, everything around will be customized or just unceremoniously unpuck from the place of shooting. But at least in order to see a lonely soaring pillar, come here.
Yanjjjiji (杨家界 yángjiājiè)
Zone Yangjuzyzz was opened later than the rest, and has not yet gained such popularity as Yuanjiazie. In terms of its development, she also loses. On the map below the yellow circle is conditionally indicated by the territory of Yangjuzyazz, and the orange inside it is the part that I passed.
According to the map it seems that the distance is small, but it is not easy to go through it. To see at least part, you will have to be pretty exhausted and stand. As on other paths, it is possible to hire porters at an extra charge that will help to overcome the segment of the path. They have prices fixed from one stop to another, but you can try to bargain. On the one hand, this is a grave work that is paid by undermined health, and I would not want to use people like that "slaves", but on the other hand, how else will they earn bread? The Chinese apparently belong to this easier, because they use such services everywhere, but I'm somehow wild.
In this part of the park tourists are waiting for steep steps and close passes between the rocks, rigid iron stairs and cliffs. This looks like one of the vertices, which is called Tianbo Mansion (天波府 Tiān Bōfǔ).
And in the photo below the view that opens it. If it were not for the haze, it would be great, but what is, that is.
I liked it in this part of the park, tourists were not much a lot, views were pleasantly pleased, and the visibility was relatively good.
Mount Tienzie (天 子山 Tiānzǐ shān)
At the time of my visit to the park, the cable car on Mount Tianzza did not work, and the hostel worker did not advise on foot. Later I understood why. Even descending from the mountain on foot, I did not feel the legs, what to say about it to climb. Such a feat can either athletes or the Chinese, who have a claw on the steps and the favorite hobby, and the national tradition :). And I still had many attractions ahead, and I decided to take care of my only vehicle. To visit Tianzi, I arrived until the end point of this part of the park by bus from Yangjuzyzz. Upstairs to great joy there are McDonalds, so it was decided to arrange dinner there, given that there was no longer anywhere else on the territory of the park. And backing up, I went down and simultaneously examined the landscapes. The local cliffs differ slightly from those that managed to see before. On the way there is a pagoda called the Palace of the Emperor (天 18 Tiānzǐ Gé), you can climb and explore the surroundings.
This is what opens the top view - sharp peaks in a midday haze.
The harvester structures from the chair attached to the bamboo sticks are waiting for their passengers, such a picture is found almost every span.
Another beautiful observation, I, unfortunately, did not remember.
Here are wonderful landscapes everywhere, but the road is very overwhelming.
Creek Golden Knut (金鞭溪 jīn biān xī)
The creek of the golden whip is one of the easiest zones for walking, since it is located in the valley at the foot of the mountains and does not provide for steep lifts. The pedestrian trail along the stream stretches almost 8 km. If desired, from this zone, you can start the rise in Yuanziazz or the village of yellow stone. I really liked the walk in this part of the park. It was here that I managed to feel the desired unity with nature.
Noisy crowds of tourists are found only in some areas, and during the rest of the time you can enjoy the singing of birds, the splash of water in the stream and the views of the mountains.
On one of the stops live monkeys, which we tried to feed, but almost parted with all our things. It was the first meeting with these, it would seem for cute animals in Zhangjiazie, and then we did not yet know about their arrogance and possible aggression.
For walking at the bottom you need to take warm things, in the morning the water is very cold, and during the day it does not warm the air everywhere.
The village of Yellow Stone, or Juanshiji (黄石寨 Huángshí ZhÀi)
In this part of the park you can get from the entrance number 1 or come from the entrance number 2 along the stream, which I did. As it turned out, it was possible to climb up the cable car, but I missed it out of sight and climbed on foot. At the beginning of the road, he was written on the mountain: "Whoever did not see the Zhangzyzzi, he did not see, or something like that, of which I concluded that this is a popular place, compulsory for visiting, although I did not hear about him before. On the trail of tourists was surprisingly a little, mostly came across down the groups, which are upwards, apparently rose with the help of a mole.
