Wulingyuan Scenic Areas

Why the Wulingyuan scenic & area is special
This vast area is most famous for its 3,000 quartzite limestone rock pinnacles (see photo). Some are as high as 20 story buildings. Each is uniquely shaped and some resemble familiar animals or objects.

Wulingyuan scenic area tips and insights
More than just rock formations
Wulingyuan has many other interesting sights and activities for visitors. These include

• Viewing the panoramic vista from the top of Mount Tianzi (accessible by trail or cable car).
  
• Touring the sizable Huanglong Cave.
  
• Hiking along the picturesque Golden Whip river.
  
• Trekking in the dense, virgin subtropical forest that covers most of Wulingyuan.
  
• Trekking in the dense, virgin subtropical forest that covers most of Wulingyuan.
  
• Visiting the ethnic Tujia villages.

When to come
Mid April to mid May and mid September through October are the best times in terms of climate to visit Wulingyuan.

If you are visiting during the peak season (late May through September), go on weekdays because the desired natural serenity of the Wulingyuan scenic area is traumatized on weekends by droves of bullhorn toting tour guides.

How to pronounce
Wulingyuan: will'ng-you'ahn

Creation
The rock formation pinnacles were slowly sculpted over eons by geological forces (especially water and wind erosion).

Tourism
The destination was rarely known or visited by tourists until the mid 1980s because it was remote and relatively inaccessible. Today, the annual Wulingyuan visitor count is in the millions.

Name
The term "Wulingyuan scenic area" does not define a distinct geographical entity. It is the collective name for the Zhangjiajie national park and two nature reserves.

Nearest major city
The Wulingyuan scenic area is situated about 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest of Changsha, the capital of Hunan province.