Danxiashan National Park “natural sex culture museum”

 

Visiting Danxiashan National Park is very easy from Guangzhou. By the high speed train from Guangzhou south Station (GuangzhouNanZhan) to Shaoguan (韶关) Train Station for around 51 minutes (normal train will take 2-3 hours!).

 

 

From the new Shaoguan train station, I took a tourist bus just in front of the train station exit, and look for bus stop platform no. 6 to the Danxiashan directly which depart every 30 minutes for 20 RMB.

 

 

After an hour trip with many beautiful views of Danxia landscape along the road, the bus dropped me at a tourist complex in front of the gate of the national park near ticket office , a truly typical Chinese tourist facilities. The entrance fee was 120 RMB for weekend and valid for 48 hours (2 days)and there is another choice of package include bamboo raft trip was 220 RMB/person (include small car transport from in front of ticket office to go deep inside the park) quite cheap compared to other famous national park in China.

Inside the park was well organized with many tourist buses that took me to every points of interest, but be prepare your feet which you still need to walk hike up and down stairs. My first chosen place to visit was the famed and one of the landmarks of the park, Yangyuan Stone or male stone, the large red phallus stone.

From the male stone, the bus took me to another gate which required fingerprint scan from every visitor! Then I went to another landmark of the park, the Zhanglao Peak or Elder Peak where I took cable car to the top of the peak for 40RMB per one way or 60 RMB round trip valid for 1 day.

 

 

 

 

 

From the Elder Peak (Sun Viewing Pavilion) at around 400m altitude to the Female stone, Yingyuan Stone which at 200m altitude, this will need extra strength to walk down and up for about 3km, and beware not to miss the last boat to the exit at 17:50pm, otherwise you need to walk to the exit like I did and took me another 1.5 hour walking to the exit from Yingyuan (Female) Stone.

 

 

These foot path stairs will make your feet shaking which you will meet all the way at this Danxia Mountain

 

 

On the peak, there is a beautiful forest with many lovely springs, pavilion, monasteries and hiking trails for tourists to discover.

 

 

 

 

Then I took a river cruise on Jinjiang River, the view along the river was very breathtaking and high recommended.

 

 

From my experience Danxiashan National Park is a nice place to visit and very easy to be there.

 

Tips for seeing sunrise :

The park free bus is running for 24 hour per day, you can go early morning to the park and then take the cable car which open at 04:30am (please check again 1 day before you take this early cable car) to Sun Viewing Pavilion (Elder Peak) which only few hundred meters follow the path direction from the cable car exit, you will see a remarkable breathtaking view of sunrise combine with sea clouds covering half of the mountain peaks.

Or, some people will do one night camping at the peak.

 

 

Guangzhou Circle, Lucky Coin shape building in Guangzhou

Coin Building in Guangzhou

Guangzhou Circle (Chinese: 广州圆大厦) has been designed by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale, The total height is 138 meters for 33 stories, 85.000 square metres of floor area, It is the world's tallest circular building

Yuntaishan World Geopark

Located at Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, Yuntaishan World Geopark (云 台山世界地质公园) is hikers and nature enthusiasts’ heaven. This mountain is a natural reserve of 240 square kilometers that ranks as a AAAAA scenic area, the highest rank awarded by the China National Tourism Administration.

The easiest way to get there is by taxi from the city of Jiaozuo (the ride should cost around 70-80 Yuan). Notice that it’s quite common to share the taxi to go back to the city center.

Or you can take bus no. 3 to or from Jiaozou Raiway station to Yuntaishan entrance for about more than 1 hour bus ride. (Prepare to join with the crowds if you take this bus in the afternoon from Yuntai mountain)

My journey started from Zhengzhou city, and took the direct bus to Yuntai Mountain entrance from  the bus station (in front of Zhengzhou Railway station).

After 2 hours bus ride from Zhengzhou, we arrived at the entrance of Yuntai Mountain.

