Avatar Mountains China Hallelujah Mountain Travel Guide

I’m Michael Zhang, a passionate Chinese adventurer with extensive international travel experience. My journeys focus on exploring the rich intersections of history, culture, and immersive travel experiences. Through my articles, you’ll discover detailed destination guides, unique insights, and practical travel advice. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the incredible Avatar Mountains China (Hallelujah Mountain) in Zhangjiajie, a natural wonder that inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in the movie Avatar.

Introduction to Avatar Mountains China (Hallelujah Mountain)

In the movie Avatar, the floating Hallelujah Mountains are among Pandora’s most iconic landscapes. Their real-life inspiration is the “Pillar of Heaven and Earth” (also known as the Southern Sky Column) located in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. In 2010, this natural marvel was officially renamed Hallelujah Mountain to celebrate its global fame.

• Address: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Hunan Province
• Opening Hours:
  • March 1 – November 30: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry: 5:00 PM)
  • December 1 – February 28: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Suggested Visit Duration: 1 hour
• Best Seasons to Visit: Year-round, with spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) being the most picturesque.

Why Visit the Avatar Mountains China?

Breathtaking Natural Scenery

The Avatar Mountains China, located at the southern edge of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Zhangjiajie’s Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

• Elevation: 1,074 meters
• Vertical Height: Approximately 150 meters

The sandstone pillar features a unique structure, appearing as though carved by a master sculptor. Its flat top is covered in lush greenery, giving it a commanding presence. The mountain’s distinctive shape is due to its sandstone composition, with a broader top, a narrower base, and its signature purple-red hue.

The Real-Life Inspiration for Pandora’s Floating Mountains

In 2008, a Hollywood photography team led by photographer Hansen captured Zhangjiajie’s surreal landscapes, using them as the visual inspiration for Pandora’s floating Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. The Avatar Mountains China has since become a must-visit destination for fans of the movie and nature enthusiasts worldwide.

Avatar Mountains China (Hallelujah Mountain) Ticket Guide

Avatar Mountains China (Hallelujah Mountain) is included in the general admission to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, so no separate ticket is required. Below is a detailed breakdown of the park’s ticketing system. For more details, refer to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Guide.

Ticket Prices

• Park Admission + Shuttle Bus Combo Ticket This package includes the park admission and unlimited rides on the eco-friendly shuttle buses within a four-day period. You can re-enter the park multiple times with this ticket, making it ideal for multi-day visits.
  • Prices:
    • Adults: ¥224 (peak season: March-November), ¥144 (off-peak season: December-February) + ¥3 insurance
    • Youth (14-17 years old): ¥113 (peak), ¥72 (off-peak) + ¥3 insurance
    • Seniors (60-64 years old): ¥113 (peak), ¥72 (off-peak) + ¥3 insurance
    • Seniors 65+ years old: ¥30 + ¥3 insurance
    • Free Entry: Children under 13 years old and under 1.2 meters tall (¥3 insurance applies).
  • Important Notes: While it’s possible to purchase admission without the shuttle bus option (¥165 for peak season, ¥84 for off-peak), it’s strongly recommended to get the combo ticket due to the park’s vast size. For instance, traveling from Yangjiajie to Tianzi Mountain cable car involves long, winding roads. On my visit, I saw several foreign tourists experiencing severe motion sickness during the bus ride.
  • ID Requirements: Visitors must present valid identification for entry.
  • Operating Hours:
    • March 1 – November 30: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
    • December 1 – February 28: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Where to Buy Tickets

• Online: Purchase tickets via the park’s official WeChat account, available in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean.
• Offline: Tickets can also be purchased at the park’s entrance ticket offices.

Recommended Routes

To fully appreciate Avatar Mountains China, consider the following itinerary:

1. Enter through the East Gate and take the mini-train along the Ten-Mile Gallery.
2. Use the Tianzi Mountain cable car to ascend and enjoy iconic views of peaks like Imperial Brush Peak and Laozong Park.
3. Take the eco-friendly shuttle bus to Yangjiajie for a brief exploration before heading to Yuanjiajie.
4. Walk approximately 2 kilometers along the scenic trail to view the highlights. End your visit by descending via the Bailong Elevator, or reverse the route to start here.

How to Get to Avatar Mountains China (Hallelujah Mountain) from Zhangjiajie City

Tourist Bus

Direct buses run from Zhangjiajie Central Bus Station (next to the train station) to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. These buses depart every 30 minutes, with a journey time of approximately 40-45 minutes. Tickets cost around ¥12.

Taxi or Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi are readily available in Zhangjiajie City. The ride to the park takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately ¥100.

FAQ

Can I bring a stroller to Avatar Mountains China?

The park’s terrain primarily consists of mountainous paths and stone steps, making strollers difficult to use. Many areas include steep or narrow trails, so strollers are not recommended.

Alternatives:

• Use a baby carrier or backpack for ease of movement. These options are much better suited to the park’s rugged terrain.
• If a stroller is necessary, stick to flatter areas like the Golden Whip Stream, but proceed with caution.

Is luggage storage available?

Yes, luggage storage facilities are available near the main entrances, such as Wulingyuan and Forest Park Ticket Stations.

Details:

• Location: Lockers are situated within the visitor centers near the ticket offices.
• Cost: Fees range from ¥10-30 per item, depending on size and storage duration.
• Operating Hours: Facilities are open during park hours. It’s advisable to check locker availability in advance.