Amid the mist-shrouded peaks, Zhangjiajie in central China's Hunan Province stands as a masterpiece of nature, famously inspiring the first-ever 3D sci-fi blockbuster, Avatar. The otherworldly quartz sandstone pillars of Yuanjiajie Scenic Spot within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park served as the real-world backdrop for the legendary Hallelujah Mountains seen in the film.
Zhangjiajie is not just a geological marvel—it is a living masterpiece of landscape artistry. Home to approximately 3,000 towering quartz sandstone pillars, this surreal landscape has preserved rich geological wonders, folklore, and the cultural heritage of the Tujia ethnic group for centuries. Mist drifts between the peaks, creating an ethereal, dreamlike atmosphere that captivates visitors from around the globe.
In 1992, Wulingyuan was officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cementing its status as one of the world's most extraordinary natural treasures. Later, in 2004, Zhangjiajie was designated as one of the world's first UNESCO Global Geoparks, highlighting its quintessential representation of quartz sandstone peak forest landscapes.
Today, Zhangjiajie continues to enchant travelers and nature enthusiasts alike. Whether you're standing atop Yuanjiajie's peaks, gazing at the breathtaking panorama, or strolling along Golden Whip Stream, every moment in Zhangjiajie is a conversation with the soul of Earth itself, blending the harmony of nature with the boundless imagination of fantasy.
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Zhangjiajie: The real-life 'Pandora' from the movie 'Avatar'
cgtn.com