Here I met a huge number of cute and not very monkeys who distracted from heavy dum and entertained on the road. Throughout the forest, their cries were heard and trees were watched. Many monkeys are completely not afraid of people, go on pedestrian trails, begging, frightened in trash and posing for a photo. Watching them very interesting, but a little scary, because the owners of these places they are, and not we. Some adult males behave aggressively, attack people, take things from them and just frighten tourists. But on the kids to look at one pleasure: they frolic, they play and willingly take pictures.
Somewhere I saw that the path to the top consists of 3,800 steps, but I myself did not consider them. I can say one thing - the hiking lift is not easy, especially when the legs are buzzing from the two previous days, but we mastered it. On the road to the top we went about 3 hours. But at the top of the reward for a hard way to tourists open magnificent landscapes. In the photo below, one of the local attractions is the mountain of five fingers (五 指峰 WǔZHǐ Fēng).
And one more mountain, the names of which I do not know.
In addition, there are still in the area of \u200b\u200bthe zone that I did not visit is Daguangdai (大 观台 Dàguān Tái), Laowuchang (老 LǎOWū CHǎNG) and Yaozi Village (鹞子寨 YÀozi ZhÀi). I was originally planned to be inspected, because I did not find any about them interesting information On the Internet, yes and in time did not fit.
Nearby attractions
In addition to the National Park, Zhangjiajie, there are several other natural attractions in this area, decent attention tourists.
Mount Tianmene (天门山 Tiānmén Shān)
This attraction is almost in the city of Zhangjiajie, and getting to it very easily - walk to the initial station of the cable car, which is located next to the railway station. The cable car leading to the mountain is one of the longest in the world, and it offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings, including mountain serpentine from 99 turns.
This mountain road is also one of the features of Tianmene Park. It can be driving on a special bus before the arch "Heavenly Gate". To go to the arc, you need to overcome a difficult rise in 999 steps.
In addition, many tourists are specially coming here to rinse their nerves, passing by glass trail On the edge of the cliff.
The cost of visiting the park includes a ride on a cable car and a bus on serpentine (if desired) and is 258 yuan ($ 40). For a walk on a glass section of the road, it is necessary to separately pay 5-10 yuan ($ 0.8 - 1.5). At the inspection of just one day.
I was not impressed as visiting the park Zhangjiajie as a visit to Mount Tianmean. The impression was spinning that at first I had to stand for more than 2 hours in the queue for the funicular. And the fact that it was very noisy at the top and crowded, the surrounding landscapes stood the haze. By the way, the "fear trail", from which I was waiting for special sensations, and did not seem terrible or exciting, but this is my personal opinion. In the photo of the queue from tourists of those who want to go through glass bridge.
But I still do not regret the visit to Tianmen Mountain, the next Chinese sight is conquered, and you can put a tick in your list.
The ancient city of Fenghuan (凤凰 城 fènghuáng gǔchéng)
Ancient city Fenghuang, also known as Phoenix, stands on the river and attracts tourists with its architecture and an atmosphere of antiquity. Special coloring the city gives his wooden houses on stilts along the river, bridges, narrow streets and old boats. In the evening, all this is beautifully highlighted and looks no less impressive.
The path to Fenghuana is not close, so it is preferable to go with the night. The distance from Zhangjiajie about 240 km, and the road by bus takes everything 5 hours. Not so long ago, the city's visit was paid, 148 yuan ($ 23) per person, but you can try to contact the hotel in which you plan to stop and maybe they will help to get through free.
Lake Baofeng (宝峰湖 Bǎofēnghú)
Lake Baofeng is a reservoir that was formed not so long ago as a result of the construction of the dam. Being there, it is difficult to believe that this is the work of human hands, not a miracle of nature, so organically fit into the local landscape.
From the village of Wooljuan you can take a taxi for 10-15 yuan ($ 1.5 - 2.5) or walk on foot, which will take 40 minutes.