 

The entrance ticket (April 2015) is RMB 240/person (including free bus at Yuntai area to all tourist spots), when first time you enter the entrance gate (near to Yuntai Mountain area bus station), you will have thumb/finger registration at the entrance machine gate, and the ticket valid to use for 2 days.

You don’t need to be particularly fit to climb the mountain as the path has no steep slopes and is well delimited. However, you’ll need a special skill: patience. Yuntai Moutain is a quite popular destination among Chinese tourists and every day is invaded by many tourists.

 

An imposing site of Yuntai Mountain is Hongshi Valley (Red Rock Valley), named after the color of the quartz sandstones.
A rock catches my attention at the entrance of Hongshi Valley. The wave pattern delicately shown on its surface makes people think that nature acts like an artist who spent millions of years working to shape the amazing feature.
Experts say those rocks were formed between 1.2 billion and 1.4 billion years ago, and the valley came into being about 2.6 million years ago through crust movements and corresponding intermittent evolution.

 

The Red Stone Gorge in Yuntaishan Geopark (Hongshi Valley)

My first stops for this 1st day is the famous Hongshi Valley (it's a must place you should go if you are in Yuntai Mountain), it is a valley with steep cliffs of red rocks standing straight up on both sides. It is the geologic relic of a crustal movement that took place 1.4 billion years ago, and rare Danxia landform in northern China.   The water is only about 10m wide on the widest part of the slow flowing river and gives the impression of a small stream but in fact it is deceptively deep. Visitors are cautioned of the potential danger of the water; however, the walk paths are clearly defined with barriers.

Stretching 190 km long and 68 meter deep, sheltering the most exquisite and marvelous sceneries, it wins a well-deserved name: "God's Bonsai Valley”. Consisting of 11 scenic sites, this 1500 meters long valley takes about one and half hour to tour around.

Red Rock Valley’s earth stratum is divided into three parts from upper to lower part: limestone of Ordovician Period (400million years ago), limestone of Cambrian Period (470million to 510 million years ago) and purple Quartz sandstone formed one billion to 1.4 billion years ago. In Bailong Pool(白龙潭), the 3.4 billion years’ old Zircon was founded, which is the most ancient rocks discovered in the world. Besides, water wave stones and turtle back stones are found in here also.

It's took me around 3 hours walk up and down steps, due to too many tourist and that time I went here and have to wait patiently to get some good photos..

 

Above is the entrance near to Heilong Cave( Black Dragon Cave,黑龙洞), it's too dark to take photo there, and additional with so many tourist around you....This 30 meters’ long cave is crooked and cool, decorated with steep cliffs and accompanied by the murmuring streams, and below photo is the landscape after we exit from the Heilong Cave.

 

Tanpu Valley( Pool Waterfall Valley,潭瀑峡)

Located in the north of Yuntai Mountain, the 1,270 meters (1,389 yards) long valley travels from south to north.

Dozens of waterfalls compete each other in beauty here, such as Lover Waterfall with whispering sound the waterfall covered a cave like curtain and the Y-shaped waterfall. Scenic sites here include Dragon Phonex Wall and Butterfly stone pool. Besides, the Forever Young Spring extends a distance of over 50 km is the precious mineral water.

 

 

Furthermore, the U-shaped cliffs formed by the joint forces of underground water as well as surface water over the past 2.6 million years. Surrounded by cliffs on three sides, this morphology with one open side, small mouth and big belly, which looks like a pot, is also called Pot Vally morphology.

Sheer cliffs and steep mountains at both sides rise skyward in an elegant shape.

 

 

The still waters in Duxian Pond run deep and the water there is as green as an emerald. It is said that people can become immortal by drinking its water. Tanpu Valley is over 2000 meters long, and takes me around 2 hours tour.

Almost at the end of the Tanpu valley, we can see several strange stones. “The stone tested by the emperor of Tang’s sword” and “Commanding Stage” is about the emperor Li Shi Min of Tang Dynasty, and it ends at Butterfly stones.

