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When James Cameron created the floating mountains of Pandora in Avatar, he drew inspiration from a real place: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China's Hunan province.
The Inspiration
The towering sandstone pillars, shrouded in mist, create an otherworldly landscape that seems to defy gravity. Over 3,000 narrow peaks rise from the forest floor, some reaching heights of 200 metres.
Best Ways to Experience Zhangjiajie
Tianzi Mountain Cable Car
Rise above the clouds for panoramic views of the peak forest. Morning visits offer the best chance to see the mountains emerging from mist.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Not for the faint-hearted! This 430-metre glass bridge spans a canyon 300 metres deep. Walking across feels like floating in mid-air.
Yuanjiajie (Avatar Hallelujah Mountain)
The famous "Southern Sky Column" that inspired Avatar's floating mountains. A 326-metre elevator (Bailong Elevator) takes you to the top.
Baker's Recommendation
*"Zhangjiajie deserves at least two full days. Stay overnight in the park if possible—waking up to see the peaks emerge from morning mist is unforgettable. And don't miss Tianmen Mountain nearby—the 999 steps to Heaven's Gate are challenging but worth every step."*
When to Visit
April to October offers the best weather, though summer can be crowded. For photographers, the misty shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) create the most atmospheric conditions.
Experience the Avatar Mountains on our China Discovery — Golden Route.