The person's entrance ticket costs 96 yuan ($ 15) and includes a small walk on the lake. It passes on a carved wooden boat under the songs of local, dressed in national costumes, which makes it even more exciting and colorful. Here you can see the rocks growing straight from the water and beautiful waterfall. Place worthy of visits.
Yellow Dragon Cave, or Juanlong (黄黄洞 Huánglóngdòng)
Also near the village of Wool'yuan, there is one of the most beautiful caves in China, a yellow dragon cave. It is perfectly equipped for visiting tourists and amazes with its sizes. In addition to the set of hols and corridors, there are several ponds and even rivers, and stalactites and stalagmites that are highlighted by different colors create extraordinary beauty views.
You can get to the place on a city bus or taxi for 20 yuan ($ 3). The entrance ticket costs 100 yuan ($ 15) and includes a boat trip inside the cave.
In general, it is really worth going to Zhangzyzz, this trip though it will no longer be cheap, but will delight unique landscapes and attractions, and will leave a lot of pleasant memories.
September 15 - 22, 2019
(Stay in China 7 nights
)
Their growth is three meters, they have blue skin, and faces are like cat. Their planet Pandora,
Located for several light years from the ground. Most of it is covered with jungle,
mountains hang in the air, plants are glowing in the dark ...
To get acquainted with Pandoroa, you need to go to the film James Cameron "Avatar", the inspiration for which Mountains of Wool'yuyan served.
To see the "flying" mountains in revealing, break out of everyday life and sense yourself with the heroes of Avatar - you need to fly to China.
The program: Panoramic highways - serpentines, various cableways (among which the longest in the world). Rocks are wicked by route ribbons from stones and even from glass, connected by giant bridges. Built, ascending to the top, the world's highest outdoor elevator. The unreal beauty of the landscapes seemed to have come down with the canvases of Chinese painters, became accessible to the miracle of human genius and hard work.
Combined well with tours:
You know, it is so strange - the film "Avatar" did not pretend to see, but the post called himself completely in the Spirit of Time and Trend! Yes, a number of panoramic scenes for their famous blockbuster James Cameron borrowed exactly from here. Well, God with him, with James. A visit to the wonderful National Park "Djandzyad" in the Chinese province of Hunan has become another link for me in a chain collecting fantastically beautiful karst landscapes South-East Asia. It seems anywhere in the world except in Asia Where they filmed "". This visit to China is very brief and the goal is generally different - ride by train from Beijing to Ulan Bator and further to Russia. Always dreamed of driving a transussumn from the end to the end, but 6 days in the car I will definitely can't stand (I'm not so fan railways, as periskop. ), so I will limit the most exotic part, TransmonGolskaya. But it will be three days later, but so far we will return to the world "Avatar" -
For example, Jandzydze - one of the least famous massive foreign tourism national Parks China. Why emphasize that it is foreign? Yes, because local, chinese tourists In the park of darkness-dirt, they are so much that you will spend a considerable part of the journey in the queues. But the Europeans - yes, did not meet any for all three days in the park. Unfortunately, the queue is the costs of huge and strongly overcooled countries like China and India. In the latter, by the way, the people are even greater, because with the same population - the territory is three times less.
All China's large national parks are perfectly equipped and extremely simple and convenient for traveling. Here you and efficient and frequent bus, the funicular and cable service in any little, an interesting point, there are toilets on every step, the Formation booths (however, if you do not know Chinese - they are unpleasured you, everything will be in Chinese there, A personnel in 99% of cases will not know a word in English). Djandzytse Park begins with a huge gate and towers, where the cash registers, turnstiles and them - landing for free buses running through this big (about 30 kilometers in size) National Park -
Above, I spoke about free buses, sorry, in truth speaking free of them can only be called conditionally. The park is worth a gazezky 250 yuan ($ 45), a ticket for 3 days, but its value does not include cableways inside the park, a funicular and a number of buses going to the most picturesque parts of the park. For orientation, you will mention that Lift Bailong Sky Lift, which will deliver you almost 400 meters upwards, from where the same view from the movie "Avatar" costs 150 yuan back-back ($ 25), and the cable car on the mountain Lyamin (the most The world's long cable car, its length is 7,455 meters) will cost 252 yuan ($ 40) in both directions. Caves and secondary ducts are somewhat cheaper, but total, if you want to see all the most interesting - the park will get up of $ 200 only for tickets. It is definitely worth it, although such hell costs and box, put your hand on the heart.