 

One of the most popular areas in Yuntai is the Macaque Valley (猕猴谷)

Along with all these beautiful sights, you can also enjoy the Taihang Macaques (monkeys)!

After Yuntaishan was ratified as national macaque protection zone in 1998, it homes large quantities of wild macaques. Taihang macaque is under the national second level protection. Dwelling in the highest altitude in North, these macaques adapt to the cold and steep mountains environment successfully and evolve into the most advanced specy of its kind. They have handsome body, long furs, shot tails, good at jumping and climbing, agile and clever, thus if of high aesthetic and scientific study value. They usually live in communities formed by about one hundred members, ruled by a king and protected by the guard macaques. They hunt for food in daytime and sleep on the cliffs.

They have a macaque nature reserve in the park, and the macaques have been trained to pull carts, dance, and do military displays in a show which has 3 times in the morning, and another 3 times in the afternoon. When I was there, the wild macaques are far away playing at the valley, so I need to use my tele lens to take photo of them.

 

Harbour view restaurant in Hong Kong for Valentine's day

Above & Beyond

Exquisite Cantonese cuisine with stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline.

Address : 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Telp : +852 3400 1318

Price : HK$150 - $400

The panoramic view of Victoria Harbour from this Chinese spot on the 28th floor of the Hotel ICON (one of Kowloon's tallest Harbour front buildings) isn't the only thing demanding attention – the Sir Terence Conran decor is equally eye-catching, with its wooden panels; Peking Duck “three times” is a highlight of the Cantonese and Chinese-focused menu, while dim sum is the star at lunch.

The views alone are worth savouring at this much lauded Hotel Icon restaurant. If you dine during A Symphony of Lights (a visually stunning multimedia show on the iconic Victoria Harbour nightly at 8pm) make sure to request a table that offers you a prime view! But don't fill up on the breathtaking scenery because so much more awaits you. You'll dine in the unpretentious, streamlined Sir Terence Conran designed decor - picture rich wooden panels offset by the sparkling lights of the harbour outside. Above & Beyond is the type of restaurant that combines an intimate and inviting environment with stylish touches of simple elegance. The menu itself is an exercise in exquisite taste, confirmed by its three "fork and spoon" awards from Michelin. Choose from time-honoured dishes like crispy Hong Kong Style Peking Duck, Braised Imperial Bird's Nest, and Crispy Crab Claw with Shrimp Mousse. Above & Beyond offers diners a taste of indulgence with traditional dishes you'll recall from your childhood. Chef Joseph Tse has a light hand with the seasoning, and each classic plate has delicately balanced flavours meant to evoke happy memories.

Photo courtesy :http://www.hotel-icon.com/dining.aspx#/green

Grissini

Exquisite Italian cuisine with equally enchanting Hong Kong harbour views

Address : 

2/F, Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai, 

Telp : 2584- 7722

Website : www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com.

MTR: Wan Chai 

Price : HK$400 - $800

From the beautiful parquet floors and the marble columns to the views of the harbor and the impeccable service, Grissini's, which is located in the opulent Grand Hyatt, exudes style and class. The menu features a wide range of traditional Italian favorites, and Milanese cuisine is their specialty. Among the more popular dinner dishes are the filet of sea bass, osso bucco, and lobster ravioli -- each carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients. A business lunch is available from Monday to Friday, and a special brunch is available on Sunday. 

Photo courtesy :http://www.hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com/grissini/default-en.html

Tapagria

TAPAGRIA is a glamorous tapas and Sangria bar that transforms into a late night dance lounge with DJs after 10:30pm every Friday and Saturday.

Address: L18, The One, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Website: http://www.tapagria.hk/

Price : HK$150 - $400

The curved wine bar wraps around an open tapas kitchen, and among quirky design elements, sculptural dining chairs and bar stools pay homage to the legendary Catalan architect Gaudi.