China refers to those countries, to a trip to which it is desirable to prepare carefully and remember that a heavy language barrier is waiting for you, difficulty with communication (almost all social networks are blocked here and even in LJ I have to go to the sophisticated ways, starting from using auxiliary programs like Freegate and ending with requests to friends to publish remotely even this post) and a slightly different understanding of peace and life in comparison with the Chinese. Nothing critical, but if this is your first trip to China - you will not give anything too easy. Everywhere you will strain all your intelligence to solve small and big problems. How would it explain more accurately? Insert the ear in your ears, and insert a gag into your mouth. And now imagine what is around everything on an uncontrolled language, and also the usual translator Google is blocked. I certainly exaggerate, but approximately the alignment. But it's even interesting, believe me!
Very rare English-speaking Chinese asked sometimes, and how do you travel here without knowing the language and not know how to read even the name of the station where are you going? As-like ... yes, in the way, in the guidebook, all the names of the cities are duplicated in Chinese. Contact a neighbor and show him a finger hieroglyph, they say, this city is now? He nods, yes, now. Thank you, I mean "session". The names of the stations, naturally, are written only in Chinese. With meals more difficult. The menu is unreadable, so if you clearly do not know how the desired dish you are called - look for a cafe, where there are pictures of dishes, otherwise the tyk method will be brought to you what you ordered.
But I distracted. Let's go back in Djandzydze. This is a small town located right at the entrance to the park. From any hotel town to the entrance to the park from the power of 10-15 minutes on foot. Sometimes this town is confused with another, a hefty city with the same exact name, but in 35 kilometers east. So in Great Djandzydze you will arrive on the train (or arrive) and then from there you will go 35km to the Park of the same name. I flew here on the plane from Beijing. Travel by bus from the airport to the city costs about 10 yuan ($ 1.8), then from the bus station of Big Djandzoytse you are on another bus for 7 yuan ($ 1,2) go to Little Jandzydze, the one next to the park. You can take a taxi straight from the airport, the price after a long bargaining about 120-140 yuan ($ 27-32), but this option is optimal only if you are a few people and you are very hurrying.
The park is wonderful, beautiful, unique, fantastic! Could lify many more epithets, but even a thousand words cannot express this creation of nature -
Still in the park there is a funny elevator in which you sit down from the depths of the tunnel, and then take off almost 400 meters up -
The elevator you will be delivered to where all these panoramas are from the film.
The disadvantage is the fact that you do not seem wonderful Jandjadze to you. But also thousands of Chinese, daily visiting this place. The queues will be everywhere: on buses, on the funicular, on the cowatures, even just on the trail where you intend to do the track. Have time to take pictures quickly, while anyone will not push you under the elbow. Not specifically no, but just a lot of people and they pushed, especially on viewing sites. Accept this fact and try not to be distracted by contemplation of nature -
Avatar wings, if not mistaken -
Several valuable tips:
1. Do not overestimate your strength. Tracks are useful for health, but even the most healthy person risks completely to score the knees, if it first rises up 4 thousand steps, and then go down to about the same than the same dear. Remember what trouble stared last year during the conquest of the sacred Chinese, which is not far from Xiane and do not repeat my mistake. Sometimes it is reasonable to climb the rope at least one way and go down on foot.
2. Chinese parks - the cheapest pleasure, the settlement of prices gave above. Therefore, count in advance, what needs to be invested, and what is optional. For example, in Djandzoytse three cableways, but the coolest look will be from the Mount Yuanjiajie, where you will raise the Bailong elevator. All other landscapes will be similar to this, only somewhat less impressive. I do not advise you to spend money on the tourist train "Ten Mile Gallery", for first there are not 10 miles and only one and a half, and secondly, you wonder this picturesque route for a hour on foot. Choose the best, because I gave another 40-50 dollars for the next cable, you will understand that all this has already seen two hours ago. But I recommend it strongly, this is an absolutely free track on the Golden WHIP gorge, you will find it on the maps and in the guide.
3. Commemoze that you do not look at the whole park. For it you need 10-12 days. Only if you go to China purposefully in the park, but most likely it is not your option and the park will be only part of the route around the country. Therefore, most likely you will have 2-3 days in the reserve and you will have to think about what to see.
On this, I think, while everything! With greetings from a small work town Jishu (Jishou), which is about 150 kilometers south of Djandzydze. Here I arrived at the train today at lunch and look in this town nothing. But it is comfortable as a base for visiting the beautiful town of Dehang and Fenguang. Googling with these names, appreciate the beauty. I haven't reached there, tomorrow only food by bus from Jieku.
p.S. And what did I say that there is nothing to watch in Jirsya? Interesting city, Tobacco Industry Center, if you believe Wikipedia. I do not know how about tobacco, but the pipes of the metallurgical plant are caught black smoke with such a force that I remember my dear Urals.
Just a city without tourist attractions, namely the usual worker district center, where the tourist is exceptional rarity and you will be photographed on the phones. People are very pleasant, they are sincerely happy to you, surprised and want communication. But how? Again this language barrier. I will tell about the town separately, it is worth it.
One of the most popular films of recent years is the science fiction drama of James Cameron "Avatar". Mountains in China, in which they filmed this picture, really exist. This is not a computer graphics, but the nature that everyone can see on the planet Earth with his own eyes.
National Park
They are in which even began to call the Avatar Park. Mountains in China, in which shooting were organized, are located in the southwest of the country, this is a real unique natural miracle. They are located on the territory of Hunan province, which is approximately three hundred kilometers from the capital of Changsha province. Where they filmed "Avatar", the mountains in China belong to the system of Walreshhan.
The main domain of this National Park is rocks. The bizarre mountains in the form of peculiar pillars rise to the sky, creating an amazing natural landscape, which is formed as a result of flushing rocks and long weathering.
Many admit that this place becomes a favorite for visiting, as soon as they learn about his existence. It should be noted that even living in China, in the mountains ("Avatar" impressed many viewers) is not so simple. It is necessary to subjend with time and weather, calculate finances.
Tourist boom
They say that inspired by Cameron to create famous soaring mountains on the fictional planet Pandora in the "avatar" photo of the mountains in China. It became the most powerful advertising of the National Park for his entire history, because after entering the picture on the screens, the flow of tourists increased here at times. The Chinese in gratitude for this even renamed one of the mountains in Avatar-Aliluia, setting several figures of the "avatars" on the territory of the park, near which the long queues of those who wish to make a memorable photo are constantly lined up.
During the walks at the sights of the "Avatar" in China, in the mountains in the National Park Zhangjiajie really the impression is that it turned out to be at some other distant planet - so incredible landscapes open before their eyes.
Features of Zhangjiazz
It is worth noting that not only the mountains attract such a number of tourists to this national park. A variety of fauna and flora plays a certain role, surprisingly beautiful and picturesque landscapes. For example, individual types of birds, plants and animals, which are found in local places, are so rare that they are listed in the Red Book. These include civetta, the giant salamander, smoky leopard, Pangoline, Macak Rus and many others.
All nature lovers will find here many amazing things here, local landscapes will especially come to them.
When to go on a trip?
To get a full impression of visiting mountain Park In China, you need to correctly choose the time in which you plan your trip. Of course, the National Park is open for visiting all year round, but the weather does not always make it possible to fully enjoy the beauties of the world. Therefore, when planning a trip you need to decide what you expect from this visit, what kind of landscapes want to see.