One of Hong Kong’s most extensive Sangria menus lists over 65 varieties of fruit flavours mixed with Red, White, Rosé, Cava and Cava Rosé wine. There is a magnificently seductive outdoor lounge terrace, perfect for chilling-out over cocktails while admiring Hong Kong’s stunning skyline.

Signature dish: variety of tapas, sangrias and wines

Photo courtesy : http://www.afoodieworld.com/foodie/3750-tapagria

Huashan, the world’s most dangerous hike

China’s Huashan hiking trek is considered as the world’s most dangerous hike.
Huashan is a mountain which has 5 highest peaks, located near the city of Huayin in Shaanxi province, about 120 kilometres (75 mi) east of Xi'an.

South Peak, is the highest peak among the 5 peaks in Huashan, which height at 2154.9 m above sea level.

West Peak, is the nearest peak from the West cable car station, it's only takes around 15 to 20 minutes walk after exit from the cable car station.

OK, let's not too scary by looking these photo above....actually to reach to the highest peak is not too difficult, as long as your body fit and have strong legs to walk (at least you need to walk between 2 to 3 hours to reach 2 peaks, and will be more to finished all the 5 peaks) and you will climb up and down some stairs which some of them are quite steep (so you need to hold on tight to the chains/handle next to stairs)

This Huashan is AAAAA National Scenic Area as tourist attraction in China, so safety should has been considered as top priority for the tourist.

 

I started this Huashan trip from Xi'an by taking the new High speed train, which only takes less than 1 hour from Xi'an North Railway station to Huashan North Railway station.

After arrived at Huashan North Railway station, there are many taxi drivers will offer ride to Huashan at the exit....better not to take that, if you are not in hurry.
Because there is free bus in green colour (I took this no. 1 bus), it's really free! you don't have to pay. This bus will drop you near to the lotus tower which is near to Huashan entrance (when you arrived, just follow the crowds or tourist you meet at the bus as they should be going to Huashan entrance).

Journey to Zhangjiajie : Land of the Yellow Dragon

The meaning of Zhangjiajie (Zhāngjiājiè ) is interpreted as follows: “Zhang” is a common Chinese surname, “jia” means family, and “jie” connotes “homeland.”

Lying in the northwest of Hunan province, it covers 4810 hectare, 32 kilometers from Zhangjiajie city. It was recognized as the first national forest park in China in 1988 and was included in World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1992. Wulingyuan Scenic Area (Zhangjiajie Scenic Area) includes three main areas: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and, Suoxi Valley Natural Resource Reserve (including Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave).

Our itinerary to Zhangjiajie & Tianmenshan

Day 1

We arrived at Zhangjiajie airport (IATA code : DYG) in the morning, and we took taxi for about 1 hour drive directly to WULINGYUAN area (which is the main area for Zhangjiajie scienic area).

The taxi ride from airport to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area costs about 100 - 250 Yuan (depend on how good you can negotiate)

If you want to take bus to Wuliangyuan area by bus :

First better you take taxi to Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (near Zhangjiajie Railway Station) which has regular tourist buses to Wulingyuan Scenic Area every a few minutes and the bus journey takes about 40 minutes. Bus fare is around RMB12/person.

Taxi fare from airport to Zhangjiajie city area is around RMB 30+ the toll fee at the airport gate!

AIRPORT INFORMATION : 

Zhangjiajie airport is located about 4km southwest of Zhangjiajie City and 38km from Wulingyuan Scenic Area (Zhangjiajie Scenic Area). The city used to be called Dayong (hence the IATA 3 letter code of DYG).

If you are a nervous flyer, then it is best to take a night flight in to Zhangjiajie, take some medication that will knock you out and avoid a window seat. The airport runway is in an extremely narrow valley  requiring a long approach at slow speed down the gorge. The air currents in the deep valley make the last 60 seconds a real unpleasant roller coaster ride, exacerbated considerably if you can see the cliffs and mountains outside.