The optimal time for visiting the mountains in China, where the autumn was counted. The best period is from mid-September to November. During these months, it is almost constantly constantly standing exclusively for warm and sunny weather, and the temperature is comfortable enough to spend on the territory of the National Park all day. At the same time, experienced travelers claim that it is in the fall that these mountains will be able to consider best.
Other times of the year
If you go here in winter, then be prepared that it will be too cold. In addition, due to bad weather, some trails can be closed for security reasons, and fog and snowfall can be caused by poor visibility, so consider at least something will be very problematic.
But even this does not stop tourists, many are sent to making photos of the mountains in China in winter, seeking to see fantastic snow-covered landscapes, admire these species in almost complete loneliness. Undoubted plus winter journey There will be the fact that tickets at this time of the year are much cheaper.
In the spring, the rainy season begins in these places, which lasts from March to June. Agree, it is unpleasant and uncomfortable to go on the paths and inspect the mountains when it is constantly dripping from the sky. True, it is at that time the fogs stood the entire valley, many are sent to enjoy the effect of soaping vertices. At the moments when the fog hides the base of the mountains, it seems that the mountains simply hang in the air. However, there is a chance that the fog of fog will not be able to consider anything at all.
But the amount of time you want to highlight for visiting the park is strictly individually. It is better to provide an extra day for visiting the place of shooting "Avatar" in China, mountains in Zhangjiazz National Park, in case the weather is spoiled.
If you are lucky, you can visit other local attractions. Among them, the Cave of Juanlong, Lake Baquen, Mount Tianmene. In order to enjoy the beauty of the Mountains themselves, someone has enough one day, and someone needs at least two, so that without a rush to inspect the main beauty, and a couple of days for a trip to other notable places, which also deserve travelers, once they I got so far.
If you want to avoid a large cluster of the people, then it is better not to plan a trip for the first week of May and October (at this time there are many local tourists from the holidays in the park), during the summer holidays, do not push back because of vacation and vacations.
Options for routes
How to get to the mountains in China? "Avatar" inspired many travelers to visit this unique place. To visit the National Park, in which they are located, first need to come to the city, which is called - Zhangjiajie. After that, you should get to one of the villages directly at the entrance to the park.
To get to Zhangjiazze there are several options. You can use the plane, bus or train.
By plane
To begin with, we will analyze how to get there by plane. If you are faced with the task of spending the minimum trip time, then this is the perfect option. The easiest thing is to fly here on the plane from any other Chinese city.
The local airport is located five kilometers from the city center. In a daily mode, he receives flights from Beijing, Xihan, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Changshi, Qingdao, Uhani, Tenjin and other cities. There are several international flights. At this airport, airplanes are launched from the capital of Thailand - Bangkok and the South Korean city of Busan.
Faster everything will turn out to fly from Xiane or Guangzhou - about one and a half hours. A ticket will cost approximately 70-80 dollars (5-5.5 thousand rubles). From Shanghai here to fly around two and a half hours, you will have to pay $ 115, and almost three hours from Beijing. The ticket will cost from 110 to 130 dollars (7.5-9 thousand rubles).
From the airport to the city you can get by bus or taxi. Truth, public transport It goes extremely rare. A taxi will cost in sum from two and a half to five dollars, depending on where exactly you have to go. For a taxi before entering the national park it will be necessary to give about $ 15 (1000 rubles).
The main thing - do not forget to bargain with taxi drivers, since the distances here are relatively small, the drivers use the fact that tourists do not know the terrain, can request too much.
A train
Now, knowing where the shooting was held "Avatar in China, where the mountains are located, you can get to the destination and by train. Railway communication is established between Zhangjiajie and many large cities countries. Immediately it is worth noting that this method is only suitable for patient travelers who have a lot of time.