Note : Actually this airport is very near to one scienic area, Tianmenshan, even sometimes can see the huge cave during clear weather while you get off from the plane, but we planned to go there later (please see our itinerary Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5), so it more easy for us to go back to airport.

After arrived at our hotel, near at the Pedestrian street at Wulingyuan Scienic area, and because it was already at 15:00, so we only can go to Yellow Dragon Cave by taxi which less than half hour away from our hotel (for about RMB 100/return trip - included waiting)

YELLOW DRAGON CAVE

In 1983, the local militia discovered Yellow Dragon Cave, known locally as Huanglong. First made accessible to the public in 1984, this remarkable cavern is nestled in the Suoxi Natural Reserve. Part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yellow Dragon is touted as China’s and the world’s “magical karst cave.”
Resident villagers believe the grotto was the holy home of a yellow dragon and spirits. According to legend, during the Southern Song Dynasty a monk from Yellow Dragon Hill in Jiangxi Province arrived at the site and decided to build a temple. Out of nowhere, a yellow dragon pounced on the earth, transforming the abyss below into the present-day cave.

Considered the longest of its kind in Asia, this 20-square-kilometer wonder is part of a subterranean maze of intriguing features. Recognizing the Bell Rings Among Ice, the Path Sandwiched by Bamboo Grooves, and the Dance in the Dragon Palace evoked childlike amazement from every observer. Tramping over the Fairy Bridge was reminiscent of “Lord of the Rings.”
A small pond, three waterfalls, four pools, 13 grand halls, and 96 corridors grace the inner sanctum.

For a nominal fee, a quiet boat ride ferried us through a dimly lit environment. We soon stood near the base of an incredible stalagmite, “The Tower of Strength” is 19.2 meters high, with a 10-centimeter diameter. Cave experts state that it takes at least 200,000 years to grow this high. The vertical height of the cave runs 100 meters and higher.
Ticket Price 100Yuan + 3Yuan (Insurance)
Opening Time: 08:00-18:00

Day 2.

There are 2 entrances at Zhangjiajie Scienic Area, one is near to Wuliangyuan town which near to Elevator and Tian Zi cable car, and the other one is the entrance at the Forest Park which is near to Yellow Stone Village Cable car.

And we choose to take entrance from the Forest park and exit at entrance near to Wulingyuan town for 1 day journey.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park has already developed several scenic spots, such as, Yellow Stone Stronghold (Huang-shi-zhai), Golden Whip Stream (Jin-bian-xi), Yuanjiajie, etc.

Ticket Price: 245Yuan + 3Yuan (Insurance)

Opening Time: 07:00-18:00

How to get there: the fastest is by Taxi (around RMB60 - RMB100 from Wulingyuan downtown) or there are Special Tourist Buses from the downtown area of Zhangjiajie to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

American film director James Cameron saw the uniqueness of Zhangjiajie’s “floating mountains” when filming the all-time high-grossing blockbuster, “Avatar.” Scenes were shot at Hallelujah Mountain, previously known as South Sky Pillar. Zhangjiajie people opine that this place resembles the lush alien moon Pandora featured in the movie.

After bought ticket at the entrance of Zhangjiajie national forest Park, from the main entrance, you need to walk crossed the forest park around 3-4 hours (normal standard time including standard taking rest and taking photo).

Which you can see so many beautiful peaks around you from the forest part, and the track ends to the Bai Long elevator entrance, then take the elevator, you need to pay single trip ticket for 72Yuan/person (you need to buy another ticket for going down too).

There is a free bus not far from the exit of the elevator (5 minutes walk), that bus will take you to Yuanjiajie area (where you can see the "avatar" mountains).

After finished from Yuanjiajie, better to go back to the elevator, and then take the elevator down. At the exit of the elevator building, you can see buses which will take you to Tianzi mountain area or Wulingyuan exit/entrance gate, it would be very convenient for people who stay at the hotels in Wulingyuan area.

From the exit, many taxis are waiting (about 10-20Yuan) to the downtown, or can take the public bus (about 2 Yuan/person) to some area at downtown, we took bus and stopped near to Xibu Jie.

Tianzi Mountain (Emperor Mountain) Located in the northeast of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Tianzi Mountain is regarded as the top site to see sandstone peaks in high density, covering 9,000 hectare with the highest altitude 1262.5 meters at Kunlun Mountain. The yearly average temperature is 12 ℃, and annual average rainfall 1800mm. There are around 240 frost-free days.

The landscape here varies in different seasons and also in one day, which makes Tianzi Mountain a very interesting destination. There are four highlights for the breathtaking sceneries: peak forest, cloud sea, sunrise and winter snow. Cloud and mist in Tianzi Mountain enjoys high reputation nationwide, especially just after the rain, which adds much charm to Tianzi Mountain.

An Austria-imported cable car was built on the cliff of Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, which offers a perfect angle to see the stunning views. But in some parts the cable cars will be suspended over half of the sky; it is so steep, not recommended for the faint- hearted.

CHARMING (MEI LI) XIANG XI

Charming Xiangxi is a famous theater of Zhangjiajie. It performance of Charming Xiangxi is one of the three grand folk shows in China.  Charming Xiangxi is the reduction of culture of West Hunan Province. It will narrate you the mystery legend and bring you into the wonderful dream world-fresh, strange and surprise.

There are 2 parts of shows, the main show is indoor (where you will sit according to the the seat number on your ticket), and after the indoor show finished, there is another outdoor show.

Add : Zhangjiajie, Wulingyuan, 画卷路 (Near to Zhangjiajie National Park) - next to Pullman Hotel

Telp : +86 744 566 8095

Show time: 

first 18:30—20:15

second 20:00—21:40 peak season (from March to November)

19:00—20:40 off season (from November to March)

Ticket: 

normal seat : 228 Yuan/person

VIP seat: 308 Yuan/person

Need reservation to get tickets.

Day 3

This day it was raining from morning, and actually we planned to go to Zhangjiajie scieninc area again from the entrance of Wulingyuan (because we can use the entrance ticket for 2 days), but we have to cancelled it, so we only can go to Baofeng lake before we go back to Zhangjiajie city (even in the middle of the rain) ... :( 

The good thing is less people !!

Baofeng Lake

Baofeng Lake is the masterpiece of nature and human beings’wisdom.It is 85 meters above the ground and attains an altitude of 585 meters.With an average depth of 72 meters.All the water is from rainfall and spring without any pollutant.It is pure just like a big crystal among Bao feng mountain Range.When you cruise, you can hear authentic song from Tujia minority people.You can fully understand the harmony and peace between human beings and nature.

After finished from Baofeng Lake, we went back to our hotel to pick up all our luggages, and it's time to say good by to Wulingyuan town to go to Zhangjiajie city.

At Zhangjiajie city, we planned to go to Tianmenshan in the next day, and at night time there is a  show that you must see, the world’s first real-scene musical drama, while you are in this area, Tianmen Fox Fairy Show!

Tianmen Fox Fairy Show

Tianmen Fox Fairy is known as the world’s first real-scene musical drama with the high mountains and deep valleys as the stage background. A love story between a woodman and a fairy fox.

Every night except harsh winter months it will be on show at the Grand Valley of Tianmen Mountain. Here you can listen to sweet singings, admire colorful lighting scene, and experience the strong folk custom of Tujia and Miao minorities. Since this open-air drama is only performed at night, when the weather gets cold you had better bring a coat to enjoy it. 