The road from Beijing will take from 22 to 26 hours, depending on which train you choose. At the same time a ticket for reserved seats costs $ 60 (4200 rubles), and in the coupe - 100 (7000 rubles). The train from Shanghai rides from 20 to 22 hours, the cost of a ticket 60 and 80 dollars, respectively (4-5.5 thousand rubles). You can get from Guangzhou for 13-17 hours by paying 50 dollars (3.5 thousand rubles) for a second-class car and 77 (5500 p.) For the verse. The closest is Changshi, to which only five hours by train.
It is worth noting that train Station In Zhangzyzzia is located as convenient as possible. It is located near and with the airport, and with the city center. In walking distance and a cable car station to Tianmen Mountain, which is considered another mandatory place to visit. From the central bus station you can reach the National Park.
Bus
Another option is a bus. There are several bus stations at once in the city, which regularly come regular flights from neighboring major cities.
For example, from the central station, the buses go to Shanghai, Uhani, Changshi, Zhuhuha and a few more smaller cities. Buses walk quite often.
Path to the National Park
The last segment of the path to the cherished mountains will be the path from the city of Zhangjiajie to the National Park of the same name. To get to the territory of the very reserve, you will need to go to one of the entrances, near which small villages are located. In one of them you can stay at night so as not to spend time on returning to the city, if you have been given a few days at this sight.
The nearest entrance to the city is located 32 kilometers from it. The local village is also called Zhangjiajie. 40 kilometers from it there is an entrance in the area of \u200b\u200bWool'yuan, and 50 kilometers - an entrance directly at the Mount Tianzi.
Where to stay?
When you get to the destination, you need to decide where you stop for the night. The first option is to take off the room in one of the hotels in Zhangjiajie. There are many hotels, restaurants. There are options like fun and with benefit to spend leisure. But if you stop in the city, you will have to spend daily about two hours on the road to the park and back.
Staying in one of the villages at the entrance to the park, you will save much more time. There are also hotels and cafes. For example, in Wool'yuan there is a hostel just a 10-minute walk from the entrance to the park. In walking distance, the market with souvenirs and fruits, several shops, quite a decent cafe and an ATM. In addition to hostels there are quite expensive hotels.
Housing is better to book in advance, since all the numbers are busy in high season. Accommodation is revealed in about a month.
Park work time
Officially, the park opens at 6.30 in the morning. As a rule, the entrance opens about seven in the morning, by this time the crowd is already accumulated quite a large crowd from tourists, mostly Chinese.
In the summer, the park works until 19 hours, and in the winter - from 7.30 to 17.00. At the entrance you can purchase two types of tickets: four days for 38 dollars / 2700 rubles. And for a week for 46 dollars / 3200 rubles. In the winter season, the cost of the visit will be only 22 dollars / 1500 p.
Separately, you will have to pay for the Baylong elevator (11 dollars / 800 rubles), the cable car to Mount Tianzza (10 dollars / 700 r.), Kannya road on Juanshzyzhai ($ 11/800 r.), Cable road on Yangjuzyzie (12 dollars / 850 rub.), Tourist mini train (from six to eight dollars / 400-550 rubles.).
For children with growth to 120 centimeters, the entrance is free, with growth to 150 centimeters, only half of the cost is paid. At the entrance ticket to the National Park you can move on buses between parking.
At the entrance is quite strict control - the fingerprints are tied to tickets. So do not buy tickets from the hands, even if their price is very profitable, and do not lose, otherwise you have to buy new ones.
Experienced travelers advise coming to the park early to enjoy these beautiful species until the people are quite a bit.
If you want to use Baylong elevator, it is better to go to it since the morning, and descend in the area of \u200b\u200b15-16 hours, otherwise you can get into the queue that stretches for an hour at least.
Please note that walking will have to walk a lot, so take care so that you have comfortable shoes that will not rub, comfortable clothes, just in case, capture the leucoplasty with you.
Since the distances are large, it is better to combine hiking transitions with cableways. If we hope only for yourself, then you can just see a lot. The most convenient is up to climb the cable car, and down to go down on foot. Be prepared for the fact that on some trails you can meet wild monkeys. Some are aggressive, so do not tease them.