Staff will give every tourist a raincoat for free. In cold days of winter, you can rent a piece of cotton-padded cloth(10 Yuan)

If you want to go there you can take a taxi or buses of No 10,4,5,6 (1 Yuan) from down town area to Tianmen mountain cable car station, then transfer to No 9 bus (5 Yuan) ,about 15 minutes to the opera theater. But if it is kind of trouble, you can join in the group, that will be much more convenient.

 Add : Tianmen Grand Valley 湖北省天门市市人民大道 (Near To Tianmen Mountain)

Show time: 

8:20PM to 10:00 PM between March and December. 

Prices of tickets: 

238 Yuan/normal ticket (A,B and C seats)

580 Yuan/VIP ticket

888 Yuan/super VIP ticket

Day 4

TIANMEN MOUNTAIN

Another place to see the fall scenery all around is Tianmenshan (天门山).  Tianmen Mountain is regarded as the symbol and soul of Zhangjiajie. Tianmen Mountain is the first recorded mountain in the history of Zhangjiajie. The highest peak is around 1518.6 meters above sea level. The mountain is named after the natural huge cave half way up the mountain just like a gate to the heaven, hence, the name Heavenly Gate Mountain - Tianmen Mountain.

A 7.2-km long cable car was constructed in the park, which is said to be the longest of the same type in the world.

Glass-bottomed walkway around the cliff face of the Tianmen Mountain, 4,000 ft above sea level, at Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province.China’s newest tourist attraction … a glass-bottomed walkway around a cliff face.

The glass skywalk offers breathtaking views across the Hunan Province for those brave enough to attempt to cross the bridge.

Tianmen Mountain is always considered as the holy mountain by locals. A 500-year-old Buddhist temple is nestled in the mountain attracting thousands of prayers every year. Many legends and stories about the mountain were inherited from generation to generation, which are widely spread in the west of Hunan Province.

Tianmen Mountain Temple was first built in the Tang Dynasty as a center of Buddhism in the area of western Hunan. The present Tianmen Mountain Temple is rebuilt on the basis of the original site with a plot area of more than 10,000 sqm. It adopts an official style of the Qing Dynasty and the buildings in the Temple compare well with the famous classical houses at home.

Heavenly Gate Mountain Temple is nestled in a natural hollow in the mountain ridge, providing a modicum of lee from the seasonally raw winds.

Standing well apart from the temple is a pagoda that you should definitely visit, but which can only be accessed from Heavenly Gate Mountain Temple, either on foot climb about 45 minutes or via a chair lift, which will set you back about 25 Yuan. The temple operates a vegetarian restaurant.

Entrance Fee: 258Yuan

Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00

How to get there: There are Tourist Buses from the downtown area of Zhangjiajie to Tianmen Mountain. 

 

Ticket fee includes all scenic spots in Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park as well as all cable car and shuttle bus rides. Allow three to four hours to explore the mountaintop.

Every activity and scene here in Zhangjiajie & Wulingyuan was truly a surprise to this discerning dragon. It was our trip of a lifetime.

Day 5

We went back to Zhangjiajie airport (DYG) in the early morning heading back to Guangzhou. It took us only 15 minutes from our hotel at Best Western Zhangjiajie to the airport with free shuttle from the hotel.

Where to eat

Laowu Yutou 老武鱼头

Feature: They main attraction is fish head soup. Chinese red pepper, pimiento, tomato, and peanuts are put into the fish head soup to add flavor. The preserved ham in this restaurant is very fatty and sweet-smelling. Also, it's worth to try "Mi jiu" the traditional sweet Hunan rice wine.

Address: Ziwu Road, Yongding District.

Additional Information : (It is good options if you have more time while you are at Zhangjiajie)

Phoenix Ancient Town 

By taxi or car will takes around 4 hours to get here from Zhangjiajie city. It is located at the southwest ridge of central China's Hunan Province. Hemmed in by rolling mountains and watered by a smoothly flowing river, flagstone streets, rows of traditional wooden houses built on stilts, towers, bridges everywhere, small boats rowed down the river, that's a portrait of Fenghuang